What’s the best way to earn money for weapon customization early in the game?

Earning money for weapon customization early in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a mix of exploration, resourcefulness, and strategic gameplay. The game’s economy is designed to reward players who take the time to hunt, loot, and complete side activities. Here’s a detailed guide to help you accumulate funds quickly and efficiently.\n\nFirst, focus on hunting and selling animal pelts. Hunting is one of the most reliable ways to earn money early in the game. Animals like deer, elk, and boars provide high-quality pelts that can be sold to butchers in towns like Valentine or Rhodes. Use a rifle or bow with improved arrows to ensure clean kills, as damaged pelts fetch lower prices. For example, a perfect deer pelt can sell for around $10, while a perfect elk pelt can fetch up to $15. Always aim for headshots to preserve the quality of the pelt.\n\nNext, loot enemies and search for valuables. After gunfights, make it a habit to loot every enemy corpse. They often carry cash, jewelry, or other items that can be sold to fences. Fences are special vendors who buy stolen goods, and they can be found in locations like Emerald Ranch or Saint Denis. Items like gold rings, pocket watches, and belt buckles can add up quickly, providing a steady income stream. Additionally, explore abandoned cabins and campsites, as they often contain lockboxes or chests with valuable loot.\n\nCompleting side missions and challenges is another effective way to earn money. Early in the game, you’ll encounter strangers who offer side missions. These missions often reward you with cash or unique items. For example, the mission ‘The Noblest of Men, and a Woman’ introduces you to famous gunslingers and rewards you with a significant amount of money upon completion. Additionally, participate in challenges like sharpshooting or hunting, as they often provide monetary rewards and unlock useful perks.\n\nRobbing trains and stagecoaches can also yield substantial profits, but this method carries higher risks. To minimize the chance of getting caught, plan your robberies carefully. For example, stop a train in a secluded area, such as the tunnel near Bacchus Station, to avoid witnesses. Use dynamite to open safes and collect cash, jewelry, and other valuables. Be prepared to flee quickly, as lawmen will respond to your crimes. This method is best suited for players who are comfortable with high-risk, high-reward gameplay.\n\nFinally, consider treasure hunting. Treasure maps can be found or purchased early in the game, and they lead to hidden caches of gold bars. Each gold bar is worth $500, making this one of the most lucrative activities in the game. For example, the ‘Jack Hall Gang Treasure Map’ can be obtained by looting a treasure hunter near Flatneck Station. Follow the clues to uncover the treasure, and sell the gold bars to a fence for a significant cash infusion.\n\nTo maximize your earnings, always prioritize high-value activities and avoid unnecessary expenses. For example, avoid buying consumables like food or ammunition, as these can often be looted or crafted. Instead, invest your money in weapon upgrades and customization, which will improve your combat effectiveness and make future money-making activities easier.\n\nIn summary, the best way to earn money for weapon customization early in Red Dead Redemption 2 is through a combination of hunting, looting, completing side missions, and treasure hunting. By focusing on these activities and managing your resources wisely, you’ll quickly accumulate the funds needed to upgrade and customize your weapons.