What’s the best way to track down dinosaur bones?

Tracking down dinosaur bones in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a rewarding but challenging activity that requires patience, exploration, and attention to detail. These bones are scattered across the vast open world, and finding them all is part of the Stranger mission ''A Test of Faith,'' given by Deborah MacGuiness in Valentine. To begin, you must first meet Deborah near the train station in Valentine, where she will explain her interest in fossils and ask you to locate 30 dinosaur bone fragments scattered across the map.\n\nOnce you accept the mission, you will need to explore the world to find these bones. Each bone location is marked by a small pile of white bones sticking out of the ground, often in remote or hard-to-reach areas. To make the search easier, you can purchase maps from Deborah or find them in specific locations. The first map is given to you by Deborah, while the second can be found in a shack near Window Rock, and the third is located in a cave near Elysian Pool.\n\nTo locate the bones, use your in-game map and the clues provided in the maps. The bones are often found in areas with unique geological features, such as cliffs, caves, or rocky outcrops. For example, one bone is located near the top of Mount Shann, while another can be found in the desert region of New Austin. Pay close attention to the environment, as the bones are often partially buried and can be easy to miss.\n\nWhen searching for bones, it is helpful to use Eagle Eye, a game mechanic that highlights interactive objects in the environment. Activate Eagle Eye by pressing both thumbsticks (on consoles) or the appropriate key on PC. This will make the bones glow, making them easier to spot. Additionally, listen for the sound cue that plays when you are near a bone. This audio cue is subtle but can help guide you to the exact location.\n\nSome bones are located in dangerous areas, such as predator-infested regions or near hostile NPCs. For example, one bone is near the cougar spawn point in Roanoke Ridge, while another is close to the Del Lobo gang hideout in Gaptooth Ridge. To avoid unnecessary combat, approach these areas cautiously and consider using stealth or long-range weapons to deal with threats. If you are playing as Arthur Morgan, note that some bones in New Austin are inaccessible until the epilogue, as the area is restricted during the main story.\n\nOnce you find a bone, interact with it to collect the fragment. Each bone you collect will be marked in your progress menu, allowing you to track how many you have found. After collecting all 30 bones, return to Deborah to complete the mission and receive a unique reward: a dinosaur tooth trinket that increases the value of looted items.\n\nFor new players, it is recommended to combine bone hunting with other exploration activities, such as hunting or treasure hunting, to make the process more efficient. Experienced players can use fast travel and their knowledge of the map to target specific bone locations. Regardless of your experience level, tracking down dinosaur bones is a great way to explore the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 and uncover its hidden secrets.\n\nPractical tips for finding dinosaur bones include using online maps or guides for precise locations, especially if you are struggling to find a specific bone. Additionally, consider using a horse with high stamina and health to traverse difficult terrain and avoid predators. Finally, take your time and enjoy the journey, as the search for dinosaur bones is as much about the exploration as it is about the reward.