In the harsh frontier of 1899, Arthur Morgan’s quest for wealth becomes crucial for the Van der Linde gang’s survival. While Dutch dreams of mango farming in Tahiti, players must navigate treacherous landscapes to fill the gang's coffers. Across New Hanover, Lemoyne, and Ambarino, opportunities for fortune hide in unexpected places—from abandoned wagons to cryptic cave puzzles. Mastering these methods transforms Arthur from a struggling outlaw into the West’s wealthiest gunslinger, funding dreams one gold bar at a time. Understanding these mechanics isn’t just profitable; it’s essential for surviving the game’s unforgiving economy.
Discovering Hidden Treasures
Scattered throughout the map are guaranteed loot spawns offering instant riches. Players uncover valuables in tree hollows, under cabin beds, or within caves like Ambarino’s Strange Statues puzzle—solving its riddle yields three gold bars worth $750 total. Other finds include rare minerals like the Meteorite, fetchable for quick cash. These fixed locations provide risk-free income, though some require environmental puzzles or platforming to access. For explorers, these glittering rewards justify venturing off main trails into remote wilderness areas.
Mastering Treasure Maps
With over 21 treasure maps available, these paper trails lead to immense wealth. Each map chain culminates in gold bars, typically awarding 2-3 per discovery. Selling them to fences converts each bar into $500. While clues prove deliberately cryptic, seasoned players pinpoint locations efficiently—like Caliban’s Seat or Elysian Pool. The real challenge lies in acquiring maps; some drop from random encounters, while others require defeating bounty hunters. Dedicated treasure hunters can earn upwards of $15,000 from full collections, making this the most lucrative passive method.
Wagon and Stagecoach Schemes
Emerald Ranch’s fence Seamus pays generously for stolen wagons. Players ambush coaches in New Hanover’s Heartlands, delivering intact vehicles for $25-$40 each. For bigger scores, bribe Rhodes’ postal worker Aiden to reveal stagecoach routes carrying lockboxes with jewelry and cash. 
This infinite resource demands timing: lawmen patrol hotspots like Saint Denis roads. Smart outlaws use cover darkness or rain to avoid witnesses. Combined, these tactics yield $200+ hourly with minimal combat.
Opportunistic Looting
After skirmishes with O’Driscolls or lawmen, looting corpses becomes profitable. Hostile enemies drop:
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💵 Cash ($0.50-$5)
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⌚ Pocket watches ($1.50)
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💍 Rings and bracelets ($0.70-$3.50)
Though individual hauls seem small, compound gains during story missions or gang hideouts. Sell trinkets to fences—they pay 100% value unlike general stores. Crucially, this avoids honor loss since attackers initiated violence. Just watch for nearby witnesses who might report theft.
High-Risk Robberies
True to his outlaw nature, Arthur thrives on confrontational theft. Trains crossing the Grizzlies or Heartlands carry wealthy passengers; stopping one nets $50-$150 from civilians plus register loot. Homesteads like Aberdeen Pig Farm hide safes with $100+, while shop backrooms (e.g., Valentine’s doctor) conceal secret businesses. Robbing escalates bounties, so mask up and escape before lawmen pinpoint your location. Ideal targets include:
| Target Type | Avg. Profit | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Trains | $80-$120 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Stores | $40-$70 | ⭐⭐ |
| Remote Homesteads | $90-$180 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Legendary Hunting Ventures
Among 16 legendary animals, pelts and parts fetch premium prices at trappers. The Legendary Bear pelt sells for $65, while panther carcasses bring $45. Hunting proves safer than robbery—no bounties incurred. Players track clues near water sources or forests, though predators like cougars require potent weapons. Legendary fish (15 total) offer smaller returns but teach bait mechanics. For efficiency, target these top-tier quarries:
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🐅 Panther (Bayou Nwa)
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🐂 Tatanka Bison (Heartlands)
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🐻 Grizzly Bear (Grizzlies East)
Always bring rifles with express ammo for clean kills preserving pelt quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can you farm wagon theft indefinitely?
Yes, wagons respawn endlessly. Focus on Emerald Ranch between 8 PM-5 AM for frequent spawns.
❓ Do treasure maps expire or disappear?
No, collected maps stay in your satchel forever. Complete them post-story if desired.
❓ What’s the maximum cash possible?
Through combined methods, players exceed $20,000—enough for all camp upgrades and premium weapons.
❓ Does looting civilians lower honor?
Only if they’re non-hostile. Corpses of gang attackers or lawmen carry no penalty.
❓ Are legendary animals harder than regular ones?
They deal more damage but die equally to headshots. Always study them first with binoculars.
❓ Best early-game money source?
Treasure maps found near Valentine or Limpany. First bars fund rifles for hunting progression.