How do I maximize gold earnings from the Blood Money missions?

Maximizing gold earnings from Blood Money missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of strategic gameplay, understanding mission mechanics, and optimizing your approach. Blood Money missions, introduced in the Crimes and Opportunities update, allow players to earn Capitale, a currency used to unlock lucrative opportunities. However, gold is also a key reward, and with the right tactics, you can significantly boost your earnings.\n\nFirst, understand the mission structure. Blood Money missions are divided into two types: Crimes and Opportunities. Crimes are shorter, repeatable missions that reward Capitale and small amounts of gold, while Opportunities are multi-stage, high-reward missions that require Capitale to unlock. To maximize gold, focus on completing Crimes efficiently and saving Capitale for Opportunities, which offer the best gold payouts.\n\nTo start, visit Guido Martelli in Saint Denis or Anthony Foreman in Rhodes to pick up Blood Money missions. These NPCs will provide you with Crimes, which can be completed solo or with a posse. Each Crime has a base gold payout, but this can be increased by taking longer to complete the mission. The game rewards patience, so avoid rushing through objectives. For example, if a mission involves stealing a wagon, take your time to avoid detection and complete optional objectives, such as looting additional items or eliminating specific targets.\n\nOne key mechanic to exploit is the timer-based gold payout system. The longer you spend on a mission, the more gold you earn, up to a cap of around 0.32 gold bars for Crimes. However, this doesn’t mean you should idle. Instead, focus on completing secondary objectives or exploring the area for loot. For instance, during a mission in Saint Denis, take the time to loot nearby buildings or search for collectibles, as this will extend the mission duration without wasting time.\n\nAnother way to maximize gold is by replaying Opportunities. These missions, such as The Covington Emerald or The Jeb Phelps Contract, offer higher gold payouts but require Capitale to start. To farm Capitale efficiently, focus on Crimes that reward multiple units, such as Stagecoach Stickups or Train Robberies. Once you’ve accumulated enough Capitale, invest it in Opportunities, as they provide the best gold-to-time ratio. For example, The Covington Emerald can yield up to 0.48 gold bars if completed optimally.\n\nTeamwork can also boost your earnings. Playing with a posse allows you to tackle more challenging Crimes and Opportunities, increasing your chances of success and earning bonus gold for cooperative play. Additionally, posse members can help you gather Capitale faster by splitting tasks, such as one player looting while another scouts for enemies.\n\nFinally, always prioritize efficiency and preparation. Stock up on ammunition, tonics, and provisions before starting a mission. Use Dead Eye to eliminate enemies quickly and avoid unnecessary damage. For example, during a train robbery, use dynamite to clear out guards swiftly and secure the loot without prolonged firefights.\n\nIn summary, to maximize gold earnings from Blood Money missions, focus on completing Crimes efficiently to farm Capitale, invest in high-reward Opportunities, and take your time to extend mission durations. Play with a posse for added efficiency, and always come prepared with the right tools and supplies. By following these strategies, you can significantly increase your gold earnings and make the most of the Blood Money update.\n\nPractical Tip: Always check your map for nearby lootable items or secondary objectives during missions. These not only extend the mission timer but also provide additional resources and Capitale, further boosting your overall earnings.