What are the best locations for treasure maps?

Treasure maps are one of the most valuable resources in Red Dead Online, offering players the chance to earn gold bars, cash, and other rare items. These maps are scattered across the game world and can be obtained through various methods, including looting enemies, leveling up, or finding them in specific locations. To maximize your treasure hunting efficiency, it’s essential to know the best locations and strategies for acquiring and using these maps.\n\nFirst, let’s discuss how to obtain treasure maps. You can receive them as rewards for ranking up every five levels (starting at level 10), looting enemies during missions or random encounters, or finding them in the open world. Maps found in the open world are often hidden in tree stumps, caves, or other obscure locations. For example, one of the most reliable spots is the tree stump near Window Rock in Ambarino. Another popular location is the cave near Elysian Pool, where a map can sometimes spawn on a ledge.\n\nOnce you have a treasure map, open your satchel and inspect it to reveal the search area. The map will show a rough sketch of the location, such as a landmark or terrain feature. Use this to narrow down your search. For example, if the map depicts a waterfall, head to areas like Brandywine Drop or Cumberland Falls. If it shows a mountain peak, check locations like Mount Hagen or the Grizzlies.\n\nWhen you arrive at the search area, activate Eagle Eye to highlight clues like glowing yellow particles or disturbed ground. Follow these clues to the treasure, which is usually buried or hidden in a chest. Be prepared for potential challenges, such as hostile NPCs or wildlife. For instance, if you’re searching in the Bayou Nwa area, watch out for alligators and Night Folk ambushes.\n\nSome of the best locations for treasure maps include the Heartlands, Big Valley, and Roanoke Ridge. These areas are rich in landmarks and often have multiple spawn points for maps. For example, in the Heartlands, check the tree stumps near the oil derrick or the abandoned cabin. In Big Valley, explore the area around Little Creek River, where maps can spawn near the waterfall or in the dense forest.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to prioritize treasure hunting early on. The gold bars and cash you earn can help you purchase essential items like weapons, horses, and camp upgrades. Experienced players can use treasure maps to supplement their income and fund high-end purchases like the Moonshiner or Trader roles.\n\nFinally, here are some practical tips for treasure hunting: Always carry a shovel to dig up buried treasures, use your binoculars to scout areas from a distance, and keep an eye out for random encounters that might reward you with a map. Additionally, consider teaming up with other players to cover more ground and share the rewards.\n\nBy following these strategies and focusing on the best locations, you can make treasure hunting a profitable and enjoyable part of your Red Dead Online experience.