What’s the best way to craft all types of tonics?

Crafting all types of tonics in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for survival, combat, and exploration. Tonics restore health, stamina, and Dead Eye, making them invaluable during intense moments. To craft tonics, you need to gather specific herbs, animal parts, and other ingredients found throughout the game world. The process involves locating recipes, collecting materials, and using a crafting menu. This guide will walk you through the steps to craft every type of tonic efficiently.\n\nFirst, you need to unlock tonic recipes. Many recipes are available by default, but others can be found in the world or purchased from fences, general stores, or through the compendium. For example, the Potent Health Cure recipe is found in a cabin near Window Rock, while the Potent Snake Oil recipe is available at the fence in Rhodes. Always check your satchel for recipes you may have picked up during your travels.\n\nNext, gather the required ingredients. Herbs like Yarrow, Ginseng, and Sage are commonly used in tonics and can be found in specific regions. Yarrow grows in open fields, Ginseng is found in forests, and Sage is abundant in arid areas like New Austin. Animal parts, such as animal fat from ducks or boars, are also essential for crafting potent tonics. Use your Eagle Eye ability to highlight herbs and animals, making them easier to locate.\n\nOnce you have the ingredients, open your satchel and navigate to the crafting menu. Select the tonic you want to craft and ensure you have the necessary materials. For example, to craft a Potent Health Cure, you need Yarrow, Ginseng, and Indian Tobacco. If you’re missing an ingredient, the game will highlight it, allowing you to focus your search. Crafting can be done at campfires or while on the move, but campfires provide a more organized interface.\n\nA common challenge is finding rare ingredients like Oleander Sage or specific animal parts. Oleander Sage, used in poisonous tonics, grows near the Kamassa River in Lemoyne. For animal parts, hunt ducks near water bodies or boars in forests. Use a varmint rifle for small animals and a bow with improved arrows for larger ones to ensure clean kills and high-quality materials. Always skin animals to collect their fat, which is crucial for potent tonics.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, plan your crafting sessions. Stockpile common herbs like Yarrow and Ginseng whenever you encounter them. Store excess ingredients in your satchel to avoid running out mid-mission. Additionally, upgrade your satchel at Pearson’s crafting station in camp to carry more items. The Legend of the East satchel, for example, allows you to hold 99 of each item, making it easier to craft tonics in bulk.\n\nFinally, use tonics strategically. Health tonics are best used during gunfights or when exploring dangerous areas. Stamina tonics are ideal for long rides or chases, while Dead Eye tonics enhance your accuracy in combat. Always carry a variety of tonics to adapt to different situations. For example, a Potent Snake Oil can give you a significant Dead Eye boost during a shootout, while a Potent Health Cure can save your life in a tough fight.\n\nIn summary, crafting all types of tonics in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires preparation, resourcefulness, and strategic planning. Unlock recipes, gather ingredients, and use your crafting menu efficiently. Overcome challenges by hunting specific animals and exploring key locations for rare herbs. With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to craft every tonic and dominate the wild west.