Red Dead Redemption 2: Best Camp Upgrades To Get First

Highlights

• Upgrading to Tier 2 Lodging encourages gang members to donate and is a solid investment for long-term benefits.
• Unlocking fast travel with Tier 3 Lodging allows players to get into the action quickly.
• Upgrading Provisions and Medicine tier 2s provides more food options and essential supplies for survival.

Regardless of where it is currently situated, the camp is nothing less than a home for Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang in Red Dead Redemption 2. However, as great as the camp may appear at first, it can always be upgraded to provide Arthur and the gang with various benefits, but some of these upgrades are more important than others.

While there are some cosmetic upgrades for the camp that players can unlock by providing Pearson with certain pelts, the most useful camp upgrades in Red Dead Redemption 2 are accessed from the Ledger behind Dutch’s tent. It should be noted that players must first complete the “Money Lending and Other Sins” quest before the Ledger will become available to them. Upgrades are purchased in the Ledger with money, meaning players will need to learn how to make money fast in RDR2. Here are the best camp upgrades in RDR2.

Updated on February 8, 2024, by Joe Grantham: Despite not receiving any significant updates for some time, the magnificence of Red Dead Redemption 2 means the game remains relevant to this day. Whether first-time players have finally gotten around to giving the masterpiece a go or existing players are looking to jump back into the fray, knowing which camp upgrades are best is just one of the many things to find out. Of course, there is no completely correct order in which to upgrade the camp in RDR2, as individual players will prioritize different benefits more than others. For example, some players may not be interested in unlocking fast travel if they prefer to ride everywhere.

9 Lodging Tier 2 – Encourage Gang Members To Donate

Upgrade Cost: $220

The First Things First upgrade improves the Lodging to Tier 2 and, more specifically, upgrades gang leader Dutch’s living quarters. While this might not seem like an important upgrade at first, the fact that it will incentivize camp members to donate to the collective funds means that this is a solid investment and the best first purchase in the long run.

It costs $220 to upgrade to Tier 2 Lodging and subsequently unlocks the ability to upgrade to Tier 3, which many players will want to get their hands on for the fast travel.

8 Lodging Tier 3 – Unlock Fast Travel

Upgrade Cost: $325

Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the best-looking games of all time, and so many players might prefer to traverse the Wild West naturally atop their trust steed. Nevertheless, players who prefer to get into the action as soon as possible can unlock fast travel by getting the Next in Line camp upgrade for $325.

To get this camp upgrade for Arthur’s lodging, players will need to already have the previous tier, First Things First. Next in Line also unlocks more grooming supplies for Arthur.

7 Provisions Tier 2 – More & Better Quality Food

Upgrade Cost: $30

Food is one of the essentials and that is no different for the hungry Van der Linde camp in Red Dead Redemption 2. By upgrading Pearson’s Wagon to Tier 2 of Provisions, the total amount of food available will be increased, and both fresh fruit and basic canned goods will become available, meaning spirits will lift, and the player will not have to travel to town to stock up on food.

Thankfully, this upgrade is one of the cheapest in the game, with players being able to unlock Less Bland for just $30.

6 Medicine Tier 2 – Unlock Snake Oil & Potent Bitters

Upgrade Cost: $30

Staying topped up on medicine is one of the top tips for finding success in Red Dead Redemption 2, and the easiest way to do this is by upgrading Strauss’ medicine wagon.

The Sharpen the Senses upgrade to get Medicine Tier 2 only costs $30 and stocks the wagon with Snake Oil and Potent Bitters. Snake Oil refills the Dead Eye meter, and Potent Bitters fully restores Arthur’s stamina and fortifies moderately.

5 Ammunition And Arms Tier 2 – More Armory Supplies

Upgrade Cost: $60

Having the best weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2 is absolutely vital, but staying stocked up on ammo is just as important for keeping these weapons functioning. By upgrading Arthur’s Ammunition and Arms wagon to Tier 2, players will be one step closer to always being ready for action.

The Improve Our Offence upgrade costs $60, and other than increasing the overall armory supplies, repeater ammo and arrows also become available to players.

4 Camp Horse Station – Many Benefits For Horses

Upgrade Cost: $300

The Camp Horse Station upgrade is one of the more expensive camp upgrades, coming in at $300, but the price is more than worth it for those who can afford it. As with any upgrade, players can head over to the back of Dutch’s tent and access the Ledger.

Not only will players gain access to more hitching posts where horses can be kept, but they will also be able to bring over stabled horses and even call back their current main horse to camp. This is an extremely practical upgrade that many players can’t do without.

3 Chicken Coop – Extra Nutrition And Dead Eye Boost From Stews

Upgrade Cost: $175

Chickens might not be the most fearsome of animals in Red Dead Redemption 2, but their eggs are nonetheless a great source of nutrition for Arthur and the rest of the camp. By unlocking the Chicken Coop camp upgrade for $175 from the Ledger, every camp stew will be packed full of better nutrition, helping players stay alive and full of energy on their adventures.

The improved stews will also give players a Dead Eye boost, allowing them to slow down time and take out enemies with precision more easily. The Chicken Coop is also a nice aesthetic addition to the camp, giving it a more homely feeling.

Upgrade Cost: $225

Other than upgrades for the camp in RDR2, players can also ask Mr Pearson to upgrade their satchel multiple times, allowing them to carry more items, such as ingredients, tonics, and more. However, for Mr Pearson to be able to craft these satchels, players must first unlock the Leather Working Tools upgrade from the camp ledger.

This upgrade costs $225 but is a worthwhile investment as players don’t have to pay Mr Pearson to craft the upgrades. They will, however, need to provide him with perfect pelts, which means using the correct arrows so as to not cause too much damage when hunting.

1 Medicine Tier 3 – Stocks Tonics & Premium Liquor

Upgrade Cost: $50

Beyond restocking medical supplies for the camp, Something With Kick is the last upgrade for Strauss’ medical wagon. For the fairly reasonable price of $50, players will now have access to tonics and premium liquor from camp.

Tonics, in particular, can be extremely helpful to have for times when combat gets rough, as some of them fully restore the player’s health alongside other benefits such as restoring stamina and Dead Eye. While this camp upgrade isn’t as useful as others on this list, players will still want to make sure they pick it up at some point.