Red Dead Online: Stop Riding Broke – Which Role Actually Pays the Bills?
Tired of scraping by in Red Dead Online? Living off beans and pocket lint? You’re not alone. It can feel tough to earn coin in this dusty world. But don’t worry. Let’s break down the roles in Red Dead Online. Some roles can fill your pockets faster than a crooked dealer.
So, which role makes money? Forget about fancy doctor or CEO jobs. Here in the Wild West, things are rough.
The Money-Making Roles: Let’s Sort the Posse
First up, the Collector role. It is known as the gold standard for cash. You’re like a treasure hunter. Instead of dusty maps, you use a metal detector to find trinkets scattered across the map. It might sound tedious, but it’s profitable.
Find an online map of collectible locations and you could swim in RDO$ like Scrooge McDuck. Seriously, if you play smart, thousands of dollars await in just a few hours. This role is insane for cash.
Bounty Hunter: Bringing ‘Em In, Dead or Alive (Preferably Alive, For the Bonus)
Next is the Bounty Hunter role. This role helps you feel like a gunslinger hunting outlaws. While it may not match the Collector’s cash flow, Bounty Hunting offers serious rewards. Focus on high-paying bounties for max profit. Plus, who wants to miss a good chase?
Here’s a secret: Bounty Hunting is also great for snagging gold bars. So, if you want a new gun or top-notch horses, saddle up.
Trader: Turning Animal Bits Into Big Bucks
The Trader role is another choice for those who enjoy hunting. You hunt animals, haul their bodies back to camp, and let Cripps turn them into goods. After that, you deliver your wares for cash. It’s grindy but surprisingly efficient for consistent income.
Moonshiner: Passive Income with a Kick (Literally)
If you want something less hands-on, try the Moonshiner role. Once your moonshining operation runs smoothly, you can produce and sell alcohol while doing other activities. It is not the quickest earner but gives nice cash flow when busy with other roles.
Naturalist: Admire Wildlife, Maybe Make a Buck (Eventually)
Now, we have the Naturalist role. If photographing animals excites you, this role might appeal. However, this role isn’t known for its wealth. It emphasizes adventure and the experience, not riches. It’s not a quick train to Fort Knox.
Gold Rush: How to Get Rich Quick (ish) in Gold Bars
Gold bars are the real currency in Red Dead Online. So how do you get those shiny nuggets without losing your digital soul?
Daily Challenges: Your Golden Ticket (Literally)
The quickest way to earn gold is through Daily Challenges. Complete as many as possible each day. And maintain a streak! Longer streaks give higher gold multipliers. A 21-day streak boosts it to 2.5x. Just do one daily challenge to keep it going.
Bounty Hunting: Gold in Them There Bounties
Bounty Hunting isn’t just for RDO$; it earns gold as well. Focus on higher-paying bounties, especially legendary ones. Visit any Bounty Board you find and start bringing in the criminals to earn that gold.
Other Gold Nuggets: Don’t Forget These
- Treasure Maps: These often lead to cash or gold.
- Stranger Missions: Some pay in gold. Keep your eyes open.
- Free Roam Events: Join these for chances at gold rewards.
- Call to Arms: Defend sites from enemies to earn gold.
- Reset Awards: Reset completed awards for extra gold.
- 2-Step Verification: Enable this on your account for free 10 gold bars. Just do it.
- Monthly Events: Rockstar runs events with increased gold earnings. Watch for announcements.
- Role Challenges: Complete these for generous gold rewards.
- Blood Money Missions: These may not be the main source but they help!
RDO$ Riches: Filling Your Wallet Fast
You need cash (RDO$) to buy supplies, upgrades, and outfits. How do you become an RDO$ millionaire?
Mission Mania: Story and Blood Money Missions
Completing missions is vital for fast cash. Story missions offer significant rewards initially. Don’t skip main story tasks! Blood Money missions also give decent payouts. Steal jewels, take home cash — a classic Western approach.
Role Play for Payday: Leveraging Your Roles
Those roles? They unlock specialized money-earning activities. Become a Bounty Hunter, Trader, Moonshiner, or Collector. Choose your path and start working!
Hunting and Fishing: Nature’s ATM
Don’t overlook nature’s bounty. Hunting perfect pelts and selling them is reliable cash. Fishing, especially salmon, also earns well if you upgrade your satchel. Roughing it can indeed be lucrative.
Risky Business: Robbing Trains and Banks
Feeling rebellious? Robbing trains and banks offers big rewards but attracts lawmen. Prepare for a fight. If you’re armed and lucky, it can build a fuller wallet.
Treasure Hunts: X Marks the Spot (and the Cash)
Find treasure maps, follow them! They lead to buried chests with gold or cash. Easy money if you find both the map and treasure.
Trading and Moonshining: Business Ventures
As a Trader, deliveries earn cash. As a Moonshiner, brewing and selling hooch brings profit. Embrace your inner entrepreneur!
Collecting: Turning Trinkets Into Treasure
As a Collector, your goal is to find and sell rare items scattered around the map. Collecting adds up over time.
Competitive Games: Race for Riches
Even horse races can boost your income. If you have speed and racing skill, put them to use!
Humble Beginnings: Don’t Forget Fishing
Fishing offers more value than you think. It’s good for money, resources, and crafting materials. It’s surprisingly versatile.
Pro Tips for Raking It In
Maximize your earnings with these tips:
- Efficiency is Key: Complete missions quickly to earn more gold and cash per hour. Don’t waste time.
- Posse
- Up (Sometimes): Playing with friends can speed things up. It relies on your posse’s strategy. Good friends help make quicker profits.
- High-Value Hustle: Hunt for perfect pelts and sell valuable goods. Prioritize quality over quantity.
- Upgrade Your Life: Invest in skills and upgrades. They enhance hunting, fishing, trading, and moonshining efficiency. Money spent can yield returns.
- Daily Challenge Discipline: Don’t ignore Daily Challenges. Small rewards accumulate over time.
Robbing 101: Train Heists and Bank Jobs
You feel bold? Let’s discuss robbing.
Train Robberies: Choo Choo… Cash Cow?
Trains make good targets. You can rob passengers or the baggage car. Watch out for guards usually at the front and rear. Using dynamite can be strategic.
Bank Robberies: Big Risk, Big Reward
Red Dead Online offers a bank heist mission. Experience a bank robbery thrill. The bank in Armadillo is tough but pays high rewards. Good luck with that.
Time is Money: How Long to Grind for Gold?
Wonder about time for gold? Earning 15 gold bars can take 6 to 12 hours. It varies by playstyle and efficiency. New players may need 8-12 hours, while veterans could finish in 6-7 hours. Focus on efficiency.
Collector Role: Deep Dive into Profitability
The Collector role is profitable. Use online collectible maps. You can earn 3-4k in hours. Find and sell collectibles. Simple and profitable.
Trader Role: Efficiency in Income
The Trader role excels in pure income. Hunt animals, let Cripps work, and deliver goods. It’s a solid money-making approach.
Gold Bar Bonanza: Where to Find Those Shiny Bricks
Want gold bars outside challenges? Here are some locations:
- Story: Complete Chapter 2.
- Sheriff’s Building (Horseshoe Overlook): Check the drawer in the Sheriff’s Office.
- Jack Hall Treasure Maps: Follow maps for gold.
- Derailed Train (Cotorra Springs): Explore the wreckage.
- Strange Statues Quest: Complete for gold rewards.
- Catherine Braithwaite’s Manor: Rumors say there’s gold in the ruins.
Horsepower for Profit: The Best Steeds for Each Role
A good horse matters in Red Dead Online. Here are ideal breeds:
- Black Arabian: All-around horse with high stats. Versatile for all roles.
- Missouri Fox Trotter: Fastest horse, ideal for Collectors.
- Turkoman: High health, good for Traders and Bounty Hunters.
- Breton (Bounty Hunter): Great stamina for long hunts.
- Criollo (Collector): Fast and agile like the Fox Trotter.
- Kladruber (Trader): Stamina and health for hauling goods.
- Norfolk Roadster (Moonshiner): Speedy for deliveries but fragile.
- Gypsy Cob (Naturalist): Balanced stats for diverse tasks.
- Mustangs: Affordable beginner horses, decent for all roles.
Random Nuggets of Red Dead Wisdom
- Getting $1000 Fast: Missions, robbing trains, hidden businesses, selling horses/wagons, gambling, bounty hunting, looting, or treasure hunting.
- Most Profitable Animal: Grizzly Bears provide a good payout. Go hunting!
- Capitale Usage: Use Capitale from Blood Money missions to unlock more cash opportunities.
- Dynamite: Get it from the Fence after “Honor Among Horse Thieves.” Use it for robbing trains.
- Passive Income: Moonshining leads to passive income in RDO.
- Fat Animals: Ducks, geese, boar, bears, bison give fat. Useful for various reasons.
- Best Fence for Gold: Saint Denis Fence serves the east market. For all legally acquired gold items.
You have it, partner. This is your guide to wealth in Red Dead Online. Choose your role wisely. May your pockets be full of gold!
