Red Dead Online: There’s a lot to explore and remember when you first dive into Red Dead Online. While the game offers endless fun, knowing where to start can make all the difference. From hunting down the best horses and guns to finding the most rewarding activities, your initial hours can set the tone for your entire experience.

Updated April 2, 2024 by Jake Fillery: Although Red Dead Online may not see frequent content updates, it still provides an immersive experience for those eager to live out their cowboy dreams. With a vast open world full of opportunities, starting off on the right foot will help you navigate the expansive frontier, snag valuable loot, and equip yourself for the challenges ahead.

Explore Locations Familiar & Unfamiliar

Find The Calming Beauty Within This Open-World’s Visuals

Discover the Beauty of Red Dead Online: A Reminder to Slow Down and Explore

Red Dead Online’s vast open world is known for its ruggedness, but it also holds countless moments of breathtaking beauty. While many players might rush through the main campaign of Red Dead Redemption 2, focusing on the intense and tragic journey of Arthur Morgan, they might miss out on the stunning landscapes and diverse environments that the game has to offer.

Even though exploring these scenic spots might not bring immediate rewards or in-game cash, it’s a valuable part of the experience. There’s no need to hurry through the game. In your first ten hours, take some time to step back and soak in the gorgeous locations and serene vistas that make this world so special.

Complete Telegram Missions

Unique Employment Opportunities For XP and Other Rewards

Solo Adventures Made Easy: Try Telegram Missions in Red Dead Online

For players seeking a more manageable experience, especially those flying solo, Telegram Missions are a perfect choice. These missions place you in a solo lobby, allowing you to tackle objectives at your own pace. Simply accept a Telegram Mission from a post office or camp lockbox, where you’ll find a letter detailing your task.

With a variety of missions available, you can choose from different levels of difficulty and earn greater rewards by taking on tougher challenges. Whether it’s delivering wagons, stealing horses, or robbing homes, these missions offer valuable opportunities to earn cash early in your Red Dead Online journey.

Forge New Connections With Stranger Missions

Complete Different Missions For Some Recognizable Strangers

Meet the Frontier Strangers: Unique Quests and Familiar Faces in Red Dead Online

As you explore the vast frontier of Red Dead Online, you’ll encounter a variety of intriguing characters. Some are merely trying to survive, while others are out to manipulate and get others to do their dirty work. You’ll find a rich mix of these NPCs, many of whom might remind you of characters from previous Red Dead Redemption games, whether from the past or future of the series.

These “Strangers” often offer quests that can earn you valuable cash and XP, and they’re a great way to get acquainted with the game’s content. For new players, engaging with these quests is an excellent opportunity to explore the world, enjoy some nostalgic cutscenes, and get a better grasp of what Red Dead Online has to offer.

Stack Up On Food Supplies

Traveling & Fighting Is Useless With Empty Cores

Survival Tips for the Wild West: Managing Your Cores in Red Dead Online

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When you step into the Wild West, you’ll quickly realize that Red Dead Online demands more survival skills than you might be used to. Your cores, which represent your health and stamina, can drain rapidly, especially after respawning. Depleted cores can significantly impact your gameplay, limiting your ability to run and diminishing your overall health.

To keep yourself in top shape, it’s a good idea to set aside a few dollars to buy some affordable food supplies. Maintaining your health and stamina cores is crucial for surviving and thriving in the harsh environment, whether you’re exploring the vast landscapes or engaging in battles across the West.

Create A Loadout

Gunslinging Is The Key To Survival

Gear Up in Red Dead Online: How to Upgrade Your Arsenal

When you first set out in Red Dead Online, you’ll start with just a basic revolver—definitely not the best tool for heists or intense shootouts. As you accumulate some cash, it’s wise to visit a gunsmith in one of the quieter towns and invest in a better arsenal.

There’s a wide range of weapons to choose from, each offering unique advantages. While a revolver is useful, you’ll soon want to add rifles, repeaters, and shotguns to your collection. These more powerful weapons will be crucial for handling larger groups of enemies and making your mark in the Wild West.

Attack Gang Hideouts

Potential Treasure Map Rewards & XP

Exploring Gang Hideouts in Red Dead Online: Tips and Rewards

Once you’re free to roam the expansive world of Red Dead Online, keep an eye out for Gang Hideouts on your map. These locations, marked with a red blob and a skull, are scattered across the vast landscape. Each Gang Hideout is packed with enemies and features a showdown with a Gang Leader that you’ll need to defeat.

Tackling these hideouts solo can be challenging but rewarding. Successfully clearing one will earn you valuable loot, including new weapons, XP, and cash. There’s also a chance to find a Treasure Map, which can lead to even more substantial rewards like Gold Bars. Gold Bars serve as a key currency in RDRO and can also be purchased with real money, making them a valuable asset for upgrading your gear and progress.

Create A Good Character

Changing Appearance Can Be Costly

Crafting Your Perfect Character in Red Dead Online: Take Your Time

When diving into Red Dead Online, don’t rush the character creation process. You’ll need to build a character that you’ll stick with for a long time—unless you’re willing to spend Gold Bars to change your look later. Customizing your appearance costs a hefty 10 Gold Bars, so it’s wise to get it right from the start.

Invest some time making sure you’re fully satisfied with your character’s appearance before you hit the Wild West. You’ll be spending a lot of time with this avatar, so make sure they reflect your vision. Also, be sure to check out any additional bonuses or options available in the character creation screen to maximize your starting experience.

Complete Story Missions

24 Story Missions, With 5 More From DLC

Diving into the Storyline in Red Dead Online: What to Expect

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Red Dead Online features a rich storyline where players will encounter both new and familiar characters across various states. As you traverse the wilderness and towns, you’ll engage in intense missions, often alongside allies of your choosing—an essential part of these early story quests.

Prioritizing these story missions is key. They not only provide valuable XP and cash for your first completions but also influence your honor path and guide your future choices in the game. Completing these missions will help shape your journey and open up new opportunities as you navigate the Wild West.

Collect A Horse And Insurance

The Wild West’s Vehicles

Choosing the Right Horse in Red Dead Online: Key Tips

Selecting the perfect horse is a crucial decision in Red Dead Online, as it will be your primary mode of travel and an essential companion in the Wild West. While you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade to top-tier horses later on, starting with a solid horse is important for your early adventures.

Aim to acquire your horse as soon as possible and don’t forget to purchase horse insurance. With insurance, if your horse meets an untimely end, you can summon a replacement of the same breed with just a whistle. Without insurance, however, you’ll be left with a slow, scrawny nag that won’t serve you nearly as well. Investing in a good horse and insurance will ensure smoother and more enjoyable travels across the frontier.

Visit The Camp

The Player’s HUB

Setting Up Camp in Red Dead Online: What to Know

Once you’ve settled into the Wild West, your next step is to find your camp. This is where you’ll meet JB Cripps, your dependable ally who manages the campsite and helps you turn it into a true home base. At your camp, you can make upgrades to your setup, including the theme, tent, and flag.

Having a well-established camp is essential for a few reasons. It provides a steady supply of equipment and offers safety from both rival players and AI enemies. While it might not rival a luxurious penthouse in Los Santos, your camp is the best sanctuary you’ll have in the rugged life of an outlaw.

Play Free Roam Events

Earn Gold, Cash & XP In Fun Game Modes

Getting the Most Out of Free Roam Events in Red Dead Online

Free Roam Events in Red Dead Online are a thrilling way to engage with the game’s community and score some fantastic rewards. These events pop up randomly, so when one appears, make sure to jump in and participate. Not only will you have a blast, but you’ll also earn valuable gold, XP, and cash.

These events are relatively quick and add a competitive twist to your gameplay. To maximize your enjoyment and rewards, try to join every Free Roam Event that comes your way. It’s a great way to stay engaged with the game and pick up useful items early on, even if some players might have an advantage with their upgraded gear and horses.

Invest In The Collector Role

Earn Tons Of Cash & XP Through Collecting

Unlocking Wealth and XP with the Collector Role in Red Dead Online

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If you’re looking to rake in cash and gain XP efficiently, the Collector Role is your best bet. To get started, you’ll need to track down Madam Nazar and her wandering caravan, which shifts locations daily across the map. While the initial investment for the Collector’s Bag costs 15 Gold Bars, it’s a worthwhile expense for the rewards it brings.

Equipped with essential tools like a metal detector and shovel, you’ll embark on a daily treasure hunt. The thrill of unearthing valuable items and completing sets to sell to Madam Nazar means you’ll quickly boost your earnings and experience. Embrace the Collector Role, and you’ll soon shed that noob status in Red Dead Online.

Choose An Honor Path

High Honor & Low Honor Have Different Missions

Starting Strong: Embrace the Story Missions in Red Dead Online

In Red Dead Online, diving into the story missions early on is crucial for setting your character’s moral compass. By committing to a path of honor—whether noble or notorious—you’ll unlock additional missions that push the narrative forward. This progression not only helps you advance through the campaign but also rewards you with valuable cash and XP.

Regardless of whether you choose to uphold the law or defy it, establishing your honored path is essential. This choice ensures you can fully engage with the diverse and thrilling missions that Red Dead Online has to offer, enriching your gameplay experience and enhancing your character’s development.

Upgrade The Best Ability Cards

Ability Cards Are Perks That Give Players Advantages In Combat

Master Your Skills with Ability Cards in Red Dead Online

In Red Dead Online, Ability Cards are not just tools; they are key to showcasing your unique skills and enhancing your gameplay. These cards allow players to customize their abilities, providing specific advantages in combat and interactions with both other players and AI opponents. With a variety of cards available, finding the best Ability Cards to suit your playstyle is essential for maximizing your effectiveness in Western shootouts.

As you progress and earn XP, you’ll unlock additional Ability Cards and upgrade slots. Investing in these upgrades with in-game cash is crucial for refining your skills. To achieve optimal results, focus on developing a consistent strategy with your Ability Cards. This approach will not only enhance your performance in battles but also ensure a smoother and more successful experience in the wild frontier.