Red Dead Redemption 2's 'ultra realistic' graphics mode looks like real-life

A new Red Dead Redemption 2 mod gives the game jaw-dropping, ultra-realistic graphics that make it the definitive version to play.

Created by RusGameTactics, the mod completely overhauls the games visuals, vastly improving textures, lighting, shadows, colour correction and more. Due to its ultra-realistic improvements, the mod is only compatible with immensely powerful PCs.

RusGameTactics listed the following ten improvements that make up the mods effects on Red Dead Redemption 2;

“1) Differs in the highest detail

2) Working HDR

3) Correct color correction and white balance

4) Realistic sunrises and sunsets

5) The color of the sky has become more correct

6) Clouds are now more pronounced

7) Improved glare from surfaces (stones, water, roofs of buildings)

9) Lighting from lamps, fire and other light sources now looks more realistic and correct. A soft light appeared.

10) Improved shadow effects”

While the second instalment in the Red Dead Redemption series already pushed the boundaries of graphical fidelity, this mod takes everything the game did right and cranks it up to 11. The results are outstanding, and I’d consider this version of the game to be the definitive version to play.

It does beg the question though, will we see similar levels of graphical mastery in Rockstar’s upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI? Leaked screenshots of the game definitely looked incredible despite being from an early stage in development, so we can only hope it looks just as good, and a little bit better, than this mod.

Red Dead Redemption 2 modders have been going crazy recently, from changing the game’s seasons, bringing back horses from the first Red Dead Redemption, and letting you play as Sadie Sadler just to name a few.

A lot of fans are also looking ahead to the next game in the series, Red Dead Redemption 3, which John Martson’s voice actor is completely down for if Rockstar wants to make it happen. He also said he’d be more than happy to reprise his role for a remake of the first game.