Being an outlaw in the rugged wilds of 19th-century America isn’t cheap. Between upgrading your gear, purchasing stylish outfits, and chasing down that elusive Black Arabian, gold and dollars are essential in Red Dead Online. For newcomers, the grind might feel overwhelming—but don’t worry. This guide offers 25 practical tips to go from broke to rolling in riches without glitches or shady shortcuts.

1. Nail Your Character Creation

Your appearance is permanent unless you pay 10 gold bars or $400 to change it. Avoid wasting your early gold by taking your time during character customization. Veterans can afford it—beginners can’t.

2. Do the Land of Opportunity Missions

These co-op or solo missions offer XP and major gold payouts. Completing both high and low honor paths gives you up to 10 gold bars in your first playthrough.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Link your Rockstar Social Club account and enable 2FA for a free 10 gold bar bonus. It may take a day or two to appear, but it still works in 2025.

4. Tackle Daily Challenges

Complete up to 7 general and 9 role challenges daily. With a streak multiplier, you can earn up to 5.5 gold bars per day. That’s 107 gold bars monthly if you maintain the 28-day streak.

5. Reset and Farm Awards

From looting to horse kills, most awards offer 40 gold nuggets per tier, and can be reset 10 times. Use the progress menu to check easy completions—like blowing up fish, train jumping, or bow headshots in PvE.

6. Loot Every NPC

Looting corpses gives you ammo, consumables, and sometimes treasure maps or collectibles. Saving money is as valuable as making it.

7. Craft Instead of Buying

Collect herbs, animal fat, feathers, and moonshine to craft tonics, ammo, and food. Many items you’d otherwise buy can be made at your campfire.

8. Don’t Overspend on Guns

You only need three essential guns to succeed: the Lancaster Repeater, Pump-Action Shotgun, and Bolt-Action or Varmint Rifle. Avoid the trap of expensive cosmetics and unnecessary duplicates.

9. Choose Your Horse Wisely

Don’t splurge on multiple horses early. Stick with your starter Kentucky Saddler or upgrade to a Mustang if needed. Save your money for a level 20 role horse like the Gypsy Cob or Breton.

10. Pick Bounty Hunter as Your First Role

It’s the only role that rewards gold and cash consistently. Starting here ensures faster progression and better access to future roles.

11. Make Collector Your Second Role

Collectibles can be sold in full sets to Madam Nazar for huge profits. Use the Gene Ropke interactive map to skip buying her overpriced collectible maps.

12. Avoid Buying Collectible Maps

They’re unnecessary and expensive. Use online tools to track spawn cycles and maximize profit with guaranteed non-diggable items like alcohol bottles and tarot cards.

13. Don’t Waste Money on Cosmetics Early

Focus on functionality. Buy items like the Nacogdoches Saddle or pamphlets for special ammo and tonics before spending money on flashy clothing.

14. Optimize Mission Timing

Missions reward more gold the longer they take—but only up to a point. Twelve minutes gives optimal payout for your time. Waiting the full 30 minutes gives minimal extra gold.

15. Participate in Free Roam Events

These offer bonus cash and XP with no entry fee. Rockstar often adds extra rewards, so check the calendar and dive in when events rotate in.

16. Watch for Monthly Bonuses

Each month offers discounts, cash boosts, and triple XP for selected roles or content types. In March, Moonshiner content saw 3x rewards—track these regularly.

17. Play the Featured Series

These PvP events rotate monthly with triple rewards. Even if you prefer PvE, jumping in can yield quick payouts.

18. Use Naturalist to Farm Trader Supplies

Kill (not sample) legendary animals from Harriet’s missions. Their pelts fast-track trader deliveries. Harriet will be mad, but she gets over it.

19. Don’t Ignore Treasure Maps

These often reward around one gold bar each. You’ll collect many just from exploring or looting enemies. Check your satchel and use them during downtime.

20. Don’t Rely on Glitches

Glitches are unreliable, boring, and risky. Rockstar may not release new content often, but they’re quick to patch anything exploitable. Play smart and enjoy the grind.

21. Plan Purchases Around Roles

Buy only what boosts your role effectiveness. If you’re running Trader, invest in wagons. If you’re a Moonshiner, upgrade your shack. Every dollar counts.

22. Unlock and Use Crafting Pamphlets

Buy useful pamphlets from the fence as you level up. Explosive ammo, snake oil, and horse revival kits are worth the price.

23. Sell Full Sets to Madam Nazar

Don’t sell individual collectibles. A full set pays far more and gives XP. Track your collection and wait until you have everything before selling.

24. Use Camps Smartly

You can craft ammo, tonics, and food at your campfire. It’s also your mobile HQ—move it near areas where you plan to farm.

25. Enjoy the Journey

Don’t fixate on getting rich fast. Red Dead Online is best enjoyed at your own pace. Whether you’re grinding gold or fishing in the bayou, the fun is in the experience.

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Whether you’re a newcomer or a returning veteran, these tips can transform your Red Dead Online grind into a rewarding journey. No glitches, no gimmicks—just smart outlaw economics. Now go get that gold, partner.