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

Unlocking the camp’s improved cooking utensils in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a valuable upgrade that enhances your ability to craft better meals and tonics. This upgrade is tied to the camp’s ledger, which is managed by Dutch’s tent. To unlock it, you must first progress through the early story missions and contribute to the camp’s funds. The improved cooking utensils are part of the camp upgrades available in the ledger, and they require both money and story progression to unlock.\n\nTo begin, you need to complete the mission ''Polite Society, Valentine Style'' in Chapter 2. This mission introduces you to the camp’s ledger system, which is located near Dutch’s tent. Once the ledger is unlocked, you can access it to purchase upgrades for the camp. The improved cooking utensils cost $220, so you’ll need to ensure you have enough money. You can earn money by completing missions, hunting, selling pelts, or looting enemies.\n\nAfter acquiring the funds, open the ledger and navigate to the ''Upgrades'' section. Look for the ''Improved Cooking Utensils'' option and purchase it. This upgrade will replace the basic campfire cooking setup with a more advanced one, allowing you to cook multiple pieces of meat at once and craft more potent tonics. This is particularly useful for maintaining your health, stamina, and Dead Eye cores during long journeys or intense combat situations.\n\nOne common challenge players face is accumulating enough money early in the game. To address this, focus on hunting and selling pelts to the Trapper or Butcher. For example, hunting deer or elk in the Heartlands can yield valuable pelts. Additionally, looting enemies during missions or exploring abandoned cabins for hidden treasures can provide a quick cash boost. Remember to donate some of your earnings to the camp’s funds to unlock other upgrades as well.\n\nThe improved cooking utensils also tie into the game’s crafting mechanics. With this upgrade, you can cook seasoned meats that provide greater core boosts. For instance, cooking Big Game Meat with herbs like Oregano, Thyme, or Mint will enhance your health, stamina, or Dead Eye cores, respectively. This is especially helpful during challenging missions or when facing tough enemies like legendary animals.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the improved cooking utensils requires progressing to Chapter 2, accessing the camp ledger, and saving $220. Focus on earning money through hunting, looting, and missions, and prioritize this upgrade to improve your crafting capabilities. With this upgrade, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of the frontier and maintain your character’s performance throughout the game.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a variety of herbs to maximize the benefits of cooked meats. Hunt regularly to stockpile resources and sell excess pelts for cash. Finally, explore the map thoroughly to find hidden treasures and valuable items that can fund your camp upgrades.