What’s the fastest way to gather crafting materials in RDR2?

Gathering crafting materials efficiently in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of knowledge, preparation, and strategy. Crafting materials include animal parts, herbs, feathers, and other resources that are essential for creating items like tonics, ammunition, and camp upgrades. To maximize your efficiency, you need to understand the game mechanics, prioritize high-value materials, and use the right tools and locations.\n\nFirst, always carry the right tools for gathering materials. The Varmint Rifle is essential for hunting small animals like rabbits, raccoons, and birds without damaging their pelts or feathers. For larger animals, such as deer or bears, use a rifle with high damage to ensure clean kills. Additionally, equip the Bow with Small Game Arrows for hunting very small animals like squirrels or frogs. These tools ensure you collect pristine pelts and carcasses, which are required for crafting high-quality items.\n\nNext, focus on high-value materials. Certain animals and plants are more valuable for crafting than others. For example, perfect deer pelts are used for satchel upgrades, while heron feathers are needed for crafting special arrows. Prioritize hunting animals like deer, cougars, and wolves, as their pelts and parts are frequently used in crafting. For herbs, focus on collecting Yarrow, Sage, and Ginseng, which are used in health tonics and other consumables.\n\nUse the in-game map and animal compendium to locate specific materials. The map highlights areas where certain animals spawn, such as deer in Big Valley or alligators in the Bayou Nwa. The compendium provides detailed information about each animal, including their habitats and the quality of materials they provide. For herbs, use Eagle Eye to spot glowing plants in the environment. This ability highlights nearby resources, making them easier to collect.\n\nPlan your hunting trips strategically. Animals are more active during specific times of the day. For example, deer are most active at dawn and dusk, while predators like cougars are more likely to appear at night. Use this knowledge to your advantage by visiting the right locations at the right times. Additionally, set up camp near resource-rich areas to minimize travel time. For example, camping near Cumberland Forest gives you access to deer, wolves, and a variety of herbs.\n\nStore and manage your materials effectively. Your satchel has limited space, so prioritize carrying high-value items. Store excess materials at your camp or in the post office for safekeeping. This ensures you don’t lose valuable resources if you die or encounter unexpected challenges. Upgrading your satchel through the Leatherworking Tools at camp is also crucial, as it increases your carrying capacity for crafting materials.\n\nFinally, take advantage of fast travel and your horse’s storage. Fast travel allows you to quickly move between resource-rich areas, saving time and effort. Your horse can carry additional pelts and carcasses, so always bring it along during hunting trips. If you’re hunting large animals, consider using a wagon to transport multiple carcasses at once.\n\nIn summary, the fastest way to gather crafting materials in RDR2 involves using the right tools, prioritizing high-value resources, and planning your trips strategically. By understanding the game mechanics and leveraging the map and compendium, you can efficiently collect the materials needed for crafting and upgrades. Always carry the appropriate weapons, use Eagle Eye to locate resources, and manage your inventory wisely to maximize your efficiency.