What’s the trick to completing the rock carvings challenge quickly?

The Rock Carvings challenge in Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the game''s most intriguing collectible quests, requiring players to locate 10 ancient carvings scattered across the map. These carvings are tied to the Stranger mission ''Geology for Beginners,'' which becomes available in Chapter 2. Completing this challenge quickly requires a mix of preparation, efficient travel, and knowledge of the game''s mechanics.\n\nFirst, it''s essential to understand the mechanics of the challenge. The carvings are small, weathered rock faces with faint etchings, often blending into their surroundings. Each carving must be inspected closely to mark it as found. Once all 10 are located, you can return to Francis Sinclair, the mission giver, to complete the quest. To save time, it''s highly recommended to use an online map or guide that pinpoints the exact locations of the carvings. This eliminates the need for aimless exploration.\n\nBefore starting, ensure you have a fast horse, such as the Arabian or Turkoman, and stock up on provisions like health tonics and horse stimulants. Some carvings are located in remote or dangerous areas, so being prepared for combat or environmental hazards is crucial. Additionally, having a fully upgraded satchel will allow you to carry more supplies, reducing the need for frequent stops.\n\nBegin your search by focusing on the carvings closest to your current location. For example, the first carving is near Horseshoe Overlook, your camp in Chapter 2. From there, plan a route that minimizes backtracking. Use the game''s fast travel system whenever possible, but note that some carvings are in areas inaccessible by train or stagecoach, requiring manual travel.\n\nOne common challenge is locating the carving near Mount Shann, which is high in the mountains and difficult to reach. To get there, follow the path from Strawberry, ensuring your horse has high stamina. Use the cinematic camera mode to auto-ride while you take a break, but keep an eye out for predators like wolves or cougars. Another tricky carving is near the Elysian Pool, where toxic water and hostile NPCs can pose a threat. Approach cautiously and use Dead Eye to eliminate enemies quickly.\n\nFor the carving in the Grizzlies East region, be prepared for cold weather. Equip warm clothing or use tonics to prevent health depletion. The carving near Window Rock is another challenging one, as it''s easy to miss due to its small size. Use Eagle Eye to highlight the carving''s faint markings, making it easier to spot.\n\nOnce all carvings are found, return to Francis Sinclair''s cabin near Strawberry. He will reward you with a unique item and provide closure to the quest. To maximize efficiency, consider completing this challenge during a single in-game day, as it reduces the risk of random encounters or weather changes disrupting your progress.\n\nPractical tips for completing the Rock Carvings challenge quickly include using Eagle Eye frequently to spot carvings, planning your route in advance, and saving your game before attempting to reach difficult locations. This way, if you encounter an issue, you can reload without losing progress. Additionally, avoid engaging in unnecessary combat or distractions, as these can slow you down significantly.\n\nIn summary, the key to completing the Rock Carvings challenge quickly lies in preparation, efficient travel, and leveraging game mechanics like Eagle Eye and fast travel. By following a strategic approach and using external resources to locate the carvings, you can complete this challenge in a fraction of the time it would take through blind exploration.