The snow is beginning to fall on the frontier, and the spirit of the season has arrived in Red Dead Online.
Rockstar has kicked off a massive month of holiday festivities, running from today, December 2nd, through January 5th. This event brings a sleigh-load of new content, including a festive new map for the “Head for the Hills” mode, a return of the beloved “A Merry Call to Arms,” and a huge array of gifts, bonuses, and discounts to unwrap.
Whether you’re a seasoned gunslinger or a greenhorn looking to make your mark, this is the perfect time to saddle up and experience the winter wonderland of the five states.
Dash Through the Snow in a New Showdown
The headline addition for competitive players is a festive update to the Head for the Hills (Dodge a Bullet) mode. A brand-new map set in the snowy Ewing Basin has been added to the rotation. In this intense showdown, Runners must dash for their Safehouse while Defenders use the high ground to pick them off.
To celebrate, the Featured Series will be paying out 2X RDO$, Gold, and XP on a collection of Head for the Hills maps through December 8th. Winning a match this week will also net you a bonus reward of 3 Gold Bars.
A Merry Call to Arms Returns
The fan-favourite holiday survival mode is back too!
A Merry Call to Arms returns with a new standoff at Fort Wallace, alongside nine returning maps. You’ll be fighting off waves of humbugs, reprobates, and even wild animals in festive locations adorned with holiday cheer.
This mode is paying out Double RDO$, XP, and Gold all month long. It’s easy too – Reach Wave 4 and you’ll earn the Red Morning Tail Coat. Make it to Wave 8 and you’ll get an offer for 10 Gold Bars off any Role Initiation Item.
For those who prefer a quieter life, conservationist Harriet Davenport is offering 3X RDO$, XP, and Role XP on all Sample Sales. Selling any sample to her will also grant you the Amador Pants, while sampling a Legendary Animal will unlock the Prowler Hat.
If you’re looking for action in the open world, all Free Roam Events are dishing out 3X RDO$, XP, and Ability Card XP throughout the month.
A Stocking Full of Free Gifts
It wouldn’t be the holidays without presents.
- Free Winter Evans Repeater: Play anytime between December 9th and January 5th to receive this festive weapon variant for free.
- Christmas Gift (Dec 23 – 31): Log in during Christmas week to receive the Redcliff Outfit.
- New Year’s Gift (Jan 1 – 5): Log in to start 2026 right with a free Emote, Honor Reset, and Weight Loss Tonic.
Weekly Rewards and Discounts
As you would expect, the rewards keep coming all month long with specific weekly goals:
- Dec 2–8: Win in the Featured Series for 3 Gold Bars.
- Dec 9–15: Hunt a Legendary Animal for the Bluewater Marsh Treasure Map.
- Dec 16–22: Complete 3 Role Challenges for a Free Ability Card.
- Dec 23–29: Complete 3 Daily Challenges for the Calumet Ravine Treasure Map.
- Dec 30–Jan 5: Complete Cripps’ Daily Stew Challenge for 50% off Naturalist Items.
Finally, take advantage of massive discounts, including 10 Gold Bars off the Sample Kit, 50% off Naturalist Role Items, and 40% off a huge range of clothing and horses.
The frontier is looking festive, and the rewards are plentiful. It’s time to bundle up against the cold and head out into the snow. Happy holidays, cowpokes.
And with Red Dead Redemption now on Series X|S, there’s no better time to get involved in Red Dead Online.
