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

The Trader role in Red Dead Online is one of the most profitable ways to make money while exploring the vast open world. To start, you’ll need to visit Cripps at any general store or camp to purchase the Butcher’s Table for 15 Gold Bars. This unlocks the Trader role and allows you to begin hunting and selling goods. Once set up, your primary goal is to gather animal materials, donate them to Cripps at your camp, and produce goods for sale.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, focus on hunting large animals like deer, elk, and bison, as they provide the most materials. Use a rifle with express ammo for clean kills to preserve the quality of pelts and carcasses. Smaller animals like rabbits and birds can also be donated, but they yield fewer materials. Always aim for three-star animals, as they provide the highest-quality materials. If you’re struggling to find animals, head to areas like Big Valley, Heartlands, or Bayou Nwa, as these regions are teeming with wildlife.\n\nOnce you’ve gathered enough materials, return to your camp and donate them to Cripps. He will process these materials into goods over time. The production speed can be increased by purchasing upgrades like the Medium or Large Delivery Wagons, which also allow you to carry more goods for higher profits. Keep an eye on your supplies, as Cripps will occasionally run out of materials or supplies, halting production. You can replenish supplies by completing resupply missions or purchasing them for $20.\n\nWhen your goods are ready, you can choose between local or distant deliveries. Local deliveries are safer and quicker, offering $500 for a full Large Wagon. Distant deliveries pay $625 but come with the risk of rival players attacking your wagon. If you’re playing solo or prefer a safer route, stick to local deliveries. For distant deliveries, consider forming a posse with friends to protect your wagon from potential threats.\n\nOne common challenge is maintaining a steady supply of materials. To address this, always carry a Hunting Wagon, which can store up to five large carcasses or 50 pelts. This allows you to stockpile materials while exploring and return to camp when convenient. Additionally, use the Legendary Animal missions from Harriet Davenport (Naturalist role) to gather large amounts of materials quickly. These missions provide high-quality pelts and carcasses that significantly boost your production.\n\nFinally, optimize your camp location for hunting efficiency. Place your camp near areas with abundant wildlife, such as the Great Plains or Tall Trees. This reduces travel time and allows you to hunt and donate materials more frequently. Always keep your camp pitched and Cripps active to ensure continuous production. By following these steps, you can turn the Trader role into a reliable source of income while enjoying the exploration and hunting aspects of Red Dead Online.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a Varmint Rifle for small game, a Bolt-Action Rifle for large game, and a Bow for stealth kills. Use Eagle Eye to track animals more effectively. If you’re low on funds, start with local deliveries and upgrade your equipment gradually. Lastly, consider combining the Trader role with other roles like Collector or Moonshiner to diversify your income streams.