Where can I find the hidden gold bar in the ruined fort near Van Horn?

The hidden gold bar in the ruined fort near Van Horn is one of the most valuable treasures in Red Dead Redemption 2, and finding it can significantly boost your in-game finances. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to locate the gold bar, explain the game mechanics involved, and provide tips to overcome common challenges.\n\nTo begin, head to the ruined fort located northeast of Van Horn Trading Post. The fort is called Fort Brennand and is situated on a hill overlooking the surrounding area. You can easily spot it on your map by looking for the icon of a small fort structure. Once you arrive, you’ll notice the fort is in a state of disrepair, with crumbling walls and overgrown vegetation. This is the location where the gold bar is hidden.\n\nInside the fort, you’ll find a locked room with a metal door. The gold bar is located inside this room, but accessing it requires solving a simple puzzle. To open the door, you need to find a lockbox hidden nearby. The lockbox is located on the second floor of the fort, near a broken staircase. Climb the stairs or use a ladder to reach the upper level, and search for a small wooden box tucked away in a corner. Open the lockbox to retrieve a key, which will unlock the metal door.\n\nOnce you have the key, return to the locked room and use the key to open the door. Inside, you’ll find a chest containing the gold bar. Interact with the chest to collect the gold bar, which is worth $500 in the game. This is a significant amount of money, especially in the early stages of the game, and can be used to upgrade your weapons, buy supplies, or improve your camp.\n\nOne common challenge players face is dealing with enemies that may spawn near the fort. Bandits or hostile NPCs can sometimes appear in the area, making it difficult to explore safely. To avoid this, approach the fort cautiously and use your Dead Eye ability to quickly eliminate any threats. Alternatively, you can visit the fort during the day when fewer enemies are present.\n\nAnother tip is to ensure you have enough inventory space before collecting the gold bar. Gold bars are heavy items, and if your satchel is full, you won’t be able to pick it up. To free up space, sell or discard unnecessary items at a general store or camp. This will ensure you can carry the gold bar without any issues.\n\nFinally, remember that the gold bar is a one-time loot item. Once you collect it, it will not respawn, so make sure to use it wisely. Selling it to a fence is the best way to convert it into cash, as fences offer the highest prices for valuable items like gold bars.\n\nIn summary, the hidden gold bar in Fort Brennand is a valuable treasure that can greatly enhance your gameplay experience. By following these steps and tips, you can easily locate and collect the gold bar, overcome any challenges, and make the most of this lucrative find.