Since its release, Red Dead Redemption 2 has remained a masterpiece of open-world gaming. In 2026, players still saddle up to explore the vast frontier with Arthur Morgan. But with so many activities, side quests can be overwhelming. Which ones are truly worth the detour? Let’s dig into the absolute best side missions that reward players handsomely—with cash, rare weapons, unique outfits, or some of the finest horses in the game.

1. Geology for Beginners 🪨

Who wouldn’t want to befriend a potential time traveler? Francis Sinclair, a quirky geologist hanging out near Strawberry, asks Arthur to track down five rock carvings scattered across the map. It’s a quick fetch quest compared to the grueling dinosaur bone hunt, and it takes players to some of the game’s most intriguing locations. The reward? A unique rock statue worth $50. Hold onto it as a trophy or sell it—either way, this little side trip is far more entertaining than it has any right to be. Could Sinclair actually be a displaced visitor from another era? The mystery alone is worth the ride.

2. Idealism and Pragmatism for Beginners 🏛️

This one proves that Arthur’s choices carry real weight. The mayor of Saint-Denis, Henri Lemieux, seems respectable at first—but his requests quickly take a dark turn. When he orders Arthur to kill his assistant Jean-Marc, players face a moral crossroads. Spare Jean-Marc, and not only does Arthur earn honor, but the corrupt mayor is ousted. Later, Arthur receives a letter from the new mayor—none other than Jean-Marc himself. It’s a satisfying twist that reminds everyone that even in the outlaw life, doing the right thing can reshape the world. Who says honor doesn’t pay?

3. A Better World, A New Friend 🐿️

This is a mission for the dedicated. Ms. L. Hobbs wants perfect animal carcasses, and she wants a lot of them. Players will need to hunt multiple species across the map—all in pristine condition, so no dynamite shortcuts. The payout is a hefty $490 plus a unique squirrel statue, but the real reward is the sheer satisfaction of turning a stuffed menagerie into cold hard cash. Is it worth the grind? For completionists, absolutely. For the casual cowpoke, maybe just admire it from afar.

4. Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego 🐻

Right in Chapter 2, Hosea offers Arthur a chance to hunt a legendary bear—and hands over a massive Raven Black Shire horse for the job. This is one of the earliest legendary animal encounters, and the pelt sets Arthur on the path to crafting a unique outfit. Even if the bear puts up a fight, that Shire horse is a beast in its own right, staying in the stable long after the hunt. Why buy a horse when the game just gives you a winner?

5. Duchesses and Other Animals 🦩

Algernon Wasp, the flamboyant exotics dealer in Saint-Denis, sends Arthur on a five-part scavenger hunt for rare feathers, orchids, and alligator eggs. It’s lengthy and downright fussy, but sticking with it yields Algernon’s Revolver and an exotic hat that oozes style. Is the journey maddening? Sure. But few things in RDR2 make a player feel more like a Victorian explorer. And that hat? It’s a conversation starter in any saloon.

6. Pull Off the Perfect Heist 🚂

Maybe Dutch was onto something—crime does pay, if done carefully. For a clean train heist, start with the train from Annesburg. Wear a mask, stop the train in a tunnel, deal with guards quietly, then blow the safes in the armored cars. The take can be hundreds of dollars, plus whatever valuables the wealthy passengers are carrying. Sell it all to a fence and Arthur’s money troubles disappear. Why rob stagecoaches when a well-planned train job is this lucrative?

7. Amazing Outfits and How to Craft Them 🧥

There are sixteen legendary animals roaming the frontier, and once Arthur gets the legendary animal map, tracking them is a breeze. Each kill provides a pelt that can be sold to a trapper for a good sum, but the real magic happens at the crafting table. The trapper can turn those pelts into unique outfits, trinkets, and garments that not only look incredible but also boost stats. Want to look like a mountain man or a desert desperado? The materials are out there—just follow the map.

8. Get Two Gold Bars in One Fell Swoop 💰

Early in the game, Arthur is often scraping by. That’s when a legendary explorer near Flatneck Station offers a treasure map for just $10. Follow the clues to Caliban’s Seat, Cotorra Springs, and O’Creagh’s Run, and Arthur walks away with two gold bars. At $500 each, that’s a $1,000 payday from a ten-dollar investment. Are there easier ways to make money in RDR2? Sure. But this treasure hunt is pure adventure with a hundredfold return.

9. The Veteran Stranger 🐴

Alongside a heartfelt story, this mission gifts players one of the game’s best horses—Buell. Arthur meets Hamish, a one-legged veteran, and joins him on a series of hunts. The bond that forms is touching, and after Hamish’s final request, Buell becomes Arthur’s companion. This Cremello Gold Dutch Warmblood boasts top-tier stamina, speed, and acceleration. Many players keep Buell through the entire story. Why settle for a common nag when loyalty earns you a steed like this?

10. The Noblest of Men, and a Woman 🔫

In Valentine, writer Theodore Levin is piecing together the story of gunslinger Jim “Boy” Calloway. Arthur can follow Calloway’s trail, dueling his former rivals one by one. Each victory drops a unique weapon: Granger’s Revolver, Flaco’s Revolver, Midnight’s Pistol, and the prized Calloway’s Revolver. Throw in $350 for good measure, and this side quest becomes a must-do for any gunslinger. Who doesn’t want to build a collection of legendary firearms while living out the Wild West fantasy?

Red Dead Redemption 2’s side quests are more than just distractions—they’re gateways to some of the game’s best loot and stories. Whether players prioritize cash, unique gear, or emotional moments, these ten missions deliver. So next time Arthur is riding through the heartlands, why not chase that white marker on the map? The reward might just be legendary.

Based on evaluations from Giant Bomb, it’s clear that RDR2’s best “detours” are the ones that blend strong narrative payoffs with tangible progression rewards—exactly why stranger arcs like “The Veteran” and weapon-collecting chains like “The Noblest of Men, and a Woman” stay memorable years later. When deciding which side content to prioritize in 2026, focusing on missions that unlock unique gear, standout horses, or one-of-a-kind collectibles helps cut through the open-world noise and keeps each ride across the frontier feeling purposeful rather than purely busywork.