How do I craft special ammunition in Red Dead Online?

Crafting special ammunition in Red Dead Online is a valuable skill that enhances your combat effectiveness and provides unique advantages in various situations. Special ammo types, such as Explosive, Incendiary, and Split Point, offer increased damage, fire effects, or improved accuracy, making them essential for PvP, hunting, or tackling tough enemies. To craft special ammo, you need specific materials, a Fence, and the appropriate recipe unlocked through gameplay progression.\n\nFirst, you must unlock the ability to craft special ammunition. This is done by purchasing the recipe pamphlets from Fences, which are scattered across the map. Key Fence locations include Saint Denis, Rhodes, and Emerald Ranch. Each pamphlet costs a significant amount of money, so ensure you have enough funds. For example, the Explosive Ammo pamphlet costs around $850, while Split Point Ammo is cheaper at $350. Once purchased, read the pamphlet from your Satchel to learn the recipe.\n\nNext, gather the required materials for crafting. Special ammo types require specific ingredients, which can be found through looting, hunting, or purchasing from stores. For instance, Explosive Ammo requires Animal Fat, which is obtained by hunting animals like ducks, boars, or bears. Incendiary Buckshot requires Animal Fat and regular Buckshot ammo. Split Point Ammo only requires regular ammo and can be crafted at any time, making it a cost-effective option for improving accuracy.\n\nTo craft special ammo, open your Satchel and navigate to the Ammo section. Select the type of ammo you want to craft, and if you have the necessary materials, press the craft button. Crafting can be done anywhere, but it’s best to do it at your camp or a safe location to avoid interruptions. Keep in mind that crafting takes time, so plan accordingly during missions or free roam activities.\n\nOne common challenge is finding Animal Fat, a key ingredient for Explosive and Incendiary ammo. To efficiently farm Animal Fat, visit areas with high animal density, such as the swamps near Saint Denis or the forests around Big Valley. Use a Varmint Rifle or Bow with Small Game Arrows to hunt ducks, geese, and boars without damaging the Animal Fat. Store excess materials in your Satchel or at your camp’s lockbox for future use.\n\nAnother tip is to prioritize which special ammo types to craft based on your playstyle. For example, if you frequently engage in PvP, Explosive Ammo is invaluable for its high damage and ability to knock enemies off their horses. For hunting, Split Point Ammo improves accuracy, ensuring clean kills and preserving pelts. Incendiary Buckshot is excellent for close-quarters combat, as it sets enemies on fire, causing panic and additional damage over time.\n\nFinally, always carry a mix of regular and special ammo to adapt to different situations. Special ammo is limited and expensive to craft, so use it strategically. For example, save Explosive Ammo for enemy players or legendary bounties, and rely on Split Point Ammo for everyday hunting or combat. By mastering the crafting system and managing your resources wisely, you can dominate in Red Dead Online with powerful and versatile ammunition.\n\nIn summary, crafting special ammunition in Red Dead Online requires unlocking recipes, gathering materials, and using your Satchel to create ammo. Focus on farming Animal Fat, prioritize ammo types based on your needs, and use special ammo strategically to maximize its impact. With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any challenge the frontier throws your way.