What are the best strategies for earning gold from stranger missions?

Earning gold in Red Dead Redemption 2 through stranger missions is a reliable way to build your wealth, especially if you understand the game mechanics and optimize your approach. Stranger missions are marked by a question mark icon on the map, and they often involve tasks like delivering items, escorting NPCs, or retrieving stolen goods. These missions reward you with cash, experience, and gold, but the amount of gold you earn depends on how long you take to complete the mission.\n\nTo maximize gold earnings, you need to understand the game''s payout system. Stranger missions use a timer-based reward structure, meaning the longer you take to complete the mission (up to a certain point), the more gold you earn. However, this doesn''t mean you should drag out the mission unnecessarily. Aim to complete the mission just before the timer runs out, as this will yield the highest gold payout. For example, if a mission has a 15-minute timer, try to finish it around the 12-14 minute mark.\n\nOne of the best stranger missions for gold farming is ''The Boy'' mission in Rhodes. This mission involves helping a young boy retrieve his stolen wagon. The mission is relatively short and can be completed quickly, but by taking your time, you can earn up to 0.32 gold bars. Another excellent mission is ''The Smell of the Grease Paint'' in Saint Denis, where you help a circus performer retrieve stolen items. This mission also offers a high gold payout if you manage the timer effectively.\n\nTo optimize your gold earnings, always prioritize missions that are close to your current location. This minimizes travel time and allows you to focus on the mission itself. Additionally, make sure your horse is well-fed and equipped with a good saddle to ensure fast travel. If you''re playing in a posse, coordinate with your teammates to complete missions more efficiently, as group efforts can sometimes yield better rewards.\n\nA common challenge players face is managing the mission timer while dealing with enemies or obstacles. For example, in ''The Boy'' mission, you may encounter bandits trying to steal the wagon. Instead of rushing to kill them, take your time and engage them strategically. This not only extends the mission timer but also ensures you don''t lose the wagon. Similarly, in escort missions, avoid rushing to the destination. Instead, follow the NPC at a steady pace and deal with any threats as they arise.\n\nAnother tip is to use the environment to your advantage. For instance, in missions where you need to retrieve items, use cover and stealth to avoid unnecessary combat. This allows you to control the pace of the mission and maximize your gold earnings. Additionally, always keep an eye on the mission objectives and timer. If you''re unsure how much time is left, open the mission log to check.\n\nFinally, remember that stranger missions are not the only way to earn gold. Combining them with other activities like treasure hunts, daily challenges, and bounty hunting can significantly boost your gold reserves. For example, completing daily challenges while waiting for a stranger mission timer to run down can be an efficient use of your time. By diversifying your activities, you can ensure a steady flow of gold and other rewards.\n\nIn summary, the key to earning gold from stranger missions is understanding the timer-based payout system and optimizing your approach. Take your time, manage the mission objectives carefully, and use the environment to your advantage. By following these strategies, you can maximize your gold earnings and build your wealth in Red Dead Redemption 2.