What are the benefits of upgrading Arthur’s satchel for combat?

Upgrading Arthur’s satchel in Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most impactful ways to improve your combat efficiency and overall gameplay experience. The satchel is Arthur’s primary inventory system, and upgrading it allows you to carry more items, including ammunition, tonics, and food. This directly enhances your ability to survive and thrive in combat situations, as you’ll have access to more resources during prolonged fights or challenging missions.\n\nTo upgrade the satchel, you’ll need to complete the ''Leather Working Tools'' mission for Pearson, the camp cook, at Horseshoe Overlook. Once you’ve unlocked the crafting system, you can start gathering materials to craft the various satchel upgrades. Each upgrade requires specific animal pelts and other resources, so hunting becomes a critical part of the process. For example, the ''Tonics Satchel'' requires a perfect deer pelt, while the ''Materials Satchel'' needs a perfect badger pelt. These upgrades are cumulative, so each one you complete increases your carrying capacity for specific item categories.\n\nOne of the most significant benefits of upgrading the satchel is the ability to carry more ammunition. In combat, running out of bullets can be a death sentence, especially during intense shootouts or when facing large groups of enemies. With the ''Ammunition Satchel'' upgrade, you can carry up to 99 rounds of each type of ammunition, ensuring you’re always prepared for any encounter. This is particularly useful during missions like ''The Battle of Shady Belle,'' where you face waves of enemies and need to maintain consistent firepower.\n\nAnother key advantage is the increased capacity for tonics and provisions. The ''Tonics Satchel'' upgrade allows you to carry more health tonics, stamina tonics, and dead eye tonics, which are essential for surviving tough battles. For example, during the ''American Venom'' mission, where you face off against a heavily armed enemy, having extra health tonics can mean the difference between life and death. Similarly, the ''Provisions Satchel'' upgrade lets you carry more food items, which are crucial for restoring Arthur’s health and stamina during extended combat sequences.\n\nUpgrading the satchel also improves your ability to craft and carry more potent items. For instance, the ''Kit Satchel'' upgrade increases your capacity for crafting materials, allowing you to create more powerful ammunition types like explosive rounds or split-point bullets. These specialized ammo types can give you a significant edge in combat, especially against tougher enemies or bosses. Additionally, the ''Valuables Satchel'' upgrade lets you carry more loot, which can be sold for money to purchase better weapons or upgrades.\n\nFor new players, upgrading the satchel early in the game is highly recommended. Start by hunting common animals like deer, rabbits, and boars to gather the necessary pelts. Use the Varmint Rifle for small animals and the Bow with improved arrows for larger ones to ensure perfect pelts. Experienced players can focus on rarer animals like panthers or cougars for the final ''Legend of the East Satchel,'' which grants unlimited carrying capacity for all items.\n\nIn summary, upgrading Arthur’s satchel is a game-changing investment that significantly enhances your combat capabilities. By increasing your carrying capacity for ammunition, tonics, and crafting materials, you’ll be better equipped to handle any challenge the game throws at you. Prioritize hunting and crafting early on to unlock these upgrades and enjoy a smoother, more efficient gameplay experience.