The Trader role is one of the four roles in Red Dead Redemption 2. It focuses on hunting animals, processing materials, and delivering goods. This guide covers hunting, materials, supply management, and how to maximize profit.
How the Trader Role Works
To unlock the Trader role:
- Speak to Cripps at your camp
- Purchase the Butcher Table for $500
- Start hunting animals
- Bring pelts and carcasses to Cripps
The Trader role generates income through:
- Selling goods via long-distance deliveries
- Selling goods via local sales
- Hunting bounties
Hunting for the Trader
Best Animals to Hunt
Different animals provide different materials:
- Small carcasses: 1 unit of materials
- Medium carcasses: 2-3 units of materials
- Large carcasses: 4-5 units of materials
- Perfect carcasses: 2x materials
The most efficient animals are:
- Deer: 3 units per perfect carcass
- Elk: 5 units per perfect carcass
- Bison: 5 units per perfect carcass
Best Hunting Locations
- Big Valley: deer, elk, bison
- Heartland: deer, boar, coyote
- Cumberland Forest: deer, boar, raccoon
- Bayou NWA: alligator, boar, panther
Hunting Cycle
The hunting cycle is:
- Hunt an animal
- Skin it (or carry the carcass)
- Bring the carcass or pelt to Cripps
- Cripps processes the materials
The processing time depends on the amount of materials:
- 25 units: 30 minutes
- 50 units: 1 hour
- 75 units: 1.5 hours
- 100 units: 2 hours
Supply Management
Materials Cap
The materials cap is 100 units. Once you reach 100 units, you need to:
- Sell the goods (local or long-distance)
- Reset the materials cap
Local Sales
Local sales are short-distance deliveries. They pay less but are safer:
- Risk: low (no rival players)
- Reward: $200-$500
- Time: 5-10 minutes
Long-Distance Sales
Long-distance sales are full-delivery missions. They pay more but are riskier:
- Risk: high (rival players can attack)
- Reward: $625-$1,500
- Time: 20-30 minutes
When to Sell
The best time to sell is when:
- Materials are at 100 units (full cap)
- The lobby has few rival players (check the indicator)
- You have defensive items (mauser pistol, bolas)
Delivery Tactics
Use the Best Horse
Your horse matters for deliveries:
- Fast horse: shorter delivery time
- Sturdy horse: resists attacks
- High-bond horse: better handling
The best horse for deliveries is the Turkoman. It is fast and sturdy.
Use Defensive Items
Defensive items help in case of attack:
- Mauser Pistol: high damage sidearm
- Bolas: immobilize attackers
- Tonics: heal during combat
Use Stew and Provisions
Provisions restore health and stamina during delivery:
- Stew: restores health
- Big Game: restores health and Dead Eye
- Plum Juice: restores Dead Eye
Resupply Missions
Resupply Sources
Resupply missions are required to keep producing goods. There are two sources:
- Hunting: free, but time-consuming
- Resupply missions: 20 materials for $20
Best Resupply Method
Hunting is more efficient than resupply missions. The best animals for hunting resupply:
- Deer: 3 materials per perfect carcass
- Bison: 5 materials per perfect carcass
Resupply Tips
- Always have a stocked resupply before starting a delivery
- Use hunting to fill materials before resupply missions
- Don't waste resupply missions on small deliveries
Best Weapons for Trading
Primary Weapons
- Bolt-Action Rifle: clean shots for perfect pelts
- Repeater: medium-sized game
- Varmint Rifle: small game
Secondary Weapons
- Schofield Revolver: self-defense
- Mauser Pistol: high damage
Best Horse for Trading
The best horse for Trading is the Turkoman. It has:
- Top speed: 9/10
- Stamina: 8/10
- Handling: 8/10
- Bonding speed: 6/10
The Turkoman is available from the stables in Saint Denis for $425.
Common Mistakes
- Don't sell at less than 100 units. You waste potential income.
- Don't ignore rival players. They can attack during long-distance sales.
- Don't use a slow horse for deliveries. You waste time.
- Don't run out of resupply. You cannot produce goods without it.
FAQ: Trader Role
Q: How much does the Trader role pay?
A: Up to $1,500 per long-distance sale. Local sales pay less.
Q: Can I do Trader role in co-op?
A: No. The Trader role is solo-only.
Q: What's the best animal for materials?
A: The bison. It provides 5 materials per perfect carcass.
Q: How do I unlock the Trader role?
A: Speak to Cripps at your camp and purchase the Butcher Table for $500.
Q: Are there legendary trader missions?
A: Yes. There are 5 legendary trader missions in the epilogue.
With this guide, you will be a master Trader. Hunt efficiently, manage supplies, and always deliver safely.