How to Quickly Level Up the Moonshiner Role in Red Dead Online

The Moonshiner role in Red Dead Online offers a unique way to make money and gain XP by producing and selling Moonshine. Like other roles, the Moonshiner can be leveled up to Rank 20, unlocking new items, upgrades, and special perks. However, if you want to level up fast, you’ll need a strategic approach. Below are the best tips for maximizing your XP gain with the Moonshiner role.

Note: This guide focuses solely on how to level up your Moonshiner role as quickly as possible, not on maximizing profitability.

1. Always Sell Weak Flavored Moonshine

One of the most efficient ways to level up quickly is by focusing on Weak Flavored Moonshine. Here’s why:

• Production Time: Weak Moonshine, when flavored, has a production time of only 30 minutes. This allows you to churn out Moonshine faster than other types, maximizing XP gains per hour.
• Flavored Moonshine XP: Adding flavors like Tropical Punch can earn you 100, 200, or 300 XP depending on the star quality (1-star, 2-star, or 3-star). Even if you’re crafting lower-quality drinks, the quick turnaround means more XP over time.

For example:

• 1-Star Weak Flavored Moonshine: 770 XP
• 2-Star Weak Flavored Moonshine: 970 XP
• 3-Star Weak Flavored Moonshine: 1,170 XP

This means you can gain about one level per hour just by making and selling Weak Flavored Moonshine. Always keep your still cooking and upgrade to higher-quality flavors as they become available.

2. Flavor the Moonshine for Extra XP

Every time you add flavor to your Moonshine, you earn additional XP (100/200/300 XP based on the quality of the flavor). It’s worth taking the time to flavor your Moonshine each time, as it’s an easy XP boost. However, keep in mind that switching flavors mid-brew doesn’t net any bonus XP.

3. Unlock Passive Benefits for Faster Production

At Rank 15, you unlock a passive benefit that reduces production time to just 24 minutes. This lets you cook faster and produce more Moonshine, which directly impacts how much XP you can earn in a shorter amount of time.

• Tip: Make sure to have your stills set up and ready to produce Moonshine during downtime (like waiting for missions or traveling).

4. Complete Bootlegger Missions During Cook Time

While your Moonshine is brewing, don’t waste time! Complete Bootlegger Missions to earn additional XP. These missions are short, often involving taking down rival Moonshiners or delivering packages, and they won’t stop the cook time.

• You can earn 300-400 Moonshiner XP for each completed mission, and you can complete two or more in each 30-minute cycle.
• Missions include:
  • Taking out Revenue Agents
  • Poisoning rival Moonshiner stills
  • Brawling with rival Moonshiners
  • Destroying rival Moonshiner property
  • Escorting a drunk patron

Bonus: These missions also provide useful ingredients and materials for Moonshine, which will help you craft more products for selling.

5. Strategic Shack Location

Your Moonshiner Shack location can impact your overall efficiency. Some locations are closer to important landmarks, reducing travel time and allowing you to focus on Moonshining rather than moving around the map. For example, the Heartlands location is a popular choice due to its proximity to a fence, fast travel points, and nearby delivery locations.

• Tip: Consider setting up your Shack in an area that’s convenient for fast travel and quick deliveries.

6. Best Practices for Delivering Moonshine

Delivering your Moonshine safely is essential to leveling up your role. Here are some tips to ensure your deliveries are successful:

• Stay on the Road: It’s easy to lose Moonshine from bumps and obstacles if you go off-road. Stick to the main roads to minimize the risk of losing cargo.
• Stop for Revenue Agents: As soon as you spot Revenue Agents, stop the wagon and deal with them before continuing. This makes your journey much easier.
• Don’t Rush: Going too fast can make the wagon harder to control, increasing the chance of losing bottles. Maintain a steady pace to protect your goods.
• Loss Prevention: Even if you follow these tips, you’ll almost always lose at least one bottle. Be prepared for this and aim to minimize losses.
• Tip: Make deliveries during off-hours to avoid interference from other players. Fewer players means fewer chances for interference.

7. Keep Your Operations Running Smoothly

As you level up the Moonshiner role, you’ll unlock new upgrades that can help improve your operations. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• New Buyers at Rank 9: Unlocking an additional buyer increases your chances of getting rid of higher-star quality Moonshine. This can help you maximize your profits and XP.
• Don’t Let Production Times Stall: Keep an eye on your still and don’t let production times stall, especially as your XP gains can be significantly impacted by downtime.

To maximize your XP and level up quickly in the Moonshiner role, focus on crafting Weak Flavored Moonshine, complete Bootlegger Missions during cook times, and deliver your Moonshine efficiently. By following these strategies, you’ll gain Moonshiner XP at a fast pace, leveling up and unlocking perks to make your operations smoother. With dedication, you can easily reach the maximum rank in the Moonshiner role and enjoy the rewards it brings.

For more details on unlocking Bounty Hunter rewards, the full list of Moonshiner outfits, and where to buy the Navy Revolver in Red Dead Online, check out our in-depth guides. These resources will help you maximize your experience and unlock exclusive items while you continue your journey in the Wild West!

What’s your favorite tip for leveling up your Moonshiner role in Red Dead Online? Let me know in the comments below!