What’s the best way to earn money quickly for story progression?

Earning money quickly in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for story progression, as it allows you to upgrade your camp, purchase better weapons, and acquire essential supplies. One of the most effective ways to make money early in the game is by looting enemies and searching for valuables. After completing missions or engaging in shootouts, always take the time to loot bodies. Enemies often carry cash, jewelry, and other items that can be sold to fences. Fences are special vendors who buy stolen goods, and they can be found in locations like Emerald Ranch, Rhodes, and Saint Denis.\n\nAnother reliable method is treasure hunting. Treasure maps are scattered throughout the game world, and they lead to substantial amounts of gold bars, each worth $500. For example, the Limpany treasure map can be found in the burned-down town of Limpany near Horseshoe Overlook. Inside the sheriff''s office, you''ll find a lockbox containing a gold bar. Selling this to a fence will give you a significant financial boost early in the game. Other treasure maps, such as the Jack Hall Gang map, can be acquired by completing specific missions or exploring the world.\n\nHunting and selling pelts is another profitable activity. High-quality pelts from animals like deer, elk, and bears can fetch a good price at butchers or trappers. To maximize profits, aim for perfect pelts by using the right weapon and targeting vital organs. For example, use a rifle with a scope for large animals like elk or bears. Smaller animals, such as rabbits or foxes, require a varmint rifle for clean kills. The Trapper, located in Saint Denis or near Riggs Station, pays well for rare pelts and can craft valuable items for you.\n\nRobbing trains is a high-risk, high-reward method for earning money. To rob a train, board it at a station or stop it in a secluded area. Use dynamite to blow open safes in the train cars, but be prepared for a bounty and law enforcement pursuit. To minimize risk, stop the train on a bridge, as lawmen will struggle to reach you. This method can yield hundreds of dollars in cash and valuables, but it requires careful planning and execution.\n\nCompleting side activities like bounty hunting and stagecoach robberies can also generate income. Bounty hunting missions are available at sheriff''s offices in towns like Valentine and Rhodes. These missions pay well and often involve minimal risk. Stagecoach robberies, on the other hand, require you to steal and sell coaches to Seamus at Emerald Ranch. Use a lasso to subdue the driver and ride the coach to Seamus for a payout.\n\nFinally, investing in camp upgrades can indirectly help you earn money. Upgrading Dutch''s tent and Arthur''s lodging improves morale and unlocks fast travel, saving time and resources. Donating money to the camp''s ledger also unlocks better provisions and ammunition, which can be used to complete missions more efficiently.\n\nPractical tips for earning money quickly include always carrying a lockbreaker to open locked drawers and chests, which often contain valuables. Additionally, prioritize selling items to the right vendors—fences for stolen goods, butchers for pelts, and doctors for herbs. By combining these methods, you can accumulate wealth quickly and progress through the story with ease.