Red Dead Online will be available as a standalone $4.99 release next week

Standalone version will require up to 123GB of storage, with Story Mode available separately

Rockstar has confirmed it will launch a standalone version of Red Dead Online on consoles and PC next week.

Set for release on December 1, Red Dead Online will initially be available for $4.99 (down from $19.99) from the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Rockstar Games Launcher, Epic Games Store and Steam.

For the first time, new players who do not already own Red Dead Redemption 2 will be able to experience all of the game’s online offering without purchasing the full game, Rockstar said.

The standalone version will require up to 123GB of disk space and will also include the option to unlock Red Dead Redemption 2: Story Mode via a separate purchase.

Rockstar noted that the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of Red Dead Online will be playable via backward compatibility on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S / X, suggesting that a bespoke next-gen version isn’t part of its initial plans.

Rockstar previously confirmed plans to bring an “expanded and enhanced” version of GTA V to next-gen consoles in the second half of 2021, including a standalone version of GTA Online which will be free to PS5 owners for a limited time.

“The new generation versions of GTAV will feature a range of technical improvements, visual upgrades and performance enhancements to take full advantage of the latest hardware, making the game more beautiful and more responsive than ever,” it said.

“And for the massive and vibrant community of Grand Theft Auto Online players worldwide, the journey through the ever-evolving, shared world of GTA Online will continue on to the new generation with more new updates including additional GTA Online content exclusive to the new consoles and PC.”

Rockstar will launch The Cayo Perico Heist, which it describes as “the biggest GTA Online adventure ever”, on December 15. It will feature a new exotic heist location and a fresh approach to heist design that enables users to play solo or with up to three other players.

The CEO of Rockstar owner Take-Two recently said the company hasn’t ruled out the possibility of releasing more free-to-play games based on its hit franchises.