What’s the best way to complete all survivalist challenges for the "Survival of the Fittest" trophy?
The ''Survival of the Fittest'' trophy in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires completing all 10 survivalist challenges, which test your hunting, fishing, and foraging skills. These challenges are divided into tiers, each with specific tasks that progressively increase in difficulty. To efficiently complete them, you’ll need to understand the game’s mechanics, such as tracking animals, crafting items, and using the right tools for fishing and hunting.\n\nStart with Survivalist Challenge 1, which requires you to catch three Bluegill fish. Bluegill can be found in most freshwater bodies, such as the Dakota River near Horseshoe Overlook. Use bread or corn as bait, and equip a fishing rod to catch them. This challenge is relatively simple and serves as a good introduction to the fishing mechanics. If you’re struggling to find Bluegill, try fishing during the day near shallow waters.\n\nFor Survivalist Challenge 2, you’ll need to craft five small game arrows. These arrows are crafted by combining regular arrows with flight feathers and shotgun shells. Flight feathers can be obtained by plucking birds like ducks or geese, which are commonly found near water bodies. Once crafted, small game arrows are essential for hunting small animals like squirrels and rabbits without damaging their pelts.\n\nSurvivalist Challenge 3 requires you to kill five animals with small game arrows. Focus on small animals like squirrels, chipmunks, or frogs, as they are easier to hunt with these arrows. Use Dead Eye to ensure a clean kill, which is crucial for maintaining the quality of the pelt. The Heartlands and Big Valley are excellent locations for finding small game.\n\nIn Survivalist Challenge 4, you must catch three fish without using a fishing rod. This can be done by using dynamite or a bow with improved arrows. Head to a shallow area like the Kamassa River, throw dynamite into the water, and collect the fish that float to the surface. Be cautious of nearby NPCs, as using dynamite can attract unwanted attention.\n\nSurvivalist Challenge 5 tasks you with catching five different types of fish. To complete this, visit various fishing spots across the map. For example, the Dakota River is great for Bluegill and Rock Bass, while the Lannahechee River is ideal for Catfish and Steelhead Trout. Use the appropriate bait for each fish type, and consult your compendium to track your progress.\n\nFor Survivalist Challenge 6, you’ll need to pluck five different types of birds. Birds like ducks, geese, and herons can be found near water bodies, while eagles and hawks are often seen in mountainous areas like the Grizzlies. Use a varmint rifle or bow to avoid damaging their feathers.\n\nSurvivalist Challenge 7 requires you to kill eight small animals in a row with small game arrows. This is one of the trickier challenges, as missing a shot breaks the streak. Focus on areas with high concentrations of small animals, such as the forests near Valentine or Strawberry. Use Dead Eye to improve accuracy and maintain your streak.\n\nIn Survivalist Challenge 8, you must catch a fish weighing at least 19 lbs. The Legendary Muskie, found in Lake Isabella, is a great option for this challenge. Use a special lake lure and be patient, as catching large fish can take time. Ensure your stamina core is full to avoid losing the fish during the struggle.\n\nSurvivalist Challenge 9 requires you to kill five flying birds with small game arrows. This is challenging due to the birds’ speed and small size. Head to areas like the Bayou Nwa or the Dakota River, where flocks of birds are common. Use Dead Eye to slow time and aim carefully.\n\nFinally, Survivalist Challenge 10 tasks you with killing a bear with a bow. The best location for this is the Grizzlies, where bears are plentiful. Use improved arrows and aim for the head or heart to ensure a clean kill. Be prepared for a fight, as bears are aggressive and can kill you quickly if you’re not careful.\n\nTo optimize your progress, always carry the necessary tools and materials, such as a bow, fishing rod, and crafting supplies. Use Dead Eye frequently to improve accuracy, and consult your map to locate the best hunting and fishing spots. Patience and preparation are key to completing these challenges efficiently.