What’s the best way to earn money for weapon upgrades early in the game?

Earning money for weapon upgrades early in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can accumulate funds quickly. The key is to focus on activities that yield high rewards with minimal risk, such as hunting, looting, and completing missions. Early in the game, your options are limited, but there are still plenty of opportunities to make money if you know where to look.\n\nOne of the best ways to earn money early is through hunting. Animals like deer, elk, and boars can be found in abundance in areas like the forests near Valentine or the plains of West Elizabeth. Use a rifle or bow to ensure clean kills, as this will preserve the quality of the pelts. High-quality pelts can be sold to trappers or butchers for a decent profit. For example, a perfect deer pelt can fetch around $10, which adds up quickly if you hunt multiple animals.\n\nAnother effective method is looting. After gunfights, always search the bodies of enemies for valuables like jewelry, cash, and ammunition. These items can be sold to fences, which are unlocked after completing the mission ''The Spines of America'' in Chapter 2. Fences pay well for stolen goods, and you can often find them in towns like Rhodes or Emerald Ranch. Additionally, explore abandoned cabins and campsites for hidden loot, as these locations often contain lockboxes or chests with valuable items.\n\nCompleting story missions and side quests is another reliable way to earn money. Early missions like ''Americans at Rest'' and ''Who is Not Without Sin'' provide cash rewards that can be used for weapon upgrades. Side activities, such as bounty hunting or helping strangers, also offer monetary rewards. For example, the Stranger mission ''The Noblest of Men, and a Woman'' in Valentine pays $50 upon completion, which is a significant amount early in the game.\n\nIf you''re looking for a quick cash injection, consider treasure hunting. Treasure maps can be found or purchased, and they lead to hidden caches of gold bars. One early treasure map, the ''Jack Hall Gang Map,'' can be obtained by looting a random encounter near Flatneck Station. Following the clues will lead you to a treasure worth $500, which is more than enough to upgrade your weapons significantly.\n\nFinally, manage your expenses wisely. Avoid spending money on unnecessary items like fancy clothing or expensive meals. Instead, prioritize weapon upgrades that improve your combat effectiveness, such as improved sights or rifling. These upgrades will make it easier to tackle tougher enemies and earn more money in the long run.\n\nIn summary, focus on hunting, looting, completing missions, and treasure hunting to earn money for weapon upgrades early in Red Dead Redemption 2. By following these strategies, you''ll have the funds needed to enhance your arsenal and tackle the challenges ahead.