What abilities should I prioritize for the Trader role?

The Trader role in Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most profitable and engaging roles in the game, allowing players to build a business by hunting animals and selling their goods. To excel in this role, you need to prioritize specific abilities and strategies that enhance your efficiency and profitability. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the abilities you should focus on and how to maximize your Trader gameplay.\n\nFirst, prioritize upgrading your Hunting Wagon. This is a critical tool for the Trader role, as it allows you to store large quantities of animal carcasses and pelts. Without it, you’ll be limited to carrying one large carcass at a time, which slows down your progress. The Hunting Wagon can be purchased from Cripps at your camp for $875 after reaching Trader Rank 10. Once you have it, you can store up to five large carcasses or a combination of pelts and smaller animals. This significantly increases your hunting efficiency and allows you to keep Cripps supplied with materials for longer periods.\n\nNext, focus on improving your hunting skills. The Trader role relies heavily on hunting, so you need to be proficient in tracking and killing animals. Use the Varmint Rifle for small animals like rabbits and raccoons, and the Bolt Action Rifle or Bow for larger animals like deer and elk. Always aim for clean kills to preserve the quality of the pelts and carcasses. A three-star animal will yield the most materials, so prioritize hunting these. Use Dead Eye to ensure precise shots, and consider using bait or scent cover to attract animals or mask your presence.\n\nAnother key ability to prioritize is the ability to efficiently manage your camp and Cripps’ production. Cripps is the NPC who processes your hunted materials into goods for sale. To keep production running smoothly, ensure your camp is in a location with abundant wildlife, such as the Heartlands or Big Valley. These areas are rich in deer, elk, and other valuable animals. Additionally, always keep an eye on your supplies. Cripps will occasionally run out of materials or supplies, which halts production. You can restock supplies by purchasing them from the Wilderness Outfitters or completing resupply missions.\n\nOne common challenge in the Trader role is defending your goods during delivery missions. These missions involve transporting your goods to a buyer, and other players or NPCs may attack you. To mitigate this, prioritize upgrading your Delivery Wagon. The Medium and Large Wagons increase your profit margins and allow you to carry more goods per trip. Additionally, consider recruiting posse members to help defend your wagon during deliveries. Strength in numbers can deter attackers and ensure a successful delivery.\n\nFinally, invest in the Efficiency and Production upgrades for your camp. These upgrades reduce the time it takes for Cripps to produce goods and increase the amount of materials he can process. The Efficiency upgrade is particularly useful, as it allows Cripps to produce goods faster, meaning you can complete more sales in less time. These upgrades are unlocked as you progress through the Trader role ranks and can be purchased from the Wilderness Outfitters.\n\nIn summary, prioritize upgrading your Hunting Wagon, improving your hunting skills, managing your camp efficiently, and defending your goods during deliveries. By focusing on these abilities and strategies, you’ll maximize your profits and become a successful Trader in Red Dead Redemption 2. Always hunt in areas with abundant wildlife, keep your supplies stocked, and use Dead Eye for clean kills. With these tips, you’ll dominate the Trader role and enjoy the rewards it offers.