What’s the fastest way to earn money in RDR2’s early chapters?

Earning money quickly in Red Dead Redemption 2’s early chapters requires a mix of exploration, resourcefulness, and understanding the game’s mechanics. The early chapters (Chapter 1 and Chapter 2) limit your access to certain activities, but there are still plenty of ways to build your wealth. One of the most effective methods is looting enemies, searching for treasure, and completing side activities like hunting and selling pelts.\n\nFirst, prioritize looting enemies during missions and random encounters. After gunfights, always search the bodies of fallen enemies. They often carry cash, jewelry, and other valuables that can be sold to fences or general stores. For example, during the mission ''Polite Society, Valentine Style'' in Chapter 2, you’ll face multiple enemies. Loot them thoroughly to collect items like pocket watches, rings, and cash. These small amounts add up quickly.\n\nNext, focus on treasure hunting. Treasure maps are scattered throughout the world, and they lead to substantial rewards. In Chapter 2, you can obtain the ''Jack Hall Gang Treasure Map'' by helping a stranger near Flatneck Station. Follow the map’s clues to find three treasure caches, which collectively yield around $1,500. This is a significant boost early in the game and can fund upgrades, weapons, and supplies.\n\nHunting is another reliable way to earn money. Animals like deer, elk, and bears provide high-quality pelts that can be sold to butchers or trappers. Use a rifle or bow with improved arrows to ensure clean kills and preserve the pelt’s quality. For example, hunting a perfect deer pelt near Valentine can fetch around $10, while a perfect bear pelt can sell for $30 or more. Additionally, selling meat and animal parts like antlers or claws adds to your earnings.\n\nRobbery is a high-risk, high-reward option. In Chapter 2, you can rob homesteads, stagecoaches, and trains. For instance, the homestead near Limpany (a burned-down town south of Horseshoe Overlook) contains a lockbox with $100 in gold bars. Gold bars are highly valuable and can be sold to fences for $500 each. However, be cautious, as robbery increases your bounty and attracts law enforcement.\n\nFinally, complete side missions and challenges. Stranger missions often reward you with cash or unique items. For example, the ''Money Lending and Other Sins'' mission series in Chapter 2 involves collecting debts for Leopold Strauss. While morally questionable, these missions provide a steady income. Additionally, completing challenges like Herbalist or Hunter increases your stats and unlocks rewards.\n\nTo maximize your earnings, always carry a horse with good saddlebags to store pelts and loot. Upgrade your satchel at camp to carry more items, and visit fences regularly to sell valuables. Avoid spending money on unnecessary items early on, and invest in weapons like the Bolt-Action Rifle for better hunting efficiency.\n\nIn summary, the fastest way to earn money in RDR2’s early chapters involves a combination of looting, treasure hunting, hunting, and strategic robbery. Focus on high-value activities like finding gold bars and completing treasure maps, while supplementing your income with smaller tasks like selling pelts and looting enemies. With these methods, you’ll quickly build a substantial bankroll to fund your adventures.