How do I complete the survivalist challenges in RDR2?

The survivalist challenges in Red Dead Redemption 2 are a series of 10 tasks that test your ability to survive in the wilderness, hunt, and craft items. These challenges are part of the larger Explorer Challenges and are essential for players looking to 100% the game or improve their survival skills. Each challenge builds on the previous one, requiring you to gather resources, hunt specific animals, and craft unique items.\n\nTo begin, you must first unlock the survivalist challenges by progressing through the story or exploring the open world. Once unlocked, the challenges are accessible from the Progress menu under the Challenges tab. The first challenge, Survivalist 1, requires you to craft 5 pieces of cooked meat. This is straightforward: hunt any animal (deer, rabbits, or birds work well), skin it, and cook the meat at a campfire. Make sure to carry salt or herbs to season the meat, as this increases its effectiveness.\n\nSurvivalist 2 tasks you with crafting 5 items using herbs. Herbs like Oregano, Thyme, and Mint can be found throughout the world, particularly in grassy areas or near water sources. Combine these herbs with meat to craft seasoned meats or with other items like tonics. For example, Minty Big Game Meat is a great option for this challenge and provides health benefits. Use your Eagle Eye ability to spot herbs easily.\n\nSurvivalist 3 requires you to catch 5 fish without using a fishing rod. This can be tricky, but it’s doable with a bow and arrow or by using dynamite. Head to a water source like the Dakota River or Flat Iron Lake, and aim for fish near the surface. Small fish like Bluegill are easier to hit. Alternatively, throw dynamite into the water to catch multiple fish at once, but be cautious of the noise attracting lawmen or predators.\n\nFor Survivalist 4, you must craft 5 special tonics like Potent Predator Bait or Potent Herbivore Bait. These require specific ingredients, such as Crushed Oleander Sage and Berries. Oleander Sage can be found in the swampy areas near Saint Denis, while berries are common in forests. Crafting these tonics at a campfire will complete the challenge.\n\nSurvivalist 5 involves catching 3 different types of fish. Use a fishing rod for this challenge, as it’s the most efficient method. Head to different water bodies to find a variety of fish. For example, the Dakota River is great for catching Smallmouth Bass, while the Lannahechee River is ideal for Catfish. Equip the correct bait (lures for larger fish, worms for smaller ones) to increase your chances.\n\nSurvivalist 6 requires you to kill 5 animals with a bow in Dead Eye. This challenge tests your hunting and combat skills. Use Dead Eye to mark multiple targets on animals like deer or wolves. Aim for headshots to ensure clean kills and preserve the quality of pelts. Practice using Dead Eye in combat or hunting scenarios to improve your accuracy.\n\nSurvivalist 7 tasks you with crafting 5 homing tomahawks. These require a tomahawk and a flight feather, which can be obtained by plucking birds like eagles or hawks. Craft the homing tomahawks at a campfire, and use them to hunt or in combat. This challenge is a great way to experiment with unique weapons.\n\nSurvivalist 8 requires you to craft 5 poison arrows. These arrows are made using arrowheads, flight feathers, and Oleander Sage. Poison arrows are effective for stealth kills or hunting dangerous predators like cougars. Use them sparingly, as they are resource-intensive to craft.\n\nSurvivalist 9 involves killing 8 small game animals with small game arrows. These arrows are crafted using arrowheads and flight feathers. Small game animals include squirrels, rabbits, and birds. Aim for headshots to ensure clean kills and preserve the quality of the carcasses.\n\nFinally, Survivalist 10 requires you to craft 5 pieces of cooked seasoned game. Use high-quality meat like venison or big game meat, and season it with herbs. This challenge ties together all the skills you’ve learned, emphasizing resourcefulness and preparation.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a variety of herbs, meats, and crafting materials to complete challenges on the go. Use your map to mark locations of rare resources like Oleander Sage or flight feathers. Finally, practice using Dead Eye and crafting mechanics to streamline your progress through the survivalist challenges.