What’s the easiest way to collect all cigarette cards?

Collecting all cigarette cards in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a rewarding but time-consuming task. These cards are part of the ''Smoking and Other Hobbies'' questline and are scattered across the game world. There are 144 cards in total, divided into 12 sets of 12 cards each. Each set corresponds to a specific theme, such as Famous Gunslingers, Artistes, or Horses. To complete the quest, you must collect all 12 cards in a single set and mail them to Phineas T. Ramsbottom, the collector.\n\nThere are two primary methods to collect cigarette cards: purchasing premium cigarette packs or finding them in the open world. Premium cigarette packs can be bought from general stores, doctors, or fences. Each pack costs $1.50 and contains one random cigarette card. This method is straightforward but can be expensive and time-consuming, as the cards are randomized. To maximize efficiency, save your game before purchasing packs and reload if you don’t get the cards you need.\n\nThe second method involves finding cards in specific locations throughout the game world. Cigarette cards are often hidden in drawers, cabinets, or on shelves in buildings, camps, and other structures. Some notable locations include the abandoned town of Pleasance, the Van Horn Trading Post, and the Rhodes Gunsmith. Use Eagle Eye to highlight interactable objects, as this will make it easier to spot cards. Additionally, looting enemies and searching their camps can yield cards, though this is less reliable.\n\nOne of the most efficient ways to collect cards is to combine both methods. Start by purchasing premium cigarette packs to build up your collection, then focus on exploring the world to find the remaining cards. Use online maps or guides to pinpoint exact locations, as some cards are hidden in obscure or hard-to-reach places. For example, the card ''Grizzlies Outlaw'' can be found in a cabin near Window Rock, while ''The Duchess'' is located in a drawer at the Braithwaite Manor.\n\nA common challenge is managing inventory space, as you can only carry a limited number of premium cigarette packs. To avoid this issue, mail completed sets to Phineas as soon as possible. This will free up space and allow you to continue collecting. Additionally, some cards are tied to specific story missions or random encounters, so progress through the main story to unlock these opportunities.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to note that cigarette cards are not missable. You can collect them at any point in the game, even after completing the main story. However, some locations may become inaccessible during certain missions, so plan accordingly. Experienced players can use fast travel and their knowledge of the map to streamline the process.\n\nFinally, here are some practical tips to make the process easier: First, focus on one set at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Second, use the in-game compendium to track which cards you’ve already collected. Third, prioritize purchasing premium packs early in the game, as this will give you a head start. And fourth, explore thoroughly—many cards are hidden in plain sight but require careful searching to find.\n\nBy following these steps and strategies, you’ll be able to collect all 144 cigarette cards and complete the quest efficiently. Happy hunting!