Much like scenes get edited out of movies before they hit the big screen, often content has to be cut from video games. Between development and launch day, it’s common for things to be removed, and for a number of reasons. Whether it’s John Romero having to trim down a level in Quake due to file size limitations, or The Last of Us 2 having enough cut content for a third game, the final product is often the result of some removal of game aspects. However, it’s also possible to have those assets reinstated, as this one modder did for Red Dead Redemption 2.

Uploading the file a few days ago, user EnergiDaan has created a mod that, as the description page itself says, “adds in unused models” into Red Dead Redemption 2, specifically pedestrians. These NPCs were, allegedly, present in the beta version of the game, but were cut for one reason or another. Among other things, the add-on brings back some unused hair models, outfits, a sheriff, a model wearing gloves, and even an unused shot wound model. While it doesn’t say exactly how many pedestrians it reinstates, it’s certainly a way to add some additional variation to the game.

Red Dead Redemption 2’s open world is enormous, and one thing that characterizes it is the amount of NPCs the player can interact with. It’s a living, breathing universe and EnergiDaan’s mod is simply another way to increase that, especially given that the new models were originally in the beta build. Quite why these were cut from the final release remains to be seen, but fans can now have them back thanks to the new add-on.

Modding a game is something that many gamers, especially those who use PC, get to enjoy, particularly as there is a thriving community of talented individuals and teams. Red Dead Redemption 2 has its own share of custom mods, many of which can alter the game entirely. The vanilla version may be stellar in its own right, but there are always people out there who are looking to make improvements, or add new content.

As for the game itself, Red Dead Redemption 2 may not be as successful as GTA 5, then again what is, but with millions of copies sold, jaw dropping visuals, and a compelling narrative it’s definitely one of Rockstar’s most highly acclaimed sequels. Those who are interested in using the “Beta Characters and Models” mod should find it easy to install.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is available on PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One.

Source: Nexus Mods