Can You Saddle Up with Friends Across PS4 and PS5 in Red Dead Online?

As an avid gamer and industry insider, this is a question I‘ve been asked a lot recently – and the short answer is no. Red Dead Online does not support cross-generation multiplayer between PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

This means that if you and your posse are still roaming the wild frontier on PS4, you won‘t be able to join up with friends who have migrated to PS5. Equally, PlayStation 5 pioneers won‘t be able to play with their PS4 compadres.

It‘s a shame, as teaming up with friends across console generations in other online titles can be great. But let‘s lasso the facts on whether console cowboys and girls can come together in Red Dead Online, and why cross-gen play hasn‘t been enabled.

Can PS4 and PS5 Gamers Play Red Dead Online Together?

In a word – no. Red Dead Online does not allow cross-generation multiplayer between PS4 and PS5 consoles. The online lobbies are separated, so PlayStation 4 players will only ever matchmake with others gaming on a PS4. PlayStation 5 gunslingers can only expect to encounter their next-gen brethren.

This is confirmed directly on Rockstar Support:

"Online play between current generation consoles and PlayStation 4/Xbox One is not supported for Red Dead Online."

So if you have one foot still in the stirrups of PS4, holding off on the PlayStation 5, don‘t expect to see your upgraded pals in PS5 lobbies when playing Red Dead Online.

A Look at Cross-Generation Gaming in General

While other live service games like Fortnite, Rocket League, and Call of Duty allow cross-generation multiplayer, Red Dead Online does not. So what gives?

Sony has left the decision of enabling cross-gen online play up to individual developers and publishers of PlayStation games. Unlike Xbox‘s Smart Delivery program that mandates current and previous console gamers can play together, the PS5 approach is a case-by-case basis.

And Rockstar has clearly decided not to expend the resources in building PS4/PS5 cross-play into Red Dead Online‘s aging infrastructure. Especially given the sunsetting of future RDR2 content updates.

Is Red Dead Redemption 2 in Line for a PS5 & Xbox Series X/S Upgrade?

There were whispers that Rockstar had a PS5/Xbox Series X upgrade for Red Dead Redemption 2 in the works – potentially bringing 4K visuals, 60 FPS performance, enhanced textures and faster loading.

But multiple reports from industry insiders like Tez2 and Matheusvictorbr suggest these next-gen editions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S have now been shelved, and development resources shifted to Grand Theft Auto VI instead.

This rings true, as Rockstar also just announced they are ceasing future content updates for Red Dead Online to focus efforts elsewhere – likely the GTA 6 and GTA Online juggernauts.

Without ongoing revenue tailwinds and player numbers dwindling, investing resources into a visually overhauled version of RDR2 is deemed less of a priority.

What to Expect from RDR2 on PS5 & Xbox Series X/S

For now, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers full backward compatibility on newer PlayStation and Xbox consoles. You can insert the PS4 game disc or download it from the digital store.

But there are zero next-gen enhancements offered over the last-gen PS4 Pro or Xbox One X editions. No 4K resolution, no smoother 60 FPS gameplay, no faster loading, no texture upgrades. Nada.

Here‘s how RDR2 currently performs on the latest PlayStation and Xbox hardware according to Digital Foundry:

You‘re simply getting a doubled frame-rate ~30FPS experience on both PS5 and Xbox Series X hardware over last-gen base consoles. But zero true next-gen enhancements.

Transferring PS4 Game Data and Saves to PS5

As no RDR2 PS5 upgrade exists, you‘ll still rely on your PlayStation 4 game installs and save files. Thankfully transferring these across to PS5 is a cinch.

You simply connect your PS4 and PS5 locally via LAN cable, then use the built-in PS5 Data Transfer option:

PS5 Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer

This copies all game data, saved progress, settings, and media from your PS4 drive to your allocated PS5 storage.

And voila, you have RDR2 flora and fauna than ever, ready to roam across the Wild West once more on your PS5 without losing any progress.

Until we have a true PS5/XSX enhanced version, it‘s the next best thing for impatient cowpokes.

Do I Need to Rebuy RDR2 To Play on PS5 or Xbox Series X?

A common question – do I need to shell out again if upgrading my console? Thankfully, no.

Given there is currently zero next-gen upgrade path for RDR2 on PS5/XSX, you are simply relying on backward compatibility. So your existing PS4/Xbox One copy works just fine.

