How to Strike Gold (and More!) in Red Dead Redemption 2: A Comprehensive Guide to Riches

So, you’re looking to fill your satchel with more than just spare bullets and questionable pelts in Red Dead Redemption 2? You’ve come to the right place. Forget about living life as a penniless outlaw – it’s time to become a veritable tycoon of the Wild West. The key is understanding the diverse avenues for profit and knowing how to exploit them effectively. Get ready to ditch the desperation and embrace the opulence!

The Quick and Dirty Guide to Riches

The fastest and most reliable way to make money in Red Dead Redemption 2 involves a multi-pronged approach:

1. Complete Story Missions: Early game, this is your primary source of income. Don’t neglect them.
2. Treasure Hunting: Once you unlock treasure maps, prioritize finding the hidden loot. These can yield hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
3. Hunting and Fishing: Become a master hunter and angler. Focus on high-value pelts and fish, and sell them to butchers or trappers.
4. Robbing Trains and Stagecoaches: A risky, but potentially lucrative, endeavor. Plan your heists carefully.
5. Collecting Bounties: Take on bounty missions for both law enforcement and individuals.
6. Selling Stolen Goods: Identify fences and offload stolen valuables, coaches and wagons.
7. Maintaining Camp Upgrades: Invest in camp upgrades as they unlock new features and resource gathering options, ultimately saving money.

This combination will keep your pockets lined throughout your adventures. Now, let’s delve into the details of each money-making method and some advanced strategies!

Digging Deeper: Unlocking the Riches of Red Dead Redemption 2

Mastering the Hunt: Becoming a Fur-ocious Entrepreneur

Hunting is more than just shooting animals; it’s an art. To maximize profits, you need to understand the animal kingdom of Red Dead Redemption 2.

• Perfect Pelts are Key: Aim for clean kills with the right weapon (check the compendium for optimal choices). Use a rifle for larger animals like deer and elk, and a Varmint Rifle for smaller creatures like rabbits and squirrels. A perfect pelt nets the highest price.
• Hunt Legendary Animals: These beasts yield unique pelts that can be crafted into valuable clothing and trinkets. They also drop valuable teeth, claws, and horns to be sold.
• Craft Trapper Outfits: Some trapper outfits provide bonuses that improve your hunting skills or provide discounts.
• Sell to the Right Vendor: Butchers generally offer better prices for meat, while trappers specialize in pelts. Consider location as well. Prices may vary based on the butcher/trapper location.

Fishing for Fortune: Reel in the Big Bucks

Don’t underestimate the power of a fishing rod. While it might not seem as exciting as a gunfight, fishing can be a surprisingly profitable venture.

• Unlock Special Baits: Purchase special lures and bait from bait shops to attract larger, more valuable fish.
• Target Specific Species: Sturgeon and Salmon are particularly lucrative.
• Strategic Fishing Locations: Certain bodies of water are known for containing specific high-value fish. Do some research to find these hotspots.
• Ship Fish via Train: If you’re hunting near a train station, consider shipping your larger fish to maximize their value.

Treasure Hunting: X Marks the Spot (and the Cash)

Treasure maps are scattered throughout the world of Red Dead Redemption 2, leading to hidden caches of gold bars, jewelry, and other valuable items.

• Buy or Find Maps: Some treasure maps are sold by fences, while others are found by exploring abandoned settlements or completing side quests.
• Follow the Clues Carefully: Pay close attention to the landmarks and descriptions in the maps. Use your map and compass to navigate.
• Don’t Give Up: Some treasure locations are well-hidden and may require some serious exploration.
• Gold Bars are King: Prioritize finding gold bars, as they can be sold for a significant amount of money.

The Risky Route: Robberies and Heists

For those who prefer a more direct approach, robberies and heists offer a potentially lucrative, but also risky, way to make money.

• Rob Trains: Stopping a train in a remote location and robbing the passengers and the cargo can yield a substantial amount of cash. Plan your escape route in advance.
• Rob Stagecoaches: Stagecoaches, particularly those carrying valuables, can be lucrative targets.
• Rob Stores: Blackmail store owners to get information about their business. Then, you can rob them for a big reward.
• Be Prepared for a Fight: Law enforcement will respond quickly to robberies, so be prepared to defend yourself.
• Keep Your Honor in Mind: Repeatedly engaging in criminal activities will lower your honor rating, which can have consequences.

Bounties: Hunting the Hunters

Turning the tables on outlaws and collecting bounties is a fun and consistent way to earn money.

• Visit Sheriffs’ Offices: Check the bounty boards in sheriffs’ offices to find wanted criminals.
• Choose Your Targets Wisely: Some bounties are easier than others. Consider the location and the difficulty of the target before accepting a bounty.
• Bring Them in Alive (If Possible): Bringing a bounty target in alive will often earn you a higher reward.
• Use Your Tracking Skills: Track your target using your Eagle Eye ability.
• Upgrade Your Horse: A fast and reliable horse is essential for chasing down bounty targets.

Selling Stolen Goods: A Fence’s Best Friend

Fences are essential for selling stolen items, as they offer a no-questions-asked service.

• Locate Fences: Fences can be found in various locations throughout the game, including Emerald Ranch and Saint Denis.
• Sell Stolen Jewelry, Coaches, and Wagons: Fences will buy stolen jewelry, coaches, and wagons.
• Upgrade Your Satchel: A larger satchel will allow you to carry more stolen goods.
• Manage Your Inventory: Prioritize selling the most valuable items first.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

1. What’s the best way to make money early in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Early game, focus on completing story missions. They provide a steady stream of income and unlock new features. Also, start hunting and fishing for immediate cash flow.

2. How do I find treasure maps?

Treasure maps can be purchased from fences, found by exploring abandoned settlements, or earned by completing side quests. Keep your eyes peeled!

3. What are the best animals to hunt for profit?

Focus on deer, elk, bears, and cougars for their valuable pelts. Also, don’t forget smaller animals like rabbits and squirrels – their perfect pelts add up quickly. Legendary animals’ pelts are very valuable, too.

4. Where can I sell fish?

You can sell fish to butchers in towns and cities. For larger fish like Sturgeon, consider shipping them via train for a higher price.

5. How do I rob a train successfully?

Plan your approach carefully. Choose a remote location to stop the train, and be prepared for a gunfight with law enforcement. Use dynamite to open cargo cars.

6. Where can I find fences?

Fences can be found in locations like Emerald Ranch, Saint Denis, and other less-than-reputable establishments.

7. What are the benefits of camp upgrades?

Camp upgrades unlock new features, such as faster resource gathering, improved cooking options, and access to crafting recipes. They ultimately save money by reducing the need to buy supplies.

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

Low honor can make it harder to access certain stores and complete certain missions. High honor can lead to discounts and unique opportunities. It’s a trade-off.

9. Can I invest in businesses in Red Dead Redemption 2?

While you can’t directly own businesses, you can invest in Strauss’s schemes during story missions, which will yield payouts later on.

10. Are there any glitches or exploits for making money quickly?

Yes, but using glitches and exploits can diminish the overall experience and may be patched out by Rockstar. It’s generally better to stick to legitimate methods.

11. How often do shopkeepers replenish their money?

Shopkeepers and fences typically replenish their money every few in-game days. You can speed up the process by sleeping or travelling to different areas.

12. Is it worth it to collect cigarette cards?

Cigarette cards, while not extremely valuable individually, can be collected and traded for a decent sum. They’re a good option for passive income while exploring.

With these strategies and tips, you’ll be swimming in cash in no time. Remember, patience, planning, and a little bit of grit are key to becoming a true financial powerhouse in the world of Red Dead Redemption 2. Now get out there and make your fortune!