What are the best beginner weapons to start with in Red Dead Online?

Starting Red Dead Online can feel overwhelming, but choosing the right beginner weapons is crucial for survival and success. The game offers a variety of firearms, but as a new player, you’ll want to focus on affordability, versatility, and ease of use. Your starting weapons, the Cattleman Revolver and Carbine Repeater, are decent but limited. To improve your arsenal, prioritize purchasing the Varmint Rifle and Bolt-Action Rifle early on. These weapons are cost-effective and highly effective for both PvE and PvP scenarios.\n\nFirst, the Varmint Rifle is a must-have for beginners. It’s cheap, costing only $72, and is incredibly versatile. While it’s primarily designed for hunting small animals like rabbits and birds, it’s also surprisingly effective in combat due to its high accuracy and fast fire rate. To unlock it, visit any Gunsmith in towns like Valentine or Saint Denis. The Varmint Rifle is perfect for completing Hunting Challenges and earning money early in the game, which is essential for upgrading your gear.\n\nNext, the Bolt-Action Rifle is another excellent choice for beginners. Priced at $216, it’s more expensive than the Varmint Rifle but worth every penny. This rifle is ideal for hunting larger animals like deer and elk, as well as for taking down enemies at medium to long range. You can purchase it from any Gunsmith, but if you’re short on cash, consider completing the story mission "The Right Side of the Tracks" in Chapter 1, which rewards you with a free Bolt-Action Rifle. This weapon is a game-changer for both hunting and combat, making it a solid investment.\n\nFor close-quarters combat, consider upgrading your sidearm. The Schofield Revolver is a great option, offering higher damage and accuracy than the starting Cattleman Revolver. It costs $192 and can be bought from Gunsmiths. Alternatively, you can obtain it for free by robbing the Doctor’s Office in Valentine. Simply enter the back room, threaten the doctor, and loot the Schofield Revolver from the cabinet. This revolver is perfect for quickdraw duels and defending yourself in tight spaces.\n\nAmmo management is another key aspect of weapon selection. As a beginner, stick to regular ammo to save money, but consider investing in High-Velocity or Express ammo for tougher enemies. These ammo types are more expensive but provide significant damage boosts. You can purchase ammo from Gunsmiths or loot it from enemies and chests during missions. Always carry enough ammo for your primary weapons, as running out mid-fight can be disastrous.\n\nFinally, don’t forget to customize your weapons. Visit a Gunsmith to improve your firearms with upgrades like rifling, scopes, and improved iron sights. These upgrades enhance accuracy, range, and damage, giving you an edge in combat. While customization can be costly, it’s worth prioritizing for your most-used weapons. For example, adding a scope to your Bolt-Action Rifle makes it even more effective for hunting and sniping.\n\nIn summary, the best beginner weapons in Red Dead Online are the Varmint Rifle, Bolt-Action Rifle, and Schofield Revolver. These weapons are affordable, versatile, and effective for both hunting and combat. Focus on earning money through missions and hunting to purchase and upgrade these firearms. With the right weapons and strategy, you’ll quickly establish yourself as a formidable player in the wild west.