What’s the easiest way to earn money in the early game?

Earning money in the early game of Red Dead Redemption 2 can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can quickly build up your funds. One of the easiest ways to make money early on is by looting enemies, searching for treasure, and completing specific missions. These methods require minimal effort and can yield significant rewards.\n\nLooting enemies is a straightforward way to earn money. After gunfights, always search the bodies of fallen enemies. They often carry cash, valuables like jewelry, and other items you can sell. For example, after the mission ''Old Friends'' in Chapter 1, you can loot the O''Driscolls you defeat. These items can be sold to fences, which become available after completing the mission ''Spines of America'' in Chapter 2. Fences are essential for selling stolen goods and valuables.\n\nAnother effective method is treasure hunting. Early in the game, you can find treasure maps that lead to substantial rewards. One of the first maps you can acquire is the ''Jack Hall Gang Treasure Map,'' which is given to you by a stranger near Flatneck Station. Follow the clues to locate the treasure, which includes gold bars worth $500 each. Selling these bars to a fence will give you a significant financial boost.\n\nCompleting specific missions can also be lucrative. For example, the mission ''Money Lending and Other Sins'' in Chapter 2 involves collecting debts for Leopold Strauss. While the mission itself doesn''t pay much, the debtors often have valuable items in their homes that you can loot. Additionally, the mission ''The First Shall Be Last'' in Chapter 2 rewards you with a decent amount of cash and valuable items.\n\nHunting and selling pelts is another way to earn money, though it requires more effort. Early in the game, focus on hunting smaller animals like rabbits and deer. Perfect pelts from these animals can be sold to butchers in towns like Valentine. Use a bow or a rifle with the appropriate ammunition to ensure a clean kill and preserve the pelt''s quality. Selling perfect pelts will fetch a higher price.\n\nFinally, explore the world for hidden loot. Many cabins and abandoned structures contain lockboxes or chests with cash and valuables. For example, the abandoned town of Limpany, south of Horseshoe Overlook, has a gold bar hidden in the sheriff''s office. This bar can be sold for $500. Always keep an eye out for these opportunities as you explore the map.\n\nTo maximize your earnings, prioritize selling valuables to fences and perfect pelts to butchers. Always loot enemies and explore thoroughly after missions. By combining these methods, you can quickly accumulate a substantial amount of money in the early game, making it easier to upgrade your gear and camp.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a bow or rifle for hunting, and use Dead Eye to ensure clean kills. Keep an eye out for treasure maps and explore every building you come across. Finally, don''t forget to sell your loot regularly to avoid losing it if you die.