What’s the best way to unlock the fast travel map early?

Unlocking the fast travel map early in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game-changer for players looking to save time and streamline their exploration. Fast travel allows you to quickly move between key locations, reducing the need for long horseback rides. However, the fast travel map is not immediately available and requires specific upgrades to your camp. Here’s a detailed guide on how to unlock it as early as possible.\n\nTo unlock fast travel, you must first progress through the main story until Chapter 2. This is when the camp upgrades become available. The fast travel map is tied to the camp ledger, which is unlocked after completing the mission ''Money Lending and Other Sins - I'' with Leopold Strauss. Once the ledger is available, you can start upgrading Dutch’s tent and other camp facilities.\n\nThe fast travel map is unlocked by upgrading Arthur’s lodging. To do this, open the camp ledger (located near Dutch’s tent) and navigate to the ''Lodging'' section. The first upgrade costs $220 and improves Arthur’s tent, adding a cot and storage. The second upgrade, which unlocks the fast travel map, costs $325. This upgrade adds a map to Arthur’s tent, allowing you to fast travel to previously visited towns, settlements, and train stations.\n\nEarning the necessary funds for these upgrades can be challenging early in the game. One effective way to gather money is by looting enemies, searching for treasure maps, or completing side missions. For example, the ''Gold Bar'' treasure hunt near Limpany (a burned-down town south of Horseshoe Overlook) yields a gold bar worth $500, which is more than enough to cover both upgrades. Additionally, selling pelts, herbs, and other valuables to traders can help you accumulate the required funds.\n\nOnce the fast travel map is unlocked, you can use it by interacting with Arthur’s tent. Open the map, select your destination, and confirm your choice. Note that fast travel is only available to locations you’ve already discovered, so exploration is still essential. Fast travel is particularly useful for returning to camp after long journeys or quickly reaching distant towns like Saint Denis or Valentine.\n\nA common challenge players face is managing their finances early in the game. To maximize your earnings, focus on hunting high-value animals like deer, elk, and bears. Perfect pelts fetch a higher price at the trapper or butcher. Additionally, avoid unnecessary purchases like fancy clothing or weapons until you’ve secured the camp upgrades. Prioritizing the fast travel map will save you significant time in the long run.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the fast travel map early requires progressing to Chapter 2, completing the necessary mission to unlock the camp ledger, and upgrading Arthur’s lodging twice. By focusing on earning money through treasure hunts, hunting, and looting, you can quickly afford these upgrades. Once unlocked, fast travel becomes an invaluable tool for navigating the vast world of Red Dead Redemption 2 efficiently.