How do I unlock the Horse Lantern upgrade?

Unlocking the Horse Lantern upgrade in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a valuable addition to your gameplay, especially for nighttime exploration. The Horse Lantern is a saddle upgrade that attaches a lantern to your horse, providing light in dark areas. This upgrade is particularly useful when traveling through forests, caves, or during missions that require visibility at night. However, unlocking it requires specific steps and progression in the game.\n\nTo unlock the Horse Lantern, you must first reach Chapter 2 in the main story. This is when the game opens up, allowing you to explore and access upgrades. Once in Chapter 2, you need to visit a Fence, which is a special vendor that sells unique items and upgrades. The closest Fence to your camp in Chapter 2 is located in Emerald Ranch, east of Valentine. You can find the Fence in a small building near the ranch''s main area.\n\nBefore purchasing the Horse Lantern, you must ensure you have enough money. The upgrade costs $350, which is a significant amount early in the game. To earn money quickly, consider completing missions, hunting and selling pelts, or looting enemies during encounters. Once you have the funds, head to the Fence and interact with them to access their inventory. Scroll through the available items until you find the Horse Lantern upgrade, then purchase it.\n\nAfter purchasing the upgrade, you need to equip it to your horse. Go to a stable, which can be found in towns like Valentine or Saint Denis. At the stable, select the horse you want to equip the lantern on, then navigate to the saddle options. Choose the Horse Lantern from your inventory and attach it to the saddle. Once equipped, the lantern will automatically light up during nighttime or in dark areas, providing visibility without needing to hold a lantern manually.\n\nOne common challenge players face is the high cost of the upgrade early in the game. To overcome this, focus on completing story missions in Chapter 2, as they often reward you with substantial amounts of money. Additionally, hunting legendary animals and selling their pelts to the Trapper can yield significant profits. Another tip is to loot enemies and search for treasure maps, which can lead to valuable rewards.\n\nIt''s also important to note that the Horse Lantern is purely cosmetic and does not affect your horse''s stats or performance. However, it greatly enhances your ability to navigate dark environments, making it a worthwhile investment for players who frequently explore at night. If you prefer not to spend money on the upgrade, you can use a handheld lantern or rely on the game''s ambient lighting, though these options are less convenient.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the Horse Lantern upgrade requires progressing to Chapter 2, visiting a Fence, and purchasing the upgrade for $350. Equip it at a stable, and enjoy improved visibility during nighttime exploration. For new players, focus on earning money through missions and hunting, while experienced players can optimize their gameplay by prioritizing this upgrade early on. The Horse Lantern is a small but impactful addition to your Red Dead Redemption 2 experience.