How can I use the trader role to make money while AFK in Red Dead Online?

The Trader role in Red Dead Online is one of the most profitable ways to make money, especially when combined with AFK (Away From Keyboard) strategies. To maximize your earnings while minimizing active gameplay, you need to understand the mechanics of the Trader role, Cripps Trading Company, and how to efficiently gather materials. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make money while AFK.\n\nFirst, you must unlock the Trader role by purchasing the Butcher’s Table from Cripps at your camp. This requires 15 Gold Bars, which can be earned through daily challenges, treasure maps, or other in-game activities. Once you have the Butcher’s Table, you can start producing goods by hunting animals and donating their carcasses to Cripps. The quality of the carcass (poor, good, or perfect) determines how much material Cripps can process into sellable goods.\n\nTo make money while AFK, you need to ensure Cripps is constantly producing goods. This requires a steady supply of materials, which can be obtained by hunting animals or completing Resupply Missions. Hunting is the most efficient method, as it allows you to gather large amounts of materials quickly. Focus on hunting large animals like deer, elk, and bison, as they provide the most materials. A perfect carcass from a deer, for example, can yield up to 12.5 materials.\n\nOnce you’ve stocked up on materials, Cripps will begin producing goods. The production rate is 1 good every 2 minutes, and a full wagon can hold up to 100 goods. To maximize AFK time, ensure your camp is in a safe location, such as the Heartlands or Great Plains, where animal spawns are abundant and rival players are less likely to interfere. Use the Hunting Wagon to store extra carcasses, as it preserves their quality even if you log out or disconnect.\n\nWhile Cripps is producing goods, you can go AFK by entering a safe area, such as your camp or a shop. To avoid being kicked for inactivity, use a method like tying a rubber band around your controller sticks to simulate movement. Alternatively, you can sit in the catalog menu, as this prevents the game from detecting inactivity. This allows you to leave your game running while Cripps continues to produce goods.\n\nWhen your goods are ready, you can sell them for a profit. Local deliveries are safer and quicker, but long-distance deliveries offer higher payouts. A full wagon of 100 goods can earn you $500 locally or $625 for a long-distance delivery. However, long-distance deliveries are riskier, as other players can attack and steal your goods. For AFK strategies, it’s best to stick to local deliveries to minimize risk.\n\nOne common challenge is maintaining a steady supply of materials. To address this, use the Hunting Wagon to store multiple carcasses and pelts. You can also complete Resupply Missions, which provide 20 materials and speed up production. Additionally, consider teaming up with other players to hunt more efficiently or protect your deliveries.\n\nIn summary, the Trader role is an excellent way to make money while AFK in Red Dead Online. Focus on hunting large animals, storing carcasses in the Hunting Wagon, and keeping your camp in a safe location. Use AFK methods like the catalog menu to avoid inactivity kicks, and prioritize local deliveries for safer profits. With these strategies, you can earn hundreds of dollars with minimal active gameplay.