• Disc users can directly insert their RDR2 disc from PS4 or Xbox One into the next-gen drive without issue
• Digital owners can redownload the game to PS5/XSX from their library without additional charge

No repurchasing required! Until a PS5/XSX edition eventually sees daylight at least (which I‘m still hopeful for!)

The Dream: What Could a RDR2 Current-Gen Upgrade Offer?

While rumors suggest Rockstar has parked improvements for now, I still hold out hope of a PS5/Xbox Series X overhaul emerging one day.

As a passionate gamer who has sunk endless hours into this epic open-world, seeing Arthur Morgan rendered with the PS5 and Series X‘s advanced capabilities would be a real sight.

Here‘s just a taste of potential enhancements I‘d love to saddle up with:

• Native 4K Visuals – RDR2 was a visual showstopper on PS4 Pro and Xbox One X hardware. With 4K assets, advanced lighting, geometrically rich scenes and buttery smooth FPS, I can only imagine how jaw-droppingly gorgeous vistas like Big Valley would appear in Ultra HD.
• Ray Tracing Reflections – With PS5 and Xbox Series X supporting hardware accelerated ray tracing, just imagine mirrors of light dancing across Bearclaw Lake as the dynamic day/night lighting shifts.
• 3D Audio – The Tempest 3D audio in PS5 would take the already stellar sound design to further atmospheric heights. Riding through dense Roanoke forest with wood creaks and wildlife echoing around you would be incredible.
• DualSense Upgrades – On PS5, subtle haptic trigger resistance when drawing your bow, or the kick of a rifle, would make combat so much more immersive. Adaptive triggers could also mimic the heft when interacting with things in the world.

One can still dream! But even if nothing eventuates, returning to the wild frontier via backward compatibility still offers adventure in spades.

Can I Gameshare Between PS4 and PS5 Consoles?

A commonly asked co-op question is "if I gameshare RDR2 with my friend on PS4, can they access it on PS5?". Thankfully the answer is yes!

Sony allows full gamesharing functionality between PS4 and PS5 consoles for digitally purchased titles.

So if you and an Outlaw pass pardner go halfers on Red Dead Redemption 2 via gameshare, you‘ll both retain access when upgrading consoles.

Your games are tied to your PlayStation Network ID rather than any specific device. So shared titles carry forward to PS5. Just bear in mind PS4 and PS5 players still can‘t posse up directly.

Posse Up In Red Dead Online – What Modes Allow Co-Op?

While cross-generation gunslingers can‘t party up, you‘ll still hanker for some co-op camaraderie on your chosen platform. So what multiplayer modes allow you to posse up?

Red Dead Online offers a few fun co-operative ways to enjoy the open world with buddies, including:

• Story Missions – Replay key moments from Arthur‘s adventure, now with friends. Train robberies, bank busts and telegram investigations await!
• Free Roam Events – Spontaneous challenges like fishing contests, Wild Animal tag and railway baron battles to earn bonuses.
• Posse Versus – Competitive modes from territory grab to herb picking frenzies against other player gangs.
• Five Finger Fillet – Test your nerves in this reactionary knife game alongside fellow saloon dwellers. First to slip loses!

While not as robust as something like GTA Online, there‘s still plenty to enjoy with your platform posse – from leisurely trail rides to frantic competitive bouts!

Should I Saddle Up On PS4 or PS5? An Expert Verdict

For outlaws still wavering about upgrading to PS5 or holding onto their PS4, what‘s the verdict?

There‘s currently zero imperative reason to upgrade solely for RDR2. Even on PS5 you‘re simply getting the PS4 Pro version right now. Save your dollars for other true next-gen showcase titles that demonstrate the hardware upgrades in spades.

However, if you play a wide cross-section of games, the PS5 does offer big advantages including:

• Significantly faster load times in many titles thanks to the SSD
• A smoother overall experience with 120Hz display support
• Upgraded resolution and visuals where PS5 patches are available
• Cool quality-of-life improvements with the DualSense controller

Based on the dimming hopes of a RDR2 enhancement ever eventuating, I‘d only suggest upgrading to PS5 if justifying it with a wider range of games. As a standalone reason, RDR2 itself currently offers no compelling upgrade incentive.

But whichever trusting steed you decide to saddled up long-term, from PS4 thoroughbreds to young PS5 colts, happy trails! We hope you‘ve found this round-up helpful in wrangling the facts. Yeehaw partners!