How do I complete the Moonshiner story missions?

To complete the Moonshiner story missions in Red Dead Online, you must first unlock the Moonshiner role. This requires reaching Rank 5 in the Trader role and purchasing the Moonshiner role for 25 Gold Bars. Alternatively, you can skip the Trader requirement by purchasing the Moonshiner role directly for 5 Gold Bars during special promotions. Once unlocked, visit Maggie Fike at the Moonshine Shack to begin the story missions.\n\nYour first mission, ''The Road to Riches,'' introduces you to the basics of moonshining. Maggie will task you with setting up your Moonshine Shack. You’ll need to choose a location for your shack, such as the Bayou Nwa, Tall Trees, or the Heartlands. Each location has its pros and cons, so pick one that suits your playstyle. For example, the Bayou Nwa is close to Saint Denis, making it easier to sell moonshine, but it’s also a hotspot for enemy NPCs.\n\nAfter setting up your shack, you’ll need to complete a series of story missions that involve brewing moonshine, defending your operation, and dealing with rival gangs. These missions are divided into two parts: ''The Smell of the Grease Paint'' and ''A Bitter Means to a Bitter End.'' Each mission has specific objectives, such as infiltrating enemy camps, stealing supplies, or delivering moonshine without getting caught by the law.\n\nOne of the key mechanics in Moonshiner missions is managing your moonshine quality. You’ll need to gather ingredients like berries, herbs, and canned goods to create different flavors of moonshine. Higher-quality moonshine fetches better prices but requires more effort to produce. For example, a Berry Cobbler Moonshine requires raspberries, canned peaches, and vanilla flowers. These ingredients can be found in specific locations, such as the forests near Valentine or the swamps of Lemoyne.\n\nDuring deliveries, you’ll face challenges like rival NPCs ambushing your wagon or lawmen setting up roadblocks. To avoid damage to your moonshine, drive carefully and use your weapons to fend off attackers. If your wagon is damaged, the quality of your moonshine will decrease, reducing your profits. Always keep an eye on the minimap for red dots indicating enemies and plan your route to avoid heavily patrolled areas.\n\nA common challenge players face is the time-sensitive nature of deliveries. If you take too long, the buyer may cancel the order, and you’ll lose your investment. To mitigate this, use fast travel points to get closer to your destination before starting the delivery. Additionally, upgrading your Moonshine Shack with better equipment, such as the Copper Still, will increase production speed and reduce the risk of delays.\n\nFinally, completing all Moonshiner story missions unlocks additional content, including bootlegger missions and free roam events. These activities provide extra income and help you level up the Moonshiner role faster. For example, bootlegger missions involve sabotaging rival operations or stealing supplies, which can be done solo or with a posse. Free roam events like ''Moonshine of the Night'' offer unique rewards and are a great way to interact with other players.\n\nPractical tips for success include always stocking up on ingredients before starting a batch, upgrading your shack as soon as possible, and teaming up with friends to handle tougher missions. By following these steps and mastering the mechanics, you’ll become a successful moonshiner in no time.