What’s the best way to craft the Improved Small Game Arrow?

Crafting the Improved Small Game Arrow in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a valuable skill for hunters and survivalists. This specialized arrow is designed to kill small animals like squirrels, rabbits, and birds without damaging their pelts, making it essential for perfect pelts and crafting high-quality items. To craft it, you’ll need specific materials and a bit of preparation. Here’s a detailed guide to help you master this process.\n\nFirst, you’ll need to unlock the recipe for the Improved Small Game Arrow. This recipe becomes available after completing the mission "The First Shall Be Last" in Chapter 2, where you rescue Sean MacGuire. Once unlocked, you can craft the arrow at any campfire or in the wilderness using the crafting menu. The recipe requires one Arrow, one Flight Feather, and one Shotgun Shell. These materials are relatively easy to obtain, but you’ll need to know where to look.\n\nTo gather Arrows, you can either purchase them from a Fence or loot them from enemies during missions or random encounters. Flight Feathers are obtained by plucking birds, such as ducks, geese, or eagles. Birds are commonly found near water sources like rivers, lakes, or swamps. For example, the Dakota River and the Kamassa River are excellent spots for hunting birds. Use the Varmint Rifle or a Bow with regular arrows to hunt them efficiently. Shotgun Shells can be purchased from gunsmiths or found in lootable containers throughout the world.\n\nOnce you have all the materials, head to a campfire or use your portable camp kit. Open the crafting menu and navigate to the Ammo section. Select the Improved Small Game Arrow recipe and confirm the crafting process. If you’re in a hurry, you can also craft these arrows on the go