What are the best weapons for hunting in Red Dead Online?

Hunting in Red Dead Online is a core activity that provides valuable resources like pelts, meat, and animal parts for crafting, trading, and earning money. To maximize your efficiency and ensure high-quality kills, choosing the right weapons is crucial. The game mechanics reward clean kills with better-quality pelts and carcasses, so understanding which weapons to use for different animals is essential.\n\nFor small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and birds, the Varmint Rifle is the best choice. This weapon is designed for small game and ensures a clean kill without damaging the pelt. To use it effectively, aim for the head or vital areas to maintain the animal''s quality. The Varmint Rifle can be purchased from any gunsmith for $72, making it an affordable early-game option. Always carry it when exploring areas like Big Valley or the Heartlands, where small game is abundant.\n\nFor medium-sized animals such as deer, pronghorns, and boars, the Bolt-Action Rifle or Bow with Improved Arrows is ideal. The Bolt-Action Rifle is versatile and powerful, capable of taking down medium game with a single well-placed shot. Aim for the head or heart to ensure a clean kill. The Bow with Improved Arrows is a quieter alternative, perfect for hunting in areas with high player activity or when you want to avoid spooking nearby animals. Both weapons can be purchased from gunsmiths, with the Bolt-Action Rifle costing $216 and the Bow costing $124.50.\n\nFor large animals like bears, elk, and bison, the Rolling Block Rifle or Carcano Rifle is recommended. These high-powered rifles deliver the necessary damage to take down large game efficiently. Aim for the head or vital organs to ensure a clean kill and preserve the pelt quality. The Rolling Block Rifle costs $411, while the Carcano Rifle costs $456, making them more suitable for experienced players with sufficient funds. These weapons are particularly useful in regions like Ambarino or Tall Trees, where large game is prevalent.\n\nWhen hunting predators such as wolves, cougars, or alligators, the Repeater or Shotgun can be effective. The Repeater offers a balance of power and fire rate, making it useful for taking down aggressive animals quickly. The Shotgun, on the other hand, is ideal for close-range encounters, especially when dealing with packs of wolves or charging predators. Both weapons are widely available at gunsmiths, with prices ranging from $150 to $300.\n\nTo optimize your hunting experience, always carry the right ammunition. Regular ammo works fine for most situations, but using Express or High-Velocity rounds can increase your chances of a clean kill. Additionally, consider using Dead Eye to improve your accuracy, especially when targeting fast-moving or distant animals. Dead Eye can be activated by pressing the right stick (R3) on consoles or the middle mouse button on PC.\n\nFinally, always skin your kills immediately to collect pelts and animal parts. Store larger pelts on your horse and smaller items in your satchel. If your horse is full, consider visiting a nearby camp or trading post to sell your goods. The Trader role, unlocked through the Frontier Pursuits update, allows you to turn hunted materials into profitable goods, making hunting even more rewarding.\n\nIn summary, the best weapons for hunting in Red Dead Online depend on the size and type of animal you''re targeting. Use the Varmint Rifle for small game, the Bolt-Action Rifle or Bow for medium game, and the Rolling Block or Carcano Rifle for large game. Always aim for clean kills to preserve pelt quality and maximize your earnings. With the right tools and strategies, hunting can become a lucrative and enjoyable part of your Red Dead Online experience.