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How to Make Money in Red Dead Redemption 2 Story Mode: From Broke Outlaw to Wealthy Rancher

So, you’re tired of living the outlaw life on a shoestring budget? You crave the finer things – a decent horse, stylish threads, and maybe even enough to settle down and finally buy that little ranch you’ve been dreaming of. Well, saddle up, partner, because this is your definitive guide to raking in the dough in Red Dead Redemption 2’s Story Mode. We’re not just talking about scraping by; we’re talking about becoming genuinely wealthy, even obscenely so, before the credits roll. This isn’t your grandpa’s guide to picking herbs and selling them for pennies. This is the inside scoop on exploiting the game’s economy like a seasoned gunslinger.

The Straight Shooter’s Answer: Getting Rich Quick(ish)

The core principle of making serious money in Red Dead Redemption 2 boils down to this: investing time to acquire high-value items and then selling them strategically. Sounds simple, right? It is, but the devil’s in the details. Here’s the breakdown of the most effective methods:

Treasure Hunting: This is the king of money-making in RDR2. Treasure maps lead to chests overflowing with gold bars, jewelry, and other valuables. Following treasure map locations yields consistent, reliable income, especially early in the game.
Gold Bar Glitch (Patch Dependent): While patched in the most current version of the game, certain early versions had a gold bar duplication glitch at the Limpany Sheriff’s office and the Train Wreck. Check which version you’re running and research this potential exploit. If possible, disable auto-updates before starting a new game if playing on the earlier version.
Hunting & Trapping (Strategic Selection): Forget rabbits and squirrels. Focus on larger animals like Elk, Deer, and Bears that yield valuable pelts. Crafting Trapper outfits not only provides in-game benefits but also drives up the value of your pelts. Aim for perfect pelts by using the right weapon and getting a clean kill (headshots are your friend).
Robbing Trains & Stagecoaches (Controlled Risk): Train robberies, especially targeting passenger trains, can yield a substantial amount of cash and valuables, but they also come with a hefty bounty and increased law enforcement presence. Plan your escape route carefully, and consider bringing accomplices to maximize your loot and minimize your risk. Similarly, stagecoach robberies offer a moderate payout with less risk than trains, but it’s a less efficient method overall.
Selling Stolen Goods to Fences: Forget selling wagons to the general store. Identify a Fence early in the game (the one near Emerald Ranch is a good start) and funnel your stolen goods through them. This includes gold watches, jewelry, and, more importantly, stagecoaches and wagons. The higher your honor, the less you’ll be able to sell. However, if you are looking to boost honor, you can greet people in town!
Completing Missions & Side Quests (For the Story & the Cash): While not always the most lucrative option, completing main story missions and side quests provides a steady stream of income and unlocks opportunities for more profitable ventures. Pay attention to mission givers who offer high rewards for completion. Stranger encounters can lead to rewarding side missions.

Diving Deeper: Mastering the Art of Riches

It’s not enough to just know the methods; you need to master them. This means understanding the nuances of each strategy and optimizing your gameplay for maximum profit. Here’s how:

Treasure Hunting: Become an Expert Cartographer

Invest in the Right Tools: A good horse is essential for covering large distances, and a reliable weapon is crucial for defending yourself against wildlife and bandits.
Follow the Maps Carefully: Treasure maps often contain cryptic clues and landmarks that can be difficult to decipher. Use online guides and resources if you get stuck.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Treasure locations are often guarded by enemies or located in dangerous terrain. Be prepared for a fight or a challenging climb.

Hunting & Trapping: The Path of the Apex Predator

Use the Right Weapon: Different animals require different weapons for a clean kill and a perfect pelt. Use a varmint rifle for small game, a bow with improved arrows for medium-sized animals, and a high-powered rifle for large animals.
Aim for the Head: Headshots are the most effective way to kill an animal quickly and cleanly. Use Dead Eye to slow down time and line up your shot.
Skin Your Kills Immediately: Leaving carcasses to rot will decrease the value of their pelts. Skin your kills as soon as possible to preserve their quality.

Robbing Trains & Stagecoaches: The Outlaw’s Gamble

Plan Your Route: Before robbing a train or stagecoach, scout out the area and plan your escape route. Identify potential obstacles, such as law enforcement checkpoints or cliffs, and devise a strategy for avoiding them.
Use Cover: During a robbery, use cover to protect yourself from enemy fire. Use Dead Eye to target enemies quickly and efficiently.
Control the Situation: Take control of the situation as quickly as possible. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous threats first and then loot the train or stagecoach systematically.

Selling Stolen Goods to Fences: The Art of the Deal

Build a Reputation: The more you sell to a Fence, the more likely they are to offer you better prices. Sell them a variety of goods to maximize your relationship.
Be Patient: Don’t try to sell too many stolen goods at once. Fences have limited funds and may not be able to buy everything you have.
Know Your Audience: Different Fences specialize in different types of goods. Sell your stolen goods to the Fence who is most likely to offer you the best price.

Red Dead Redemption 2: Story Mode – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions (FAQs) designed to solidify your understanding and equip you with the knowledge to become a veritable Red Dead Redemption 2 tycoon.

1. What’s the fastest way to make money early in the game (Chapter 2)?

Treasure Hunting remains king. Start with the High Stakes Treasure Map found north of Cumberland Falls. It leads to gold bars that can be sold for a significant amount of money early on. Also, focus on hunting deer and elk and selling the pelts. Prioritize upgrading your satchel so you can carry more valuable items.

2. Are there any legitimate ways to get free money?

Sort of. Occasionally, you’ll stumble upon a caravan crash. Usually, there are lockboxes nearby. There is also a gold nugget in a burned house near Limpany. These will give you a small amount of money at the beginning of the game. Look for unique encounters during your travels that sometimes yield unexpected rewards.

3. How does honor affect my ability to make money?

High honor reduces the amount of profit from fences (because you’re too nice!), while low honor can make law encounters more frequent and costly. Strive for a balance that suits your play style and financial goals.

4. Should I invest in upgrading my camp?

Yes, especially the Ledger upgrades. Upgrading Dutch’s Lodgings encourages the gang to donate more to the camp funds, which you can then withdraw. The Leather Working Tools upgrade from Pearson allows you to craft satchels, which is crucial for maximizing your carrying capacity.

5. What’s the deal with Gold Bars? Where are the best places to find them?

Gold Bars are your best friend. Besides treasure maps, loot them from train wrecks, locked boxes in burned towns, and occasionally from defeated enemies. Search every nook and cranny; you’ll be surprised where you find them.

6. Is it worth robbing homesteads and ranches?

Yes, but be cautious. Some homesteads are heavily guarded, and the rewards might not outweigh the risk. However, certain ranches, particularly those with lockboxes in the main house and outbuildings, can offer a good payout if you’re stealthy and efficient.

7. What’s the best way to avoid getting a bounty while committing crimes?

Wear a mask or bandana, avoid witnesses, and flee the scene immediately after committing a crime. If spotted, try to intimidate witnesses or eliminate them entirely (but this will lower your honor). If you get a bounty, pay it off as soon as possible to avoid being hunted by bounty hunters.

8. Are there any missable money-making opportunities?

Yes! Some side quests and encounters are only available during specific chapters or times of day. Pay attention to your surroundings and talk to everyone you meet to avoid missing out on valuable opportunities. A good example is the Aberdeen Pig Farm, which can lead to lost money if done incorrectly.

9. How do I get better at hunting?

Practice! Start with easier animals like deer and rabbits, and gradually work your way up to more challenging prey. Learn the different types of weapons and ammunition, and master the art of the clean kill. Study animal behaviors and learn where they congregate. Crafting talismans and trinkets that improve your hunting skill is also advantageous.

10. Is horse theft a viable way to make money?

While you can sell stolen horses, the profit is relatively low compared to other methods. It’s more efficient to focus on treasure hunting, hunting, and robbing trains.

11. What should I do with all my money once I’ve accumulated a significant amount?

Invest in weapons, clothing, camp upgrades, and a superior horse. Consider purchasing property in the Epilogue. Save a substantial amount for the late-game expenses, as the game will eventually take your wealth to its predetermined conclusion.

12. Are there any glitches that are useful to make money?

As mentioned earlier, yes, but their availability depends on the game version. Research gold bar duplication glitches for your specific version, but be aware that Rockstar frequently patches these exploits. Remember, using glitches can diminish the overall enjoyment of the game, but if it’s your jam, go for it!