Which stranger missions offer the highest gold rewards?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, stranger missions are a great way to earn gold, which is essential for purchasing premium items and progressing in the game. Some stranger missions offer higher gold rewards than others, and understanding how to maximize these rewards is key. Gold rewards are influenced by the time you take to complete the mission, with longer durations yielding higher payouts. However, this mechanic requires balancing efficiency and patience to optimize your earnings.\n\nOne of the most lucrative stranger missions for gold is ''The Widow of Willard''s Rest,'' found in the northeastern part of the map near Annesburg. This mission involves helping a widow named Charlotte Balfour survive in the wilderness. To maximize gold, take your time during the mission by completing optional tasks, such as hunting for food or gathering supplies. The longer you stretch out the mission, the more gold you’ll earn upon completion. Aim to spend at least 12-15 minutes on this mission for the best payout.\n\nAnother high-gold mission is ''The Veteran,'' located near O’Creagh’s Run in the Grizzlies East region. This mission involves helping an old soldier named Hamish Sinclair with various tasks, including hunting and fishing. Similar to ''The Widow of Willard''s Rest,'' taking your time during these tasks will increase your gold reward. For example, spend extra time fishing or exploring the area before returning to Hamish. Completing this mission over multiple in-game days can also boost your payout.\n\nFor players looking for a quicker but still rewarding option, ''The Artist’s Way'' in Saint Denis is a solid choice. This mission involves helping an artist named Charles Châtenay with his eccentric requests. While the mission itself is shorter, you can still maximize gold by delaying the final hand-in. For instance, after completing the objectives, spend time exploring or engaging in other activities before returning to Charles. This delay will increase the mission timer and, consequently, your gold reward.\n\nTo further optimize gold earnings, always aim for a mission timer of at least 12 minutes. This is the sweet spot for maximizing rewards without wasting too much time. Additionally, replaying these missions in the Epilogue or during free roam can yield additional gold, as some stranger missions become available again after the main story is completed.\n\nA common challenge players face is balancing mission efficiency with gold optimization. For example, rushing through missions may result in lower payouts, while taking too long can feel tedious. To address this, plan your activities during the mission. For instance, while waiting for the timer to reach 12 minutes, hunt for pelts or collect herbs to make the most of your time. This approach ensures you’re productive while still earning maximum gold.\n\nFinally, always check your map for stranger mission icons, as they can appear in various locations depending on your progress in the game. Some missions, like ''The Widow of Willard''s Rest,'' are only available in specific chapters, so plan accordingly. By focusing on these high-gold missions and understanding the mechanics behind gold payouts, you can efficiently build your wealth in Red Dead Redemption 2.