What’s the fastest way to complete the Herbalist Challenge 9?

The Herbalist Challenge 9 in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires you to pick and consume one of each type of herb in the game. This is one of the more time-consuming challenges, as there are 43 unique herbs scattered across the map. To complete this challenge efficiently, you’ll need a solid plan, knowledge of herb locations, and an understanding of game mechanics.\n\nFirst, it’s important to know that herbs are categorized into common and rare types. Common herbs like Yarrow, Burdock Root, and Wild Carrot are found in abundance across the map, while rare herbs like Ginseng, Sage, and Oregano are more localized. To save time, focus on gathering rare herbs first, as they are harder to find and often require specific regions or conditions to spawn.\n\nStart by visiting the Heartlands, a region rich in herbs like Wild Carrot, Yarrow, and Sage. These herbs are easy to spot due to their bright colors and distinct shapes. Use Eagle Eye (R3 on PlayStation, RS on Xbox) to highlight herbs in your vicinity. This ability is crucial for spotting herbs in dense foliage or during nighttime. Once you’ve gathered the common herbs, move to more specialized areas like the swamps near Saint Denis for rare herbs like Ginseng and Milkweed.\n\nOne of the most challenging aspects of this challenge is locating herbs that only grow in specific climates. For example, Desert Sage and Red Sage are found in the arid regions of New Austin, while Creeping Thyme and English Mace are more common in the colder areas of Ambarino. Plan your route to minimize backtracking by grouping herbs by region. For instance, after collecting herbs in the Heartlands, head to the Grizzlies for Creeping Thyme, then travel south to New Austin for Desert Sage.\n\nA common issue players face is missing herbs due to their small size or blending into the environment. To avoid this, use the in-game Compendium to track which herbs you’ve already collected. Open the Compendium (accessible from the pause menu) and navigate to the Plants section. This will show you which herbs you’ve picked and which ones are still missing. Additionally, consider using online maps or guides that pinpoint exact herb locations to save time.\n\nOnce you’ve gathered all 43 herbs, the final step is to consume one of each. Open your Satchel, navigate to the Materials tab, and select each herb to consume it. Be sure to consume them one at a time, as the game only counts one herb per action. If you’re missing any herbs, revisit the regions where they are known to spawn and use Eagle Eye to locate them.\n\nTo speed up the process, consider using fast travel points or your horse to cover large distances quickly. Campfires and stagecoaches can help you move between regions efficiently. Additionally, stock up on provisions like food and tonics to maintain your health and stamina during long herb-gathering sessions.\n\nFinally, here are some practical tips to make this challenge easier: Always carry a Varmint Rifle to hunt small animals for crafting tonics, as some herbs are used in recipes. Use the Legendary Buck Trinket to increase the quality of herbs you pick, ensuring you get the most out of each plant. And don’t forget to save your game frequently, especially after collecting rare herbs, to avoid losing progress.\n\nBy following these steps and tips, you can complete Herbalist Challenge 9 efficiently and enjoy the satisfaction of mastering one of Red Dead Redemption 2’s most demanding tasks.