Rockstar Games’ Red Dead Redemption 2: The Best Ways to Make Money Early Game

Embarking on your journey in Red Dead Redemption 2, you’ll quickly realize that making money is crucial for survival and progression. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your horse, purchase new weapons, or simply want to live a lavish lifestyle, here’s a comprehensive guide on the best ways to make money early in the game.

1. Hunting and Fishing

One of the most straightforward methods to make money early on is through hunting and fishing. Both activities offer a steady income and can be done at your own pace. Here’s how to maximize your earnings:

• Choose the Right Location: Some areas are more lucrative than others. For example, the mountains and forests are great for hunting, while rivers and lakes are ideal for fishing.
• Focus on High-Value Animals: Animals like the elk, bear, and mountain lion yield higher prices at the saloon. Similarly, fish like the pike and sturgeon are more valuable.
• Use the Right Equipment: Invest in better hunting and fishing gear to increase your chances of catching larger and more valuable animals or fish.

Remember to sell your catches at the saloon or to a trapper for the highest price. Don’t forget to check the market prices before heading out, as they can fluctuate.

2. Completing Side Missions

Red Dead Redemption 2 is filled with side missions that not only provide story progression but also a decent chunk of change. Here are some of the best side missions to complete for early-game cash:

• John Marston’s Story Missions: These missions are a great way to earn money while experiencing the game’s story. Look out for missions that involve hunting, fishing, or completing tasks for other characters.
• Reuben’s and Arthur’s Side Missions: These missions are often short and sweet, offering a quick cash boost. They can be found in various locations across the map.
• Companions’ Missions: As you progress, you’ll unlock missions for your companions. These missions can be quite lucrative, especially if you’re successful.

Keep in mind that some missions require specific skills or equipment, so be prepared before embarking on them.

3. Trading Goods

Trading goods is another excellent way to make money early in the game. Here’s how to get started:

• Find a Trading Post: There are several trading posts scattered across the map, each specializing in different goods.
• Buy Low, Sell High: Purchase goods at a low price from the trading post and sell them at a higher price to make a profit. Keep an eye on the market prices to ensure you’re getting the best deals.
• Expand Your Inventory: As you progress, you’ll unlock more goods to trade. Be sure to invest in a larger inventory to hold more items.

Some of the most profitable goods to trade include furs, herbs, and other natural resources. Don’t forget to check the market prices before making any purchases or sales.

4. Mining

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, mining can be a lucrative way to make money early in the game. Here’s how to get started:

• Find a Mining Site: There are several mining sites scattered across the map, each with its own set of challenges.
• Collect Ore: Use your pickaxe to collect ore from the ground. The more ore you collect, the more money you’ll earn.
• Process Ore: Take your collected ore to a blacksmith to process it into valuable materials like iron and gold.

Keep in mind that mining can be dangerous, so be prepared for encounters with bandits and other hazards. Additionally, some mining sites require specific equipment or skills to access.

5. Selling Stolen Goods

For those who enjoy a bit of risk, selling stolen goods can be a quick way to make money. Here’s how to get started:

• Find a Fence: There are several fences scattered across the map, each with their own set of stolen goods.