Red Dead Redemption fans reasonably expected a follow-up to 2010’s Undead Nightmare DLC, which is now sold alongside most versions of the first game and is considered an inextricable part of the experience. True, it may not be strictly canon, but it’s a unique and often unforgettable sliver of Red Dead Redemption history and has more than enough potential for a fleshed-out modern rendition.
Sadly, these dreams of another Red Dead Redemption zombie spin-off were never realized, and it seems like they won’t be any time soon. Perhaps it’s due to Red Dead Redemption 2’s decidedly more grounded and mature tone, or maybe it can simply be chalked up to Rockstar’s disappointing reluctance toward single-player DLC in the wake of GTA Online’s booming success. But whatever the reason for the lack of an Undead Nightmare 2, many players remain hopeful for a revival of this fantastical spin on the Red Dead universe, and there are several ways this could come to fruition.
How Rockstar Could Tackle Another Undead Nightmare
The Next Undead Nightmare Could Lean Away from Zombies
The words “Undead Nightmare 2” often conjure images of a high-fidelity zombie-themed open-world horror experience, replete with activities, bizarre story beats, and references similar to the original expansion. In other words, it’s easy, and perhaps appealing, to imagine a new Undead Nightmare that sticks steadfastly to the vision of the first one, with a RDR2 coat of paint, but other opportunities in this arena could be seized.
Rather than simply following up the first Undead Nightmare with another zombie story, maybe it would be best for Red Dead Redemption to borrow from other horror mythologies. Instead of zombies, Red Dead Redemption 2 could set the stage for vampires, or creatures specific to North America, like wendigos.
A major part of Undead Nightmare’s allure is its notable decoupling from both the laws of reality (which Red Dead Redemption 2 strictly adheres to otherwise) and the laws of the Red Dead world: there’s no logical basis for Undead Nightmare, both within the confines of the first Red Dead and without, so there’s no real need to be restrictive with its theoretical follow-up. It could be more of a spiritual successor than a direct one.
The Benefits of a Different Take On Red Dead Redemption’s Undead Nightmare
As previously stated, the lack of an Undead Nightmare 2 is likely the result of a confluence of factors, Red Dead Redemption 2’s realism and Rockstar’s apparent shirking of single-player DLC being chief among them. But there may be another reason why no sequel to the zombie-focused expansion has ever seen the light of day and a far more predictable and straightforward one at that.
Whatever one thinks of Rockstar as a developer, it’s clear that it’s not a company that likes to retread old ground. This is evident not only in the absence of long-requested sequels to games like Bully and L.A. Noire but also in the significant degree of variance between major releases.
Indeed, GTA 5 is markedly distinct from GTA 4, Red Dead 2 makes several departures from Red Dead, and so on. This drive to innovate and push creative boundaries plays an important role in the success of Rockstar’s games, and fans should thus expect the unexpected; Rockstar is more likely to do what feels new and has the most potential, more than what audiences are asking for. A new take on the supernatural or horror genres could be the path toward a bolder future and an eventual successor to Undead Nightmare.
