What’s the best way to earn XP through hunting and fishing?

Hunting and fishing are two of the most effective ways to earn XP in Red Dead Online, especially for players who enjoy a more relaxed gameplay style. These activities not only provide valuable resources like meat, pelts, and fish but also reward you with significant XP gains. To maximize your XP earnings, you need to understand the game mechanics, choose the right tools, and focus on high-value targets.\n\nFirst, equip yourself with the right weapons and tools. For hunting, a rifle like the Bolt Action Rifle or the Springfield Rifle is ideal for medium to large animals, as it ensures clean kills and preserves the quality of pelts. For smaller animals, such as rabbits or raccoons, use a Varmint Rifle. For fishing, purchase a Fishing Rod from the bait shop in Lagras or any general store. Equip the right bait for the type of fish you’re targeting—crayfish for small fish, worms for medium fish, and special lures for large fish like salmon or sturgeon.\n\nNext, focus on hunting high-value animals. Legendary animals, which spawn in specific locations, provide the most XP and rewards. For example, the Legendary Buck can be found near Owanjila Lake, and the Legendary Beaver is located near Elysian Pool. Regular animals like deer, elk, and cougars also yield good XP, especially if you achieve a perfect kill. Aim for headshots to ensure a clean kill and maintain the animal’s three-star pelt quality. Skinning the animal afterward grants additional XP.\n\nFishing is another excellent way to earn XP, especially in areas with abundant fish. The Dakota River near Cumberland Falls is a great spot for catching salmon, while the Kamassa River near Bluewater Marsh is ideal for sturgeon. Use the Special River Lure for these locations. Each fish caught grants XP, and turning in fish to the butcher or Cripps at your Trader role camp provides additional rewards. Remember to cook and eat fish to replenish your health and stamina cores, which can help you stay efficient during long hunting or fishing sessions.\n\nTo optimize your XP gains, consider combining hunting and fishing with other activities. For example, while traveling to a fishing spot, hunt any animals you encounter along the way. This ensures you’re always earning XP, even during downtime. Additionally, complete daily challenges related to hunting or fishing, as these often provide bonus XP and gold. For instance, a challenge might require you to catch three fish or skin three animals, which can easily be done while focusing on your primary activity.\n\nOne common challenge is finding high-quality animals or fish. To address this, use Eagle Eye to track animals and identify their quality before engaging. For fishing, pay attention to the ripples in the water, as they indicate where fish are biting. If you’re struggling to find specific animals, consult the in-game compendium or online guides for spawn locations and times. Weather and time of day can also affect animal behavior, so plan your hunts accordingly.\n\nFinally, invest in roles like the Trader or Naturalist to further enhance your hunting and fishing experience. The Trader role allows you to turn pelts and carcasses into goods for sale, while the Naturalist role lets you study and sample animals for additional XP. Both roles provide unique opportunities to earn XP and rewards while engaging in these activities.\n\nIn summary, the best way to earn XP through hunting and fishing in Red Dead Online is to use the right tools, target high-value animals and fish, and combine these activities with daily challenges and role-specific tasks. By following these steps, you can efficiently level up while enjoying the immersive world of Red Dead Online.