Long read: The beauty and drama of video games and their clouds

"It's a little bit hard to work out without knowing the altitude of that dragon..."

If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.

Red Dead Redemption 2: How to redeem War Horse, Nuevo Paraiso, Throughbred, boosters and other special edition and pre-order bonuses

How to redeem pre-order, special and ultimate edition items in Red Dead Redemption 2.

Red Dead Redemption pre-order and special edition bonuses are a series of bonus codes if you managed to reserve the game or buy a specific edition.

These come in the form of codes, and once redeemed, you can collect them in game. However, it isn't explicitly outlined where they are - which is where this page comes in.

Below are how to redeem the War Horse, Nuevo Paraiso, Throughbred, boosters and more in Red Dead Redemption 2.

On this page:

For more help, our Red Dead Redemption 2 walkthrough explains the requirements for fully completing the game's many story missions.

Cover image for YouTube video[4K HDR] Red Dead Redemption 2 HDR Fix Tested! Plus Graphics 'Downgrade' Analysis
[4K HDR] Red Dead Redemption 2 HDR Fix Tested! Plus Graphics 'Downgrade' Analysis

How to redeem pre-order Ardennes War Horse in Red Dead Redemption 2

For those who pre-ordered Red Dead Redemption 2, you should get a pre-order code which will give you the War Horse and Outlaw Survival Kit. First, make sure it's installed. You can redeem it after starting a save, so don't worry if you forget to do it later.

To redeem the War Horse in Red Dead Redemption 2, you must visit a stable. You'll do this as part of the main story in Chapter 2, specifically the Exit Pursued By a Bruised Ego mission. From there you have the option to purchase horses, and the Ardennes horse will be available for free. This is the War Horse you've been looking for.

How to redeem Special and Ultimate edition items, including the Nuevo Paraiso, Throughbred and boosters

For purchasers of the Special and Ultimate edition, you'll get a series of items when you redeem one specific code. First, make sure it's installed along with the main game. You can redeem it after starting a save, so don't worry if you forget to do it later.

To redeem the Nuevo Paraiso Gunslinger outfit in Red Dead Redemption 2, simply head to your Wardrobe (it's a chest at the base of your bed in camp, and can be accessed from Chapter 2 onwards). Note the outfit also has holsters and other accessories, so be sure to go through all the menus to find everything you've unlocked.

For the Talisman, you'll want to also look in your Wardrobe (it's a chest at the base of your bed in camp, and can be accessed from Chapter 2 onwards). Talismans are at the bottom of the list, and it's named the Eagle Talon Talisman, which "permanently increases the time that Eagle Eye can stay active for 5 seconds".

For the Thoroughbred horse, you must visit a stable. You'll do this as part of the main story in Chapter 2, specifically the Exit Pursued By a Bruised Ego mission. From there you have the option to purchase horses, and the Thoroughbred horse will be available for free.

For the weapons such as the Volcanic Pistol and Varmint Rifle, visit a Gunsmith and browse the catalogue. You can do this from Chapter 2, and any Gunsmith in a settlement (such as nearby Valentine) will do. The weapons that you can redeem will be free to purchase.

Finally, for the Special Edition Boosters, you'll want to pause, go to Settings, then General. The boosters are filed under Bonus Content, and will be automatically enabled - feel free to disable if you fancy.

There are also other bonuses for Red Dead Online available - which will all be known when it launches.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Special and Ultimate edition contents

To quote our original story on it: "The £54.99 standard edition of Red Dead Redemption 2 is joined by a £74.99 Special Edition and an £89.99 Ultimate Edition, variously containing exclusive boosts and items for story and Red Dead Online. There's also a separate £89.99 Collector's Box, featuring assorted Red Dead paraphernalia, but no game."

The £75 special edition contains:

  • Exclusive content for Story Mode - Bank Robbery Mission and Gang Hideout
  • Dappled Black Thoroughbred: Horse and saddle available in Red Dead Redemption 2 Story Mode
  • Talisman and Medallion Gameplay Bonuses
  • Gameplay Boosts, Cash Bonuses and Discounts
  • The Nuevo Paraiso Gunslinger Outfit: exclusive Story Mode outfit for Arthur
  • Includes Exclusive Special Edition Printed Map

The big £90 Ultimate Edition contains all of the above, plus:

  • Bonus outfits
  • Black Chestnut Thoroughbred horse
  • Survivor Camp Theme
  • Additional Weapons
  • Rank Bonuses to level up faster online

Finally, there's the Collector's Box - which is literally a box you can buy separately with some stuff in, but not the game itself:

  • Metal Tithing Box with Lock amd Key
  • Collectable Challenge Coin
  • Double Sided Puzzle
  • Six Shooter Bandana
  • Treasure Map
  • Playing Cards
  • Pin Set
  • Wheeler, Rawson and Co. Catalogue
  • 12 Cigarette Cards
Cover image for YouTube video12 Red Dead Redemption 2 Life Hacks You Need To Know