What are the best early-game missions for earning cash and XP?

Starting in Red Dead Online can feel overwhelming, but focusing on the right early-game missions can help you earn cash and XP efficiently. The best missions for new players are Story Missions, Stranger Missions, and Daily Challenges. These activities are accessible early on and provide solid rewards without requiring advanced gear or high-level skills.\n\nStory Missions are the backbone of Red Dead Online and are ideal for beginners. To start, open your map and look for yellow markers labeled with character names like Horley or Jessica LeClerk. These missions are marked with a gold icon and are part of the main storyline. Completing these missions not only provides a steady flow of cash and XP but also introduces you to the game''s mechanics and world. For example, the mission ''Where Your Morals Lead You'' rewards around $100 and 500 XP, making it a great early-game option.\n\nStranger Missions are another excellent source of income and XP. These missions are scattered across the map and are marked with a white question mark icon. Characters like Alden, Flaco Hernandez, and Bonnie MacFarlane offer tasks such as delivering goods, rescuing hostages, or hunting targets. These missions are repeatable and scale in difficulty, so even low-level players can complete them. For instance, Alden''s mail delivery missions in Rhodes are simple and reward around $10-$20 and 200-300 XP per run.\n\nDaily Challenges are a consistent way to earn gold, cash, and XP. These tasks reset daily and range from simple activities like picking herbs to more complex ones like winning a showdown. Completing at least one Daily Challenge each day builds a streak, increasing your rewards over time. For example, picking five Yarrow plants near Valentine is an easy early-game challenge that rewards 200 XP and a small amount of gold.\n\nGame mechanics play a crucial role in maximizing your earnings. For Story and Stranger Missions, the longer you take to complete them, the higher your payout. This is due to the game''s timer-based reward system. For example, if a mission has a 15-minute timer, waiting until the last 30 seconds to finish can increase your cash and XP rewards by up to 50%. However, this requires patience and careful time management.\n\nTo optimize your gameplay, focus on missions that don''t require combat if you''re low on ammunition or health items. For example, mail delivery or herb collection missions are safer and more manageable for new players. Additionally, always keep an eye on your map for nearby Stranger Missions to minimize travel time and maximize efficiency.\n\nPractical tips for new players include investing in a good horse early on. The Red Chestnut Arabian, available for $250 in Valentine, is a solid choice for beginners. Also, prioritize purchasing a Varmint Rifle for hunting and a Bolt-Action Rifle for combat, as these weapons are versatile and affordable. Finally, join a posse if possible, as group missions often yield higher rewards and make challenging tasks easier to complete.\n\nIn summary, focus on Story Missions, Stranger Missions, and Daily Challenges to earn cash and XP efficiently in Red Dead Online. Use the timer-based reward system to your advantage, invest in essential gear, and consider teaming up with other players for better results. With these strategies, you''ll quickly build your character and progress through the game.