What are the best ways to earn cash early in Red Dead Online?

Earning cash early in Red Dead Online can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can build a solid foundation for your character. The game offers multiple ways to make money, and focusing on a mix of activities will help you maximize your earnings. Below are the best methods to earn cash as a new player, along with step-by-step instructions and tips to overcome common challenges.\n\nOne of the easiest ways to earn cash early is by completing Story Missions. These missions are accessible from the start and provide a steady income. To begin, open your map and look for yellow markers labeled with character names like Horley or Jessica LeClerk. These missions are solo or co-op and often reward you with cash, gold, and experience points. Replaying missions on higher difficulties can also increase your payout, so don’t hesitate to revisit them once you’ve leveled up.\n\nAnother reliable method is hunting and selling animal pelts. Head to areas like the Heartlands or Big Valley, where deer, rabbits, and other wildlife are abundant. Use a rifle or bow to ensure clean kills, as damaged pelts sell for less. Once you’ve gathered pelts, visit a butcher in towns like Valentine or Saint Denis to sell them. Hunting is a low-risk activity that can be done solo, and it’s a great way to earn cash while exploring the map.\n\nStranger Missions are another excellent source of income. These are marked by white icons on your map and involve tasks like delivering goods or rescuing NPCs. To start a Stranger Mission, approach the NPC and accept their request. Be prepared for potential ambushes or rival players, as these missions often involve PvP elements. Completing these missions within the timer’s final 30 seconds maximizes your payout, so take your time and plan your route carefully.\n\nFishing is a surprisingly lucrative activity for new players. Purchase a fishing rod from the general store in Lagras or any other fishing shop. Head to spots like the Dakota River or O’Creagh’s Run, where fish like salmon and trout are plentiful. Use the correct bait (e.g., river lure for trout) to increase your chances of catching high-value fish. Once you’ve filled your satchel, sell your catch to a butcher for a quick profit.\n\nDaily Challenges are a consistent way to earn small amounts of cash and gold. These tasks reset every day and range from simple activities like picking herbs to more complex ones like winning a showdown. Completing multiple challenges in a row increases your reward multiplier, so try to log in daily and complete at least one challenge. This method is especially useful for players who want to earn passive income over time.\n\nFinally, consider joining a Posse to tackle more challenging activities like Bounty Hunting or Trading. These roles require an initial investment but offer significant returns. For example, the Trader role allows you to sell goods for large sums of cash, while the Bounty Hunter role pays well for capturing targets. Playing with others not only makes these activities easier but also more enjoyable.\n\nTo maximize your earnings, always prioritize activities that align with your current resources and skill level. For example, if you don’t have a fishing rod yet, focus on hunting or Story Missions. As you progress, invest in tools and roles that will increase your earning potential. Remember to manage your time efficiently and avoid high-risk activities until you’re better equipped.\n\nIn summary, the best ways to earn cash early in Red Dead Online include completing Story Missions, hunting and selling pelts, participating in Stranger Missions, fishing, and completing Daily Challenges. By diversifying your activities and working with others, you can build a steady income and set yourself up for success in the game.