Dive Deep into Red Dead Redemption 2 Bounties and Money-Making Secrets
You roam the Wild West in Red Dead Redemption 2. Causing mayhem? Maybe a couple of stagecoach robberies? Partner, such actions bring attention in the form of bounties.
Understanding the Bounty System in RDR2
Let’s discuss bounties. They are not just annoyances; they are your chances for riches and some in-game notoriety. You find bounty opportunities on posters near the Telegraph Office or train station. Look for a white skull icon on your map. That shows bounties available.
Here’s a tip for the morally inclined. Bringing bounties in alive boosts your honor and fills your pockets with cash and gold. Who knew being a good outlaw could pay off?
How High Can Your Bounty Go? (Spoiler: Pretty High)
Wondered how much trouble you can cause before the law strikes? In the early days of RDR2, gamer Dat Saintsfan tested limits. Arthur Morgan can accumulate a max bounty of $1500 in any of the five states.
This bounty climbs as you progress. It hits that $1500 ceiling when you reach the epilogue. Plenty of time to be a truly notorious outlaw.
Getting Rid of That Pesky Bounty
You racked up a bounty? Maybe a few? Or tired of being hunted? Time to clear your name, or your bank account. The simplest way to ditch a bounty is to pay it off at the Post Office.
Just go into the Post Office, chat with the clerk, and settle your debts. Pay the required amount, and poof! Bounty gone. You can pay off bounties from any state at any Post Office. Earned a bounty in Strawberry but now in Valentine? No problem. You have Post Offices for this. For now, paying is the only real way to wipe your bounty clean.
Stepping Up Your Game: Legendary Bounties
Feeling like regular bounties are too easy? Try Legendary Bounties. These are the best bounty hunting challenges in Red Dead Online. To start a legendary bounty, find a bounty board, select “Legendary Bounty,” and pick your target.
Don’t fall for the easy road. Legendary bounties are tough. Expect armed posses, unique target skills, and challenging, scenic environments. They require groups; tackling them alone is like bringing a knife to a gunfight. Ideally, round up four or five posse members for a good chance.
But for the extra effort, Legendary Bounties offer better rewards than regular bounties. Expect more cash, XP, and gold. If you fail? No worries, legendary targets will reappear on the bounty board after 30 minutes, ready for another shot.
Who Pays the Big Bucks? Top Bounty Targets
Now, let’s get to it. Who are the bounties that earn you cash? Here are some high-rollers:
Red Ben Clempson
This guy helps pad your wallet, especially at max difficulty (level 5). Payout fluctuates but at max difficulty, it’s over $300. Even at level 3, he’s worth more than $200. The real challenge? He’s often hiding on a train, making things tough.
Etta Doyle
If you want gold and decent cash, Etta Doyle is the best choice. Rumor says she nets around nine gold bars and $700. Not bad for a day’s work or however long tracking her takes.
Beyond Bounties: Other Avenues to Riches in RDR2
Bounties are not the only way to earn coin or gold. If you seek diverse income in RDR2, here are other lucrative activities:
Robberies: Train Heists and More
Feeling a bit like Robin Hood? Train robberies offer big money but come with risks. Fleecing train passengers and looting freight cars leads to serious hauls. Freight trains often have lockboxes full of goodies.
To really challenge yourself (and boost your payout), try robbing the train in Armadillo at night. Break a side window, jump in, and start redistributing wealth.
Selling Your… Acquired… Goods
Let’s be honest; “acquired” sounds better than “stolen.” Selling items provides reliable income.
- Gold Bars: These golden nuggets are scattered across the map, in treasure chests. Gold bars are top-tier moneymakers.
- Jewelry: Earrings, necklaces, buckles, and watches are valuable finds; easy to offload.
- Animal Goods: Hunting isn’t just sport; it can be profitable. Carcasses and pelts can be sold for good money.
Hunting: Become a Grizzly Bear Tycoon
If hunting is your thing, target Grizzly Bears for maximum profit. They are the most lucrative critters to hunt, available in plenty. Unlimited bears equal unlimited profit. Just be cautious of their claws.
Missions: The (Sometimes) Honest Way to Earn
You can earn money by doing missions. Story missions and stranger missions regularly deposit cash into your account. It’s not always fast riches but steady income.
Gambling: Feeling Lucky?
If Lady Luck favors you or you want to lose money quickly, gambling is an option. High Stakes Poker game needs a hefty $250 buy-in. Just remember, the house wins… eventually.
Quick Cash and Gold Grabs
Need quick cash or gold? Here’s the rundown:
Cheat Codes: Instant Gratification (with a Catch)
To quickly boost by $500, use cheat code “Greed is now a virtue.” You can use this cheat multiple times to inflate your virtual bank account. But beware: cheats disable saving and achievements. Use them wisely or on a separate save file if those matter to you.
Roles in Red Dead Online: Gold Rush
If you play Red Dead Online and want gold, choose the Bounty Hunter role. It’s the only role that awards gold for completing bounties, making it the direct path to that shiny metal.
Gold Acquisition Time: Patience is a Virtue (Sometimes)
Earning 15 gold bars in Red Dead Online isn’t a quick task. Depending on your play style, it can take 6 to 12 hours of gameplay. Prepare for the long haul if aiming for a golden payday.
Bonus RDR2 Trivia: Just for Fun
Here are some random RDR2 tidbits:
Arthur’s Bounty Ceiling: Sticking to $1500
To reiterate, Arthur’s max bounty across states is capped at $1500. No matter how much chaos you cause, that’s the upper limit.
John Marston’s Bounty Poster: A Price on His Head (Backwards?)
A quirky detail: John Marston’s bounty poster lists the reward as “$200 Alive, $400 Dead.” It’s the opposite of what you expect. Maybe they wanted him alive?
The Best Horse: White Arabian Majesty
For horse lovers, the White Arabian near Lake Isabella is seen as the best horse in Red Dead Redemption 2. Its speed and acceleration make it ideal for escape or stylish travel across the plains.
So there you have it, partner. A complete guide to navigating the bounty system and making money in Red Dead Redemption 2. Now get out there, cause some trouble, and make your fortune!