How do I stop the bug where the game doesn’t recognize collected dinosaur bones?

The dinosaur bone collection quest in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a fascinating side activity that rewards players with unique items and lore. However, some players encounter a frustrating bug where the game fails to recognize collected dinosaur bones, preventing progress. This issue can stem from various causes, including save file corruption, incomplete quest triggers, or game engine glitches. Below, we’ll explore how to avoid and resolve this problem with detailed steps and explanations.\n\nFirst, ensure you’re following the correct process for collecting dinosaur bones. These bones are scattered across the map, and each one must be inspected and picked up manually. When you approach a bone, you’ll see a prompt to inspect it. After inspecting, you’ll need to pick it up to add it to your collection. If the game doesn’t register the bone, try saving your game manually and reloading the save. This often resets the game’s internal tracking system and can resolve minor glitches.\n\nIf reloading doesn’t work, check your progress in the quest log. Open the menu, navigate to the Progress tab, and select Collections. Here, you’ll see a list of all dinosaur bones you’ve collected. If a bone is missing, revisit the location where you found it. Some bones, such as those near the Elysian Pool or the Heartlands, are prone to spawning issues. If the bone is still present, inspect and pick it up again. If it’s gone, the game may have already registered it but failed to update the quest log properly.\n\nAnother common cause of this bug is incomplete quest triggers. The dinosaur bone quest begins when you meet Deborah MacGuiness, a paleontologist, in the town of Valentine. If you haven’t spoken to her or started the quest officially, the game may not track your bone collection. To fix this, head to Valentine and locate Deborah near the train station. Speak to her to initiate the quest, then return to the bones you’ve already collected. This should force the game to recognize your progress.\n\nFor players who have already completed the quest but are missing bones, the issue may lie in save file corruption. To address this, load an earlier save file where the bones were still present. If you don’t have an earlier save, consider restarting the quest entirely. While this is time-consuming, it ensures the game tracks your progress correctly. Additionally, avoid using mods or third-party tools, as these can interfere with the game’s tracking systems and cause bugs.\n\nFinally, keep your game updated. Rockstar Games frequently releases patches to fix bugs and improve performance. If you’re playing on an outdated version, updating the game may resolve the issue. To check for updates, open the game launcher or console store and download any available patches. This is especially important for PC players, as mods and custom settings can exacerbate glitches.\n\nIn summary, the dinosaur bone bug can be avoided by following proper collection procedures, ensuring quest triggers are activated, and keeping your game updated. If you encounter the issue, try reloading saves, revisiting bone locations, or restarting the quest. By taking these steps, you can enjoy this unique side activity without frustration and unlock its rewards.