Red Dead Redemption 2's Hidden Fences: Where Outlaws Trade Stolen Goods
Discover the secret world of fences in Red Dead Redemption 2, where discreet criminal trade thrives in shadowy locations with urban and rural sophistication.
In the gritty world of Red Dead Redemption 2, Arthur Morgan's outlaw lifestyle requires discreet places to unload stolen merchandise. These specialized merchants, known as fences, operate in shadowy corners of the map where the law turns a blind eye. Unlike regular stores that might alert authorities about suspicious goods, fences provide safe havens for criminals looking to profit from their illicit activities.
Rhodes Fence: The Discreet Backdoor Operation
West of Saint-Denis and north of Braithwaite Manor lies Rhodes, a town players visit during the main storyline. The local fence operates from a small red shack situated just outside the town's northern perimeter. This establishment functions like a hermit crab in its shell—seemingly ordinary from the outside but hiding criminal enterprise within. Visitors can't use the front door; instead, they must navigate around back to find a stable door where the fence conducts business with his clientele.
Saint-Denis Fence: Urban Sophistication
The bustling city of Saint-Denis contains a fence tucked away in its eastern market district. This operation blends into the urban landscape like a chameleon adapting to its surroundings. Located among various market stalls, the establishment identifies itself with "Pawnbroker" signage near a distinctive green door. The fence's integration into daily city life makes it both accessible and discreet, perfect for outlaws needing to move goods in plain sight.
Van Horn Trading Post: The Waterfront Connection
On the map's eastern edge, the Van Horn Trading Post hosts a fence at the end of its longest dock. The building stands out with white lettering against a red background proclaiming "Van Horn Trading Post." This waterfront location operates like a spider at the center of its web—connected to various criminal networks while maintaining a veneer of legitimate commerce. The docks provide easy access for goods arriving by boat and quick escapes if necessary.
| Fence Location | Specialization | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Rhodes | General goods | Backdoor access, red shack |
| Saint-Denis | General goods | Market location, green door |
| Van Horn | General goods | Waterfront position |
| Emerald Ranch | Wagons | Barn attachment, story introduction |
| Clemens Point | Horses | Northwest of Rhodes, rustic setting |
Emerald Ranch Wagon Fence: The Specialist
Hosea introduces players to this unique fence during "The Spines of America" mission. Located in the Heartlands between Van Horn Trading Post and Valentine, this operation specializes in wagons. The fence occupies the southernmost part of the ranch, attached to a large barn where stolen wagons can be discreetly processed. Seamus, the operator, maintains his post outside the barn, ready to handle both wagon sales and regular stolen merchandise.
Clemens Point Horse Fence: The Equine Experts
Northwest of Rhodes in the Scarlet Meadows area, this fence deals exclusively in horses. The operation runs from deteriorating buildings where two handlers conduct business behind the main structures. Like rare book collectors dealing in specific volumes, these specialists focus solely on equine transactions, refusing other types of stolen goods. Their remote location provides ideal cover for moving horses without attracting unwanted attention.
Each fence serves as a crucial node in Red Dead Redemption 2's criminal economy, offering Arthur Morgan opportunities to convert stolen items into much-needed cash. Their varied locations and specialties reflect the game's attention to detail in creating a believable underworld ecosystem where outlaws can thrive despite legal pressures.