How do you unlock the Horse Lantern for nighttime travel?

Unlocking the Horse Lantern in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a valuable upgrade for nighttime travel, as it provides illumination in dark areas, making it easier to navigate trails and avoid obstacles. The Horse Lantern is not available immediately and requires specific steps to unlock. This guide will walk you through the process, including game mechanics, step-by-step instructions, and practical tips to make the most of this feature.\n\nTo unlock the Horse Lantern, you must first progress through the game''s story until you reach Chapter 2. This is when the majority of the game''s open-world activities and upgrades become available. Once in Chapter 2, you need to visit the Trapper, a unique vendor who sells custom gear and equipment. The Trapper can be found in several locations across the map, including near Riggs Station in West Elizabeth, Saint Denis, and other wilderness areas. Look for his icon on the map, which resembles a paw print.\n\nAt the Trapper, you can purchase the Horse Lantern, but it requires specific materials to craft. The primary material needed is a Perfect Deer Pelt. To obtain this, you must hunt a three-star deer, which is the highest quality rating for animals in the game. Use a rifle or bow with improved arrows to ensure a clean kill and preserve the pelt''s quality. Once you have the Perfect Deer Pelt, bring it to the Trapper to unlock the Horse Lantern.\n\nAfter acquiring the Horse Lantern, you need to equip it to your horse. Go to any stable and select the ''Horse Equipment'' option. From there, you can attach the lantern to your saddle. Once equipped, the lantern will automatically activate during nighttime or in dark environments, providing a steady light source. This is particularly useful when traveling through dense forests, caves, or during missions that require stealth or precision in low-light conditions.\n\nOne common challenge players face is locating a three-star deer. These animals are more common in forested areas like Big Valley, Cumberland Forest, and the Heartlands. Use Eagle Eye to track deer and identify their quality before engaging. Additionally, ensure you have the right weapon to avoid damaging the pelt. A rifle like the Springfield or Bolt Action Rifle is ideal for hunting deer.\n\nAnother tip is to use the Horse Lantern strategically. While it provides light, it can also make you more visible to enemies during stealth missions. If you''re trying to remain undetected, consider dismounting and leaving your horse in a safe location. The lantern will still be active when you return, ensuring you have light when needed.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the Horse Lantern involves progressing to Chapter 2, hunting a Perfect Deer Pelt, and visiting the Trapper to craft the lantern. Equip it at a stable and use it to enhance nighttime travel. With these steps, you''ll have a reliable light source for your adventures in Red Dead Redemption 2.