Red Dead Redemption 2 Trailer Breakdown: Arthur Morgan, Dutch's Gang, And Marston Clues

It's been almost one year since Red Dead Redemption 2's announcement and first teaser trailer, but Rockstar finally released a second look at the upcoming open-world western. Despite its short length, there were a multitude of narrative and mechanical details confirmed about the game. Here are 12 cool things we caught from the latest Red Dead Redemption 2 trailer.

Rockstar still hasn't announced a release date for Red Dead Redemption 2, but we do know it's expected to launch Spring 2018. It's coming to both PS4 and Xbox One; there's no word on a PC version, a possibility that Rockstar parent company Take-Two has declined to address when asked.

Despite early speculation that you'll be playing as a young John Marston--the previous game's protagonist--it looks like you'll be controlling a new character named Arthur Morgan. Not much is known about his backstory, but from the trailer, we know he's a debt collector for the Van der Linde gang, which fans of the first game will recognize as John Marston's old crew. Unlike Marston, Morgan is cynical and ruthless, issuing threats to many of the people we see him interacting with during the trailer.

Speaking of the Van der Linde gang, a younger version of Dutch appears. His presence supports the assumption that Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prequel to the first game. Many of the events during the trailer seem to document the Van der Linde gang's bloody reign across the frontier.

Bill Williamson--one of your first targets in Red Dead Redemption 1--can be seen alongside two men robbing a train. You can tell by the distinct way he wears his hat. If we see both Dutch and Bill, is it possible a young John Marston might make an appearance?

However, there also exists the possibility that Red Dead Redemption 2 could take place before and after the first game. A character that bears a striking resemblance to Bonnie MacFarlane appears in the trailer. In fact, she actually looks like an older version of the character. But if the game is a prequel, it's possible that this character could be entirely new.

Like its predecessor, you'll be visiting a variety of locations in Red Dead Redemption 2. The trailer showcased glimpses of forest wildernesses, snowy mountains, and murky swamplands.

Hunting makes a return in Red Dead Redemption 2. Aside from the usual arsenal of firearms, you'll also be able to use a bow and arrow for silent ranged kills.

You can once again wield a lasso; Arthur Morgan uses it to wrangle a horse. But if this is anything like the first game, you'll likely be able to ensnare anything that moves with the lasso.

Based on the shot of Arthur Morgan and two unnamed characters wading through water, it's possible that you might be able to swim. It's good to know that, unlike John Marston, Morgan took swimming lessons as a kid.

One revolver was enough for John Marston, but that doesn't seem to be the case with Arthur Morgan. You might be able to dual wield revolvers now, which sounds about as cool as it looks.

As John Marston, you often felt an initiative to avoid a life of crime in the first game, but as Arthur Morgan, it looks like you'll embrace it. Morgan is seen taking part in violent train and bank robberies throughout the trailer, which is likely a sign of the types of activities you'll encounter in the game.

An unnamed character was seen walking alongside Arthur Morgan in an encampment. Aside from his Native American origins, not much was revealed about him, but given his request for an extra gun, it's clear that he'll be helping you take on some sort of armed threat.

Like the first game, you'll be encountering an abundance of wildlife. From bears you'll find in the wilderness to alligators that'll come chomping as you traverse a swamp's murky waters, there are plenty of natural dangers awaiting you in your journey. Unlike the first game, it seems like wildlife can interact with each other, meaning you'll probably need to be more conscious of the animal food chain this time around.