How to Make Money Without Losing Honor in Red Dead Redemption 2: A Gentleman’s Guide to Riches

So, you’re riding through the Wild West in Red Dead Redemption 2 and find yourself needing more greenbacks, but you’re trying to maintain your reputation as a stand-up citizen? You want to be a hero, not a villain, but those upgrades aren’t going to pay for themselves. The key is to focus on activities that are inherently lawful or charitable, offering monetary rewards without forcing you into dishonorable actions. Here’s the breakdown:

The most straightforward path to riches with a clean conscience involves hunting and fishing, completing story missions, treasure hunting, and participating in side activities that don’t require you to exploit or harm innocent individuals. You can also make an honest living collecting bounties (on outlaws, of course!) and selling found horses. Let’s dive into each of these:

• Hunting and Fishing: The pristine wilderness of RDR2 is teeming with wildlife. Learning the best hunting spots and fishing techniques is crucial. Use the right weapon for the right animal to ensure a clean kill and maintain the pelt’s value. Sell your meat and pelts to butchers and trappers for a steady income stream.
• Story Missions: Many story missions offer substantial payouts. While some missions may involve morally ambiguous choices, many align with a good honor playthrough. Choose the honorable option whenever possible to maximize both your earnings and your honor.
• Treasure Hunting: Scattered throughout the map are clues and maps leading to hidden treasures. Follow these clues diligently, and you’ll uncover valuable gold bars and other artifacts that can be sold for a significant profit.
• Side Activities: Look for opportunities to help people in need. Random encounters often present choices that can impact your honor. Assisting strangers in distress, donating to the poor, and generally being a good Samaritan can yield rewards, both monetary and honor-related.
• Bounty Hunting: The legal system isn’t perfect, but helping to enforce it by bringing in wanted criminals is a reliable way to earn money while upholding the law. Focus on bounty targets in towns and cities to avoid accidentally harming innocent bystanders.
• Taming and Selling Wild Horses: Instead of stealing horses, you can find wild horses roaming the plains. Tame them, build a bond, and then sell them to horse fences. This is a perfectly legitimate way to profit from the animal kingdom.
• Helping people robbed by bandits: Occasionally you will see people robbed and left on the side of the road by bandits. If you kill the bandits and return the money to the robbed you will gain both money and honor.

Maintaining high honor in RDR2 isn’t just about being a good person; it also unlocks unique content, including discounts at stores and special outfits. It pays to be a good guy! Let’s get into some details.

Mastering the Art of Honorable Profit

Hunting and Fishing: A Profitable Pursuit

Hunting and fishing are more than just recreational activities; they’re significant sources of income. Learn the hunting grounds for valuable animals like deer, elk, and bison. Invest in the right weapons and ammo for clean kills. The varmint rifle is perfect for small game like rabbits and squirrels, while a high-powered rifle is necessary for larger animals. When fishing, select the appropriate bait for the type of fish you’re targeting. Consider investing in the special lures when you gain access to them.

Quick Tip: Always skin your kills promptly to prevent spoilage and maximize their value. Consider purchasing the trinket that gives you better pelts when skinning animals.

The Allure of Treasure Hunting

Treasure maps are scattered throughout the world, promising untold riches. These maps require patience and observation, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Look for landmarks and geographical features to guide you to the treasure’s location. Be prepared to face challenges along the way, such as bandits or dangerous wildlife. Gold bars are the most valuable treasure, and can be sold at any fence.

Bounty Hunting: Justice for Profit

Becoming a bounty hunter is a natural fit for an honorable character. Accept bounties from sheriffs and track down outlaws wanted for their crimes. Be mindful of innocent bystanders during confrontations, and try to avoid unnecessary violence. Bringing in the bounty alive often yields a higher reward and gives you a boost in honor!

Honor and Consequences

Remember, every action in RDR2 has consequences. Killing innocent people, stealing, and generally causing mayhem will negatively impact your honor. Conversely, helping others, donating to charity, and making honorable choices will raise your honor. A high honor level unlocks unique interactions with NPCs, discounts at stores, and access to special outfits.

It’s a fun way to make money by playing poker, but it can get you in trouble if you start cheating.

FAQs: Making Bank the Honorable Way

FAQ 1: How do I quickly increase my honor if I’ve made some bad choices?

Donate to the camp tithing box or to the needy in towns. Greet people by pressing L2/LT or R2/RT, and then tapping Square/X. Choose high honor options in missions when available.

FAQ 2: Are there any specific hunting locations that are particularly profitable?

The Great Plains are excellent for bison and deer, while the Roanoke Ridge area has a variety of animals, including bears and wolves.

FAQ 3: What’s the best way to carry multiple pelts?

Upgrade your satchel with the Legend of the East Satchel to carry more items, including pelts.

FAQ 4: Can I lose honor while hunting?

Yes, if you kill farm animals or poach on private property. Stick to hunting in the wilderness.

FAQ 5: What are the best types of fish to catch for profit?

Salmon and sturgeon are generally the most valuable fish.

FAQ 6: How often do treasure maps appear?

Treasure maps are often found in random encounters or as rewards for completing certain tasks. Keep an eye out for them!

FAQ 7: Are there any side missions that guarantee a positive honor gain and a good payout?

Yes, several side missions involve helping people in need and making honorable choices. Look for missions with a white icon instead of a yellow one on the map.

FAQ 8: Is it worth donating to the camp?

Yes, donating to the camp improves morale and unlocks upgrades that can benefit the entire gang.

FAQ 9: How do I tame a wild horse?

Approach the horse slowly, calm it down, and then mount it. You’ll need to break it by repeatedly pressing the button prompted on screen.

FAQ 10: Where can I sell stolen wagons without losing honor?

You can’t. Selling stolen wagons is inherently dishonorable. Avoid it if you want to maintain high honor.

FAQ 11: Does my horse’s honor matter?

No, your horse doesn’t have an honor level. However, building a strong bond with your horse will improve its performance and responsiveness.

FAQ 12: Can I get in trouble for accidentally hitting someone with my horse?

Yes, if you repeatedly run into people, you may incur a bounty and lose honor. Be careful when riding through towns.

FAQ 13: What happens if I have very low honor?

Low honor will result in negative interactions with NPCs, higher prices at stores, and access to different story missions.

FAQ 14: Are there any glitches or exploits that allow me to make money without losing honor?

Using glitches or exploits can compromise the integrity of the game and is generally not recommended. Focus on playing the game as intended to have the best experience.

FAQ 15: Can children benefit from Red Dead Redemption 2?

Red Dead Redemption 2 is rated Mature due to its violence, mature themes, and strong language. It’s not intended for children. However, the Games Learning Society explores how games in general can be used for educational purposes. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion: A Noble Outlaw

Making money without losing honor in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a bit more effort and strategy, but it’s entirely achievable. By focusing on hunting, fishing, treasure hunting, bounty hunting, and side activities that promote good deeds, you can become a wealthy and respected figure in the Wild West. So saddle up, partner, and start earning your fortune with a clear conscience. Your legend awaits!