Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic tale of life in America at the dawn of the modern age.

America, 1899. The end of the wild west era has begun as lawmen hunt down the last remaining outlaw gangs. Those who will not surrender or succumb are killed.

After a robbery goes badly wrong in the western town of Blackwater, Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang are forced to flee. With federal agents and the best bounty hunters in the nation massing on their heels, the gang must rob, steal and fight their way across the rugged heartland of America in order to survive. As deepening internal divisions threaten to tear the gang apart, Arthur must make a choice between his own ideals and loyalty to the gang who raised him.

Built from the ground up for the latest hardware, Red Dead Online blends the classic multiplayer of the original Red Dead Redemption with the best of everything we have learned since then about creating deep multiplayer experiences. The result is something completely new and fun, and an experience that will continue to expand and evolve over time as we gain valuable feedback from our community in the Beta period.

Now that everyone has had a chance over the past month to experience the story of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang in Red Dead Redemption 2, it is time to begin the beta period for Red Dead Online.

Built from the ground up for the latest hardware, Red Dead Online blends the classic multiplayer of the original Red Dead Redemption with the best of everything we have learned since then about creating deep multiplayer experiences. The result is something completely new and fun, and an experience that will continue to expand and evolve over time.

With the gameplay of Red Dead Redemption 2 as its foundation, Red Dead Online transforms the vast and deeply detailed landscapes, cities, towns and habitats of Red Dead Redemption 2 into a new, living online world ready to be shared by multiple players. Create and customize your character, tailor your abilities to suit your play style and head out into a new frontier full of things to experience.

Explore the world solo or with friends. Form or join a Posse to ride with up to seven players; gather around the fire at your Camp; head out hunting or fishing; visit bustling towns; battle enemy gangs and attack their hideouts; hunt for treasure; take on missions and interact with familiar characters from across the five states; or fight against other outlaws in both spontaneous skirmishes and pitched set-piece battles; compete with other players or whole Posses in open world challenges and much more.

Celebrate Independence this week across the open frontier of Red Dead Online - with bonuses to reward your adventurous spirit. Get 30% bonus cash and XP on all Free Roam Missions alongside generous retail discounts on weapon components and the popular Evans Repeater. Plus new Wheeler, Rawson and Co. Catalogue additions, including the "Respectful Bow" emote – free for a limited time – and more.

Weapons Discounts & Independence Bonuses

As part of this week’s celebratory festivities, merchants are pleased to offer free Gun Oil to ensure all your instruments of peacemaking are in tip-top shape. A weapon’s looks and performance degrade over time from use and exposure to the elements, but a little Gun Oil will make them good as new. Gunslingers and vigilante types alike would also be wise to take advantage of 30% off all weapons components, including Improved Rifling to increase velocity and range, Iron Sights and Scopes for better accuracy, Stocks with various wood grains and Wraps to preserve your weapon from use and weather.

And if you’re in the market for a reliable firearm, you can get the Evans Repeaterfor 25% off this week.

Patriots can take advantage of 50% off Red, White and Blue bandanas, plus free Red and Blue camp flags, through the 8th of July.

30% Bonus RDO$ And XP For Free Roam Missions

Not all those who wander are lost. This week, those brave enough to traverse the five states in search of opportunity shall be rewarded handsomely with 30% more RDO$ and XP for all Free Roam Missions. Keep yourself on the straight and narrow pursuing Gun for Hire missions with respectable folks like Bonnie MacFarlane or get yourself mixed up in shadier business with Outlaw missions from Black Belle and much more.

Wheeler, Rawson and Co. Catalogue Additions

The Wheeler, Rawson and Co. Catalogue has a new limited supply item, the warm and woolly Pelt Half Chaps, as well as remaining stock of the Griffith Chaps.

Elsewhere in the catalogue's clothing section, the sturdy Cromwell Hat and the svelte Cabrera Pants are both refined statement pieces that are sure to elevate your wardrobe.

New 'Respectful Bow' Greet

Put your best foot forward with strangers or make peace with even your most bitter rivals using the Respectful Bow emote, free from the Wheeler, Rawson and Co. Catalogue for this week only.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is currently available for PS4 and Xbox One.