How do I unlock the camp’s improved cooking station?

To unlock the camp’s improved cooking station in Red Dead Redemption 2, you need to progress through the game’s story and contribute to the camp’s ledger. The improved cooking station is part of the camp upgrades available at your gang’s main base, and it requires specific steps to unlock and utilize. Here’s a detailed guide to help you achieve this.\n\nFirst, you must reach Chapter 2 of the game’s story. This is when the camp upgrades become available. The camp is located at Horseshoe Overlook during this chapter, and you’ll need to interact with the ledger, a small book found near Dutch’s tent. The ledger is used to track donations and purchases for the camp. To unlock the improved cooking station, you must first upgrade Dutch’s tent, which costs $220. This is a prerequisite for other camp upgrades, including the cooking station.\n\nOnce Dutch’s tent is upgraded, you can then focus on the improved cooking station. This upgrade costs $325 and is listed under the "Provisions" section of the ledger. To afford this, you’ll need to contribute money to the camp’s funds. You can earn money by completing missions, hunting, selling pelts, or looting enemies. A quick way to gather funds is to complete the "Money Lending and Other Sins" missions for Strauss, which reward you with cash.\n\nAfter purchasing the upgrade, the improved cooking station will be available near Pearson, the camp’s cook. It allows you to cook multiple pieces of meat at once, saving time and effort. This is especially useful for crafting provisions that restore health, stamina, and Dead Eye cores. For example, you can cook seasoned big game meat, which provides significant core boosts, making it invaluable for survival and combat.\n\nOne common challenge players face is gathering enough funds for the upgrade. If you’re short on cash, focus on hunting and selling high-value pelts, such as those from deer, elk, or bears. You can also rob trains or stagecoaches, but be cautious of the law. Another tip is to loot enemies during missions, as they often carry valuables like jewelry or cash.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the improved cooking station requires progressing to Chapter 2, upgrading Dutch’s tent, and contributing $325 to the camp’s ledger. This upgrade significantly enhances your ability to craft provisions, making it a worthwhile investment. Focus on earning money through missions, hunting, and looting to afford the upgrade quickly.\n\nPractical tips: Always check Pearson’s requests for specific animal parts, as completing these can unlock additional camp upgrades. Additionally, prioritize hunting legendary animals, as their pelts sell for high prices and can fund multiple upgrades. Finally, keep an eye on the camp’s morale by contributing regularly, as this unlocks further benefits and interactions with gang members.