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Do Gold Bars Carry Over to the Epilogue in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Yes, absolutely! Gold bars are considered valuables in Red Dead Redemption 2, and fortunately for ambitious players, they do carry over from Arthur Morgan’s story into the epilogue where you play as John Marston. So, that hard-earned stash of gold you’ve been meticulously collecting throughout the main storyline won’t be lost when the narrative shifts. You can breathe a sigh of relief; all that prospecting and looting wasn’t for naught! Now, let’s delve deeper into how gold bars work in the epilogue, address some frequently asked questions, and provide invaluable insights into maximizing your wealth in the post-story world.

Understanding the Gold Bar Economy in RDR2

Gold bars are a key resource in RDR2, serving as one of the most lucrative sources of income throughout the game. Each gold bar can be sold for a hefty sum at a Fence, making them essential for acquiring high-end weapons, customizing outfits, and generally living comfortably in the harsh world.

It is imperative to remember that the game resets some gold bar locations when you transition into the epilogue. This means that some of the gold bar stashes Arthur uncovered can be re-looted by John, effectively doubling your potential wealth. However, not all locations reset. Therefore, a strategic understanding of which gold bars are repeatable and which are unique to the initial playthrough is critical for efficient wealth accumulation.

Maximizing Your Gold Bar Gains

To effectively capitalize on the gold bar mechanic in both Arthur’s story and the epilogue, consider the following strategies:

Early Collection: Prioritize collecting gold bars early in the game as Arthur. This will provide a significant financial cushion, allowing you to invest in essential upgrades and equipment.
Map It Out: Create a checklist of all known gold bar locations. This ensures you don’t miss any potential stashes and can efficiently navigate the map for collection.
Epilogue Re-Loot: After transitioning to John, revisit known gold bar locations from Arthur’s playthrough. As mentioned, some of these locations will have reset, allowing you to acquire the gold bars again.
Strategic Spending: Resist the urge to splurge immediately. While it’s tempting to buy everything at once, strategic spending ensures you have enough funds for necessities and future investments.
Fence Familiarity: Locate all the Fences in the game. While they offer similar prices for gold bars, having multiple options allows for convenient selling no matter where you are on the map.

Gold Bar Locations That Reset in the Epilogue

Based on player experiences and community discoveries, specific gold bar locations are known to reset when transitioning to the epilogue. Here are some confirmed locations that you can revisit as John Marston:

Limpany Sheriff’s Office: The burnt-out sheriff’s office in Limpany contains a gold bar hidden within its ruins.
Braithwaite Manor Ruins: Explore the dilapidated ruins of Braithwaite Manor to uncover another gold bar.
Train Wreck near Cotorra Springs: The derailed train near Cotorra Springs holds two gold bars ripe for the taking.

Gold Bar Locations That DO NOT Reset in the Epilogue

These locations only have one Gold Bar spawn during the initial playthrough, and are not known to reset:

Strange Statues: Found North East of Bards Crossing – Complete the puzzle to get 3 bars.
Braithewaite Manor Fence: Found hidden under the shack.
Jack Hall Gang Treasure: Obtained by completing the treasure map, with the last location to be found at O’Creagh’s Run.
Poisonous Trail Treasure: Obtained by completing the treasure map, with the last location to be found at Elysian Pool.
High Stakes Treasure: Obtained by completing the treasure map, with the last location to be found at Bacchus Station

Gold Bars vs. Dutch’s Money

While gold bars offer a steady income stream throughout the game, it’s important to differentiate them from the fabled “Dutch’s Money.” While Arthur gives John his satchel, it doesn’t contain ALL of the gang’s money. However, at the end of the Epilogue, John recovers the money stash from Micah and Dutch at the end of the epilogues, effectively replacing any money you may have lost when you completed Chapter 6. This money is acquired after the “American Venom” mission, the last story mission in the game, John comes across a chest with the Blackwater money, and his share of the cash is $20,000. Therefore, both gold bars and the recovered money contribute to John’s financial stability in the epilogue.

FAQs About Gold Bars and the Epilogue

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the mechanics and benefits of gold bars in Red Dead Redemption 2’s epilogue:

What happens to my gold bars when Arthur dies? Fortunately, gold bars count as valuables, so you won’t lose them. As such, save them unless you absolutely need the money until that certain thing occurs at the very end of the game when you know it is okay to sell them off.
Can John find new gold bars in the epilogue that Arthur couldn’t? Yes, because some gold bar locations reset when the epilogue begins, John can revisit those locations, and obtain more gold bars that Arthur already picked up.
Should I sell all my gold bars as Arthur or save them for John? It’s advisable to save them until the epilogue. While Arthur needs money, John arguably benefits more from the substantial cash influx. This allows John to quickly upgrade his homestead and acquire essential gear.
Do other valuables besides gold bars carry over to the epilogue? Yes, many other valuables also transfer. These include jewelry, watches, and cigarette cards. These items can be sold to Fences for additional income.
Do any other items reset in the epilogue besides gold bar locations? Yes, many of the random loot chests, with gold bars, will reset for John.
If I missed gold bars as Arthur, can I still get them as John? Absolutely! If you missed gold bars during your playthrough as Arthur, you can revisit those locations as John in the epilogue to collect them.
Are there any new treasure maps in the epilogue that lead to gold? No, there are no new treasure maps exclusive to the epilogue that lead to gold. However, any treasure maps you didn’t complete as Arthur can still be completed as John.
How much money do I need in the epilogue? There is no fixed amount. However, having a substantial amount of money is advantageous for purchasing upgrades for Beecher’s Hope, acquiring high-end horses and weapons, and generally enjoying a more comfortable lifestyle.
Can I store gold bars anywhere besides my satchel? No, gold bars can only be stored in your satchel. Ensure you have sufficient space to carry them.
Do all Fences offer the same price for gold bars? Generally, the prices offered by Fences are similar. However, it’s always wise to check multiple locations to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
What are the best ways to make money in the epilogue besides gold bars? Other lucrative activities in the epilogue include hunting, bounty hunting, completing stranger missions, and selling herbs and animal parts.
Does honor affect the price I get for gold bars? No, your honor level does not affect the price you receive for gold bars. The price is fixed regardless of your honor.
Can I lose gold bars by dying or being arrested? No, you cannot lose gold bars by dying or being arrested. They are permanently stored in your inventory.
Can I give gold bars to other characters in the game? No, you cannot give gold bars to other characters. They can only be sold to Fences for cash.
What other items carry over from Arthur to John? Weapons, Outfits, Kit items, Trinkets, Talismans, Valuables, and Documents all transfer over to John in the post game.

Red Dead Redemption 2: A Learning Experience

The intricate mechanics of Red Dead Redemption 2, including its economic system and item persistence, provide an engaging learning experience for players. Understanding these systems requires critical thinking, strategic planning, and resource management. For more insights into the educational potential of video games, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Conclusion

Ultimately, knowing that gold bars carry over to the epilogue is a tremendous relief and opens up exciting possibilities for John Marston’s financial future. By understanding the mechanics of gold bar acquisition, location resets, and strategic spending, players can maximize their wealth and fully enjoy the post-story content of Red Dead Redemption 2. Happy looting!

Do gold bars carry over to epilogue RDR2?