Shortly after Red Dead Online’s beta launched, players noticed a severe imbalance with the online mode’s economy. Many items cost tens, even hundreds of dollars more than they did in Red Dead Redemption 2’s story mode. The paltry payouts awarded from online missions and matches only exacerbated the problem. Some players wondered when Red Dead Online’s Shark Card equivalent would arrive, providing a “convenient” option for bypassing the grind.
Fortunately, Rockstar has been listening to the feedback and has now implemented some changes. Online items are now cheaper, activity payouts are more generous, and some players have even received in-game cash refunds.
Red Dead Online Economy Tweaks
According to the official announcement from Rockstar (viewable below), multiple aspects of Red Dead Online’s economy have been altered. Payouts from free roam activities, competitive matches, and story missions are now more generous. The prices for weapons have also been lowered and those who already bought those weapons should be refunded the difference. Lastly, the value of pelts, skins, and fish have been adjusted, so be sure to hit up those fishing spots.
Here’s the full changelog from Rockstar:
“Increasing the cash and gold payments across a number of different activities including Free Roam Missions, Free Roam Events, replays of A Land of Opportunities Missions, Showdown Series modes and more.
Reducing the prices of most weapons in the Wheeler, Rawson & Co Catalogue and Gunsmiths. For players that have already purchased weapons at the previous prices, we will automatically deposit the difference to player balances starting today – please look for an alert message the next time you log in to the Red Dead Online Beta to notify you of this change, refunds may take up until Monday, December 10th to reach all eligible players.
Balancing the values of select pelts, skins and fish as well as horse reviver and pamphlets.”
Additionally, all Red Dead Online beta players who played between November 27 and December 6 are receiving a bonus. This bonus should be auto-redeemed upon logging in and consists of $250 in-game cash and 15 Gold Bars. Rockstar says it will continue to adjust Red Dead Online’s economy as needed in the near future.