Where are the best places to set up camp for crafting?

Setting up camp for crafting in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a crucial part of gameplay, as it allows you to create essential items like ammunition, tonics, and upgrades. Crafting requires a campfire, which can be found in specific locations or created manually. To set up a camp, open the item wheel, select the campfire icon, and choose a flat, open area. The game will automatically place the campfire if the location is suitable. Once set up, you can access the crafting menu to create items using materials you’ve gathered.\n\nOne of the best places to set up camp for crafting is near Valentine in the Heartlands. This area is central to many resources, including herbs, animals, and shops. The flat terrain makes it easy to set up camp, and the proximity to Valentine allows you to quickly restock supplies if needed. Another excellent location is near Strawberry in Big Valley. This area is rich in wildlife and herbs, making it ideal for gathering crafting materials. The scenic surroundings also provide a peaceful environment for crafting.\n\nFor players who prefer a more secluded spot, the Grizzlies East region near O’Creagh’s Run is a great choice. This area is less populated, reducing the risk of ambushes while crafting. It’s also close to water, which is useful for fishing and gathering specific herbs. However, the colder climate means you’ll need to dress appropriately to avoid health penalties. If you’re in the southern part of the map, the area around Rhodes is another solid option. It’s close to the swamp, which is rich in unique herbs and animals, but be cautious of alligators and hostile NPCs.\n\nWhen setting up camp, always ensure you have enough materials for crafting. Common items like herbs, animal parts, and feathers are essential for many recipes. For example, crafting potent health tonics requires Yarrow and Ginseng, which can be found in the Heartlands and forests. Similarly, crafting improved arrows requires flight feathers, which can be obtained by hunting birds. Always carry a varmint rifle or bow to hunt small animals without damaging their pelts or feathers.\n\nA common challenge players face is running out of specific materials while crafting. To avoid this, always gather extra resources when exploring. For instance, if you’re in an area with abundant herbs, pick as many as you can carry. Store excess materials in your satchel or at your main camp to ensure you’re always prepared. Additionally, upgrading your satchel at Pearson’s camp crafting station will allow you to carry more items, making crafting more efficient.\n\nAnother tip is to use the in-game map to mark resource-rich locations. For example, if you find a spot with a high concentration of Yarrow, mark it on your map so you can return later. This is especially useful for rare materials like Oleander Sage, which is only found in specific areas like the swamps near Saint Denis. By planning your crafting sessions around these locations, you can save time and effort.\n\nFinally, always consider the time of day and weather when setting up camp. Crafting at night can be risky due to reduced visibility and increased predator activity. If you’re in a dangerous area, consider setting up camp during the day or in a well-lit, open space. Additionally, rain can extinguish your campfire, so check the weather forecast before starting a crafting session.\n\nIn summary, the best places to set up camp for crafting in Red Dead Redemption 2 are resource-rich areas like the Heartlands, Big Valley, and Grizzlies East. Always gather extra materials, upgrade your satchel, and plan your crafting sessions around the time of day and weather. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to create essential items and enhance your gameplay experience.