How to Snag Free Gold Bars in Red Dead Redemption 2: A Prospector’s Guide

So, you’re looking to strike it rich in the wild west of Red Dead Redemption 2 without spending a single in-game dollar? You’ve come to the right place, partner. While “free” might be a bit of a misnomer – you’ll need to invest time and effort – there are definitely ways to accumulate gold bars early and often throughout your Red Dead Redemption 2 journey, both in the main story and Red Dead Online. The key is knowing where to look, what to do, and how to exploit a few quirks in the game’s design. Let’s dive in!

Finding Your Fortune: Gold Bar Locations and Strategies

Main Story Riches: Claiming Your Inheritance

The most reliable, and arguably fastest, way to get your hands on a substantial amount of gold early in the game is through treasure maps and specific locations. These are often hidden in plain sight, requiring keen observation and a bit of puzzle-solving.

• Jack Hall Gang Treasure Map: This is one of the earliest treasure hunts you can embark on. It involves finding three maps, each leading you closer to the final treasure location. The reward? Two gold bars to kickstart your wealth.
• Strange Statues: Completing this side quest reveals a hidden cave containing seven gold bars. This quest becomes available in Chapter 2 and is relatively straightforward, rewarding you handsomely for your efforts.
• Derailed Train (Cotorra Springs): Located near Cotorra Springs, this wrecked train contains a locked car. You’ll need to either use dynamite or shoot the lock to gain access. Inside, you’ll find one gold bar waiting to be claimed.
• Limpany Sheriff’s Office: In the burnt-out town of Limpany, within the Sheriff’s office, you’ll find a lockbox containing a gold bar. It’s an easy grab and accessible very early in the game.
• Braithwaite Manor (Catherine Braithwaite’s Hidden Stash): During or after the events at Braithwaite Manor, a savvy player can find a gold bar hidden within Catherine Braithwaite’s burned residence.

Red Dead Online: Becoming a Gold Mogul

While Red Dead Online doesn’t offer gold bars scattered around the map like the story mode, it provides numerous avenues to earn gold through gameplay. Consistency and strategic planning are crucial here.

• Missions for NPCs: Stranger Missions and Story Missions are a consistent source of gold. The payouts may seem small at first, but completing them regularly adds up.
• Daily Challenges: These offer a small amount of gold, but maintaining a streak of completing daily challenges significantly increases the reward. This is one of the most reliable ways to accumulate gold over time.
• Role Activities: Embracing specific roles like Bounty Hunter, Trader, Collector, and Moonshiner unlocks unique missions and opportunities to earn gold.
  • Bounty Hunter: Arguably the most efficient role for gold farming. Longer missions and capturing bounties alive significantly increase the gold payout.
  • Collector: Finding and selling complete collections to Madam Nazar is a good way to make money and gold.
• Weekly Bonuses: Rockstar Games frequently offers bonuses on certain activities, including increased gold payouts for specific missions or roles. Keep an eye on the Rockstar Newswire to stay informed.

Exploits (Use at Your Own Risk)

In the past, there were a few glitches and exploits that allowed players to duplicate gold bars or earn unlimited gold. These are often patched quickly, so while they might exist briefly, relying on them is not a sustainable strategy. It’s always best to stick to legitimate methods to avoid potential penalties.

Maximizing Your Gold Haul: Tips and Tricks

• Complete Missions Methodically: Don’t rush through missions. The longer a mission takes (within reason), the greater the gold payout.
• Focus on Bounty Hunting (Online): As mentioned earlier, the Bounty Hunter role is exceptionally lucrative for gold. Invest in it early.
• Sell Strategically: Locate a Fence. They are the only merchants who will buy your gold bars in story mode. Gold bars are always worth $500.
• Loot Everything: Don’t neglect looting bodies. You never know when you might find valuables that can be sold for a decent profit.
• Treasure Maps are Key: Always prioritize treasure maps when you find them. They often lead to gold bars or valuable items.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many gold bars are there in RDR2 story mode? While the number can vary slightly depending on undiscovered locations and potential glitches, there are typically around 24 gold bars that players can find on the map.
2. Where can I sell gold bars in Red Dead Redemption 2? You can sell gold bars to a Fence. The first Fence is unlocked after completing the “Spines of America” mission in Chapter 2.
3. How much is a gold bar worth in Red Dead Redemption 2? Each gold bar is worth $500, making them a valuable asset in the game.
4. Can you buy gold bars in RDR2 story mode? No, you cannot directly buy gold bars in the story mode. You can only find them. In Red Dead Online, you can purchase Gold Bars with real-world money through the in-game store.
5. Do treasure maps always lead to gold bars? Not always. Some treasure maps lead to other valuable items, like jewelry or cash. However, many do reward you with gold bars.
6. Is it possible to get unlimited gold bars in RDR2? While there have been glitches and exploits in the past that allowed for duplication, these are usually patched quickly. It’s best to rely on legitimate methods.
7. What is the fastest way to earn gold in Red Dead Online? Focusing on the Bounty Hunter role and completing daily challenges is generally the fastest way to earn gold in Red Dead Online.
8. Can you convert cash to gold in Red Dead Redemption 2? No, there is no direct way to convert cash into gold or vice versa in either the story mode or Red Dead Online.
9. Are gold bars illegal in real life? No, it is not illegal to own gold bars in most countries, including the United States. There were restrictions in the past, but they have been lifted.
10. What do I do if I can’t find a treasure? Double-check your map and surroundings. Use landmarks to pinpoint the exact location. If you’re still struggling, consult online guides or videos.
11. Does difficulty affect gold bar locations or amounts? No, the difficulty setting in Red Dead Redemption 2 does not affect the location or amount of gold bars you can find.
12. Can I find gold bars in Red Dead Online Story missions? Yes, some Red Dead Online Story missions offer gold as a reward upon completion, particularly those with higher difficulty settings or those completed with certain conditions met.
13. How can playing games help students? Playing games, particularly complex strategy or role-playing games like Red Dead Redemption 2, can improve problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities. To learn more about the educational benefits of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org.
14. Can you lose gold bars in Red Dead Redemption 2? Yes, if you are killed by lawmen or rival gang members and you are not able to retrieve them you can lose your money and possibly your gold bars.
15. Are there any ways to find multiple treasure maps in Red Dead Redemption 2? Yes, they will appear randomly around the map, and you can also buy them.

Go Forth and Prosper!

Finding gold bars in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and strategic gameplay. Whether you’re meticulously searching for hidden treasures in the story mode or grinding through missions in Red Dead Online, the rewards are well worth the effort. So saddle up, partner, and get ready to strike it rich! Remember, patience and perseverance are key to becoming a true gold baron in the Wild West.