What happens if I don’t complete the optional treasure hunts?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, the optional treasure hunts are side activities that allow players to earn significant amounts of money by finding hidden treasures scattered across the map. These hunts are not required to complete the main story or unlock any of the game''s endings. However, skipping them means missing out on valuable rewards and unique gameplay experiences.\n\nTreasure hunts in RDR2 are multi-part quests that involve finding maps, deciphering clues, and locating hidden caches of gold bars or other valuables. For example, the Jack Hall Gang treasure hunt requires you to find three maps, each leading to the next location, culminating in a final treasure worth $1,500. These hunts are entirely optional, and their completion does not influence the main story or the fate of Arthur Morgan or John Marston.\n\nIf you choose not to complete the treasure hunts, you will not miss any critical story content or endings. The game''s multiple endings are determined by your honor level and key decisions made during the main story missions, particularly in Chapter 6. For instance, a high honor level leads to a more positive outcome for Arthur, while low honor results in a darker conclusion. Treasure hunts, being side activities, have no bearing on these narrative outcomes.\n\nHowever, skipping treasure hunts can make the game more challenging in terms of finances. Gold bars found during these hunts can be sold at fences for large sums of money, which can be used to upgrade camp, purchase weapons, or buy better gear. Without this extra income, you may need to rely more heavily on other money-making methods, such as hunting, fishing, or completing bounties.\n\nFor players who decide to skip treasure hunts, there are still plenty of ways to earn money. For example, you can rob trains, stagecoaches, or homesteads, or complete side missions like the debt collection tasks for Leopold Strauss. Additionally, looting enemies and exploring the world for hidden valuables can provide a steady income. While these methods may not yield as much money as treasure hunts, they are viable alternatives.\n\nOne practical tip for players who skip treasure hunts is to focus on upgrading the camp''s ledger early in the game. This allows you to unlock fast travel and other useful upgrades, making it easier to explore the world and complete other money-making activities. Additionally, investing in a good horse and weapons early on can save you money in the long run, as you won''t need to replace them as frequently.\n\nIn summary, skipping the optional treasure hunts in Red Dead Redemption 2 will not affect the game''s endings or main story progression. However, it may limit your access to large sums of money, making it harder to afford upgrades and gear. By focusing on alternative money-making methods and prioritizing camp upgrades, you can still enjoy a rich and rewarding gameplay experience without completing the treasure hunts.