Unlocking Riches: Which Fence in Red Dead Redemption 2 Pays the Most?
The world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is teeming with opportunity, both honest and… less so. For the aspiring outlaw, a reliable Fence is crucial. These shady characters are your go-to for turning ill-gotten gains into cold, hard cash. But with several Fences scattered across the map, the burning question arises: which Fence pays the most in RDR2?
The answer, surprisingly, isn’t about one Fence offering significantly higher prices than another. All Fences pay the same base price for items. The real key to maximizing your profits lies in understanding what each Fence will buy and leveraging their specific specialties to your advantage. Emerald Ranch Fence is the most versatile, because players can also sell stolen wagons and horses to him, not just gold bars.
However, each fence has unique goods that they will buy, depending on which one is close, sell to the one that has the best offer.
Let’s dive deeper into the world of Fences in RDR2 and how to become a master of the art of the deal.
Understanding the Fence Network in Red Dead Redemption 2
Fences in Red Dead Redemption 2 are specialized merchants. Unlike general stores or gunsmiths, they deal in items acquired through less-than-legal means. This includes stolen goods, valuables, and even wagons and horses, depending on the individual Fence. Knowing the location and specialties of each Fence is paramount to optimizing your income.
Here’s a brief overview of the main Fences in the game:
- Emerald Ranch Fence: Located at Emerald Ranch, east of Valentine. This Fence is particularly valuable as he buys stolen wagons and horses in addition to the standard valuables.
- Rhodes Fence: Unlocked by completing the “Horse Flesh for Dinner” story mission in Chapter 3, this Fence operates north of Clemens Point. He also buys stolen horses.
- Saint Denis Fence: Found in the market area in the east of Saint Denis. He is in a fixed building, making him more reliable than some of the other fences.
- Van Horn Trading Post Fence: Located at the Van Horn Trading Post.
The absence of price variation between fences forces you to develop a more strategic approach to your trading activities.
Maximizing Your Profits: A Strategic Approach
Since all Fences offer the same base price, maximizing your profits hinges on these factors:
- Availability and Convenience: Consider the Fence’s location in relation to your current activities. It’s often more efficient to sell to the closest Fence, even if they don’t offer a unique service, rather than making a long journey.
- Wagon and Horse Sales: Emerald Ranch and the Fence unlocked north of Clemens Point are the only Fences that purchase stolen wagons and horses. If you’re looking to offload a stolen wagon or a particularly fine steed, these are your go-to locations. Prioritize wagons and horses, as they are usually the highest value.
- Strategic Robbery: Plan your robberies around the capabilities of nearby Fences. If you’re near Emerald Ranch, focus on stealing wagons or horses to maximize your gains. Near Saint Denis, focus on smaller valuables.
Ethical Considerations (In-Game, Of Course!)
While the game encourages a morally ambiguous playstyle, consider the consequences of your actions within the game world. Robbing every store in town might seem like a quick way to riches, but it can also affect your honor rating and how NPCs react to you. Balance your desire for profit with the consequences of your actions. Games can even be used as learning tools to explore ethical dilemmas, as discussed by experts at the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
FAQs: Fencing Your Way to Fortune in Red Dead Redemption 2
Here are some frequently asked questions to further refine your fencing strategy:
1. Should I sell everything to the Fence in RDR2?
Generally, yes. Items marked as “can be sold” in their description should be sold to a Fence. The exception is unique items you might want to keep for their aesthetic value or sentimental reasons. For example, the Ruetlinger pocket watch can be kept just because it looks awesome and you can use it like a regular watch.
2. What items should I always sell to a Fence?
Gold bars, jewelry, watches, and other valuables are prime candidates for sale to a Fence. Also, stolen wagons and horses should always be sold to the appropriate Fence.
3. Where can I find the most valuable items to sell?
Look for lockboxes hidden in remote locations, loot bodies after gunfights, and rob trains and stagecoaches for high-value items. Explore thoroughly and be observant.
4. How do I unlock more Fences?
Some Fences are unlocked through story missions. Completing the “Horse Flesh for Dinner” mission unlocks the Rhodes Fence. The Emerald Ranch Fence is available from the beginning of Chapter 2.
5. Is there a limit to how much I can sell to a Fence?
No, there is no limit. You can sell as much as you want to a Fence, as long as they have the funds to purchase the items.
6. Can I rob a Fence?
While it’s technically possible to try and rob a Fence, it’s generally not advisable. The potential rewards are minimal, and you’ll likely attract unwanted attention from the law.
7. What happens if I get caught selling stolen goods?
If caught by law enforcement while selling stolen goods, you’ll face a fine or arrest, depending on the severity of the offense.
8. Are there any unique items that only a Fence will buy?
Yes, certain items, like stolen wagons and horses, can only be sold to specific Fences.
9. Does my honor rating affect the prices offered by Fences?
No, your honor rating does not affect the prices offered by Fences. However, a low honor rating might make it easier to find opportunities to acquire stolen goods.
10. How do I quickly find a Fence on the map?
Fences are marked on the map with a small lock icon. You can also set a waypoint to a Fence from the map menu.
11. Is it worth selling animal parts to the Fence?
No, animal parts should be sold to a Trapper or Butcher for the best prices. Fences primarily deal in stolen goods and valuables. If you sell to the butcher, skin the animal and sell the parts separately, and you can also sell the skinned carcass. Cripps will not accept skinned carcasses, however. You get more money from selling the whole carcass (unskinned). Skinning it will result in less money.
12. What is the fastest way to make money in Red Dead Redemption 2?
Robbing trains, finding gold bars, and selling stolen wagons and horses are among the fastest ways to accumulate wealth. Also, consider repeating missions.
13. Can I invest in a Fence?
No, there is no option to invest in a Fence or improve their business.
14. Should I sell the rock statue in RDR2?
The rock statue is worth $50, so it’s up to you whether to sell it on or hold on to this Indiana Jones-esque artifact.
15. Where is the best place to steal wagons in RDR2?
Wagons can generally be found at oil rigs and farms. A fairly reliable place is the Cornwall facility east of Valentine, where you would have stolen a wagon in the Pouring Forth Oil story mission.
Conclusion: The Fence is Your Friend
While no single Fence offers dramatically higher prices, understanding their individual specialties and strategically planning your activities around their capabilities is crucial to maximizing your profits in Red Dead Redemption 2. Exploit the available resources to amass a fortune, but be mindful of the consequences of your actions in the game world. Happy robbing (and selling)!