What’s the best way to track legendary animals in RDR2?

Tracking legendary animals in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it requires patience, preparation, and knowledge of the game mechanics. Legendary animals are unique creatures scattered across the map, each with distinct behaviors and habitats. To successfully track and hunt them, you need to follow a systematic approach.\n\nFirst, you must unlock the ability to hunt legendary animals. This happens after completing the mission ''Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego'' in Chapter 2, where Hosea introduces you to hunting and gives you a map of legendary animal locations. Once you have the map, you can begin your hunt. Legendary animals are marked by a crown icon on the map, and their general area is highlighted with a question mark. However, finding them requires more than just heading to the marked location.\n\nWhen you arrive in the area, use Eagle Eye to search for clues. Legendary animals leave behind golden clues, such as tracks, fur, or droppings. These clues are essential for narrowing down the animal''s location. Follow the trail of clues, and eventually, you''ll spot the animal. Be cautious, as legendary animals are more aggressive and elusive than regular wildlife. They may flee or attack if they sense your presence.\n\nPreparation is key to a successful hunt. Equip yourself with the right weapons and ammunition. For most legendary animals, a rifle with high damage, such as the Rolling Block Rifle or Carcano Rifle, is ideal. Use Express or High-Velocity ammo for maximum effectiveness. Additionally, bring along items like Health Cures, Potent Predator Bait, and Cover Scent Lotions to increase your chances of success. The Cover Scent Lotion is particularly useful for masking your scent, allowing you to get closer without being detected.\n\nOne common challenge players face is the animal fleeing before they can get a clear shot. To avoid this, approach the area slowly and on foot. Use binoculars to scout the area from a distance, and avoid making sudden movements. If the animal starts to flee, use Dead Eye to target vital areas and take it down quickly. Remember, legendary animals can only be killed once, so make your shot count.\n\nAfter successfully hunting a legendary animal, you''ll need to skin it and take the pelt to a Trapper. The Trapper can craft unique clothing and gear from legendary pelts, which provide special bonuses. Additionally, you can sell the pelt to a Fence to unlock trinkets and talismans that enhance your abilities. Always prioritize delivering the pelt to the Trapper or Fence as soon as possible, as losing it can be frustrating and irreversible.\n\nSome legendary animals are more challenging to find than others. For example, the Legendary Moose in the northeastern part of the map is notoriously elusive. To increase your chances, visit the area during clear weather and during the day. Use Potent Herbivore Bait to lure it out if necessary. Similarly, the Legendary Panther in the southern part of the map requires you to complete Master Hunter Challenge 9 before it spawns. Be prepared for a tough fight, as the panther is fast and deadly.\n\nIn conclusion, tracking legendary animals in RDR2 is a rewarding but demanding task. Start by unlocking the ability to hunt them, then use Eagle Eye to locate clues and track the animal. Prepare with the right weapons and items, and approach the hunt with patience and strategy. Deliver the pelt to a Trapper or Fence to unlock unique rewards. With these tips, you''ll be well-equipped to take on the challenge of legendary animal hunting in Red Dead Redemption 2.