What happens if I don’t complete the optional camp upgrades?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, camp upgrades are optional but can significantly impact your gameplay experience. If you choose not to complete these upgrades, the story will still progress, and you can reach all endings. However, you will miss out on certain benefits that enhance your time in the game. Camp upgrades are tied to the gang''s morale, Arthur''s honor, and the overall quality of life for you and your companions. While the main narrative remains unaffected, the lack of upgrades can make certain aspects of the game more challenging.\n\nCamp upgrades are divided into several categories, including lodging, provisions, and decorations. Each upgrade requires specific materials, such as animal pelts, herbs, or money, which you can gather through hunting, foraging, or completing missions. For example, upgrading Dutch''s lodging requires a perfect deer pelt, while improving the camp''s medicine supply needs specific herbs like Yarrow or Ginseng. If you skip these upgrades, you won''t have access to improved amenities like better food, faster health regeneration, or enhanced ammunition supplies.\n\nOne of the most noticeable consequences of not upgrading the camp is the lower morale among gang members. Upgrading the camp boosts their happiness, which can lead to unique interactions, side missions, and even monetary contributions to the camp''s funds. Without these upgrades, gang members may complain more frequently, and you''ll miss out on opportunities to deepen your relationships with them. For instance, upgrading Pearson''s provisions allows him to cook better meals, which in turn improves Arthur''s stamina and health cores. Skipping this means you''ll rely more on purchased or scavenged food.\n\nAnother practical impact of skipping camp upgrades is the lack of fast travel. One of the most sought-after upgrades is the map for Arthur''s lodging, which unlocks fast travel from the camp. Without this, you''ll need to rely on trains, stagecoaches, or horseback riding to traverse the vast map. This can be time-consuming, especially during missions that require you to travel long distances. For example, traveling from Clemens Point to Saint Denis without fast travel can take several in-game hours, which might disrupt your pacing.\n\nWhile the main story and endings remain unchanged, the lack of camp upgrades can make certain gameplay elements more tedious. For example, without upgraded ammunition supplies, you''ll need to purchase or craft bullets more frequently. Similarly, skipping the medical upgrades means you''ll rely more on tonics and purchased medicines, which can be costly. These challenges can be mitigated by focusing on hunting, foraging, and completing side missions to gather resources independently.\n\nFor players who want to experience the full depth of Red Dead Redemption 2, completing camp upgrades is highly recommended. Start by focusing on essential upgrades like the map for fast travel and Pearson''s provisions for better food. Prioritize hunting perfect pelts and gathering herbs to fulfill upgrade requirements. Use the Legendary Animal Map to locate high-quality pelts efficiently. Remember, these upgrades not only improve your gameplay but also enrich the story by fostering stronger bonds with the gang.\n\nIn conclusion, while skipping camp upgrades won''t lock you out of any endings, it will make your journey more challenging and less immersive. By investing time in these upgrades, you''ll unlock valuable benefits that enhance your overall experience. Whether you''re a new player or a seasoned gamer, balancing story progression with camp improvements is key to mastering Red Dead Redemption 2.