What are the best strategies for completing Trader deliveries?

Completing Trader deliveries in Red Dead Online is a lucrative way to earn money and XP, but it requires careful planning and strategy. The Trader role revolves around hunting animals, gathering materials, and delivering goods to distant locations. To start, you must purchase the Butcher Table from Cripps at your camp, which costs 15 Gold Bars. Once set up, you can begin producing goods by hunting animals and donating their carcasses or pelts to Cripps.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, focus on hunting large animals like deer, elk, and bison, as they provide the most materials. Perfect pelts and carcasses yield the highest value, so aim for headshots with the appropriate weapon, such as a rifle for large game. Smaller animals like rabbits and birds can also be useful, but they provide fewer materials. Always carry a Hunting Wagon to store multiple carcasses, as it allows you to transport more materials back to camp in one trip.\n\nOnce your materials are processed into goods, you can initiate a delivery mission. There are two types of deliveries: Local and Distant. Local deliveries are safer and shorter but offer lower payouts, while Distant deliveries are riskier, longer, and more profitable. For new players, it’s recommended to start with Local deliveries to avoid losing goods to rival players. Experienced players with a posse can tackle Distant deliveries for higher rewards.\n\nDuring a delivery, you’ll be tasked with transporting a wagon full of goods to a designated location. The wagon is slow and vulnerable, so plan your route carefully. Stick to main roads to avoid obstacles and ambushes. If you’re playing solo, stay alert for rival players who may attempt to steal your goods. Use defensive mode to reduce the chances of being targeted, and consider recruiting friends or joining a posse for added protection.\n\nCommon challenges during deliveries include enemy NPC ambushes and rival player attacks. To counter NPC ambushes, position your wagon in a defensible spot and use cover to take out attackers. For rival players, communication and teamwork are key. Assign roles within your posse, such as a driver, scout, and defenders, to ensure a smooth delivery. If your wagon is destroyed, you can still salvage some goods by carrying them on horseback, though this is slower and riskier.\n\nTo optimize your Trader role, upgrade your camp with the Medium and Large Delivery Wagons as soon as possible. These upgrades increase the amount of goods you can deliver, significantly boosting your profits. Additionally, invest in the Hunting Wagon and the Butcher Table upgrades to streamline the material-gathering process. Always keep your camp stocked with materials to avoid downtime.\n\nPractical tips for success include hunting in areas with abundant wildlife, such as the Heartlands or Big Valley. Use the Eagle Eye ability to track animals more easily, and always carry plenty of ammo and provisions. When delivering goods, avoid high-traffic areas like Valentine or Saint Denis, as these are hotspots for rival players. Finally, consider timing your deliveries during off-peak hours to reduce the likelihood of encountering hostile players.\n\nBy following these strategies, you can efficiently complete Trader deliveries and maximize your earnings in Red Dead Online. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran, careful planning and teamwork are essential for success in this challenging but rewarding role.