What’s the best way to complete the Survivalist challenges?

The Survivalist challenges in Red Dead Redemption 2 test your ability to survive in the wilderness by hunting, fishing, and crafting. These challenges are divided into 10 levels, each with specific tasks that require careful planning and execution. To complete them efficiently, you’ll need to understand game mechanics like hunting, fishing, and crafting, as well as know the best locations and strategies for each task.\n\nFor Survivalist 1, you must catch 3 Bluegill fish. Bluegill can be found in most freshwater bodies, such as the Dakota River near Horseshoe Overlook or Flat Iron Lake. Use bread or corn as bait, and fish in shallow areas during the day. Equip your fishing rod, cast near the shore, and wait for the fish to bite. Reel in slowly to avoid breaking the line. This challenge is straightforward but sets the tone for the more difficult tasks ahead.\n\nSurvivalist 2 requires you to craft 5 pieces of ammunition using the Small Game Arrow recipe. To craft these arrows, you’ll need flight feathers and regular arrows. Flight feathers can be obtained by plucking birds like ducks or geese, which are commonly found near water bodies like the Kamassa River. Once you have the materials, open your crafting menu and select the Small Game Arrow recipe. This challenge emphasizes the importance of resource gathering and crafting, which are essential skills for survival.\n\nFor Survivalist 3, you must kill 5 small game animals using Small Game Arrows. Squirrels, chipmunks, and small birds are ideal targets. Head to areas like Big Valley or the forests near Valentine, where these animals are abundant. Use Dead Eye to aim for clean headshots, as this ensures a perfect pelt and counts toward the challenge. This task teaches precision and patience, as small animals are quick and difficult to hit.\n\nSurvivalist 4 involves catching 3 fish without using a fishing rod. This can be done by using dynamite or a bow with improved arrows. A good location for this is Owanjila Lake, where fish are plentiful. Stand on the shore, throw dynamite into the water, and collect the fish that float to the surface. Alternatively, use Dead Eye to shoot fish with arrows. This challenge is a fun deviation from traditional fishing methods.\n\nSurvivalist 5 requires you to craft 5 Horse Stimulants. To do this, you’ll need Yarrow and Ginseng, which can be found in the Heartlands or near Rhodes. Once you’ve gathered the herbs, open your crafting menu and create the stimulants. This challenge highlights the importance of herbalism and crafting for maintaining your horse’s stamina.\n\nSurvivalist 6 tasks you with killing 8 small game animals in a row without missing a shot. This is one of the most difficult challenges, as it requires perfect accuracy. Use Small Game Arrows and Dead Eye to ensure clean kills. Focus on areas with high concentrations of small animals, like the forests near Strawberry. Take your time and aim carefully to avoid missing.\n\nFor Survivalist 7, you must craft 5 Poison Arrows. These require Oleander Sage, which grows near the Kamassa River, and regular arrows. Once crafted, Poison Arrows are highly effective against larger animals and enemies. This challenge reinforces the importance of crafting specialized ammunition for different situations.\n\nSurvivalist 8 involves catching 3 large fish. Large fish like Muskie and Lake Sturgeon can be found in Lake Isabella or the Dakota River. Use special lake or river lures to attract them. This challenge tests your fishing skills and patience, as large fish are harder to catch.\n\nSurvivalist 9 requires you to craft 5 Fire Arrows. These require flight feathers, regular arrows, and animal fat, which can be obtained from boars or bears. Fire Arrows are useful for dealing with groups of enemies or setting traps. This challenge emphasizes the versatility of crafted ammunition.\n\nFinally, Survivalist 10 tasks you with killing 5 flying birds with Small Game Arrows. Birds like ducks, geese, and cranes are ideal targets. Head to areas like the Kamassa River or Flat Iron Lake, where birds are plentiful. Use Dead Eye to track and shoot them mid-flight. This challenge is a test of precision and timing.\n\nTo succeed in the Survivalist challenges, always carry the necessary tools and materials. Plan your routes to maximize efficiency, and use Dead Eye to improve accuracy. With patience and practice, you’ll master these challenges and become a true survivalist in Red Dead Redemption 2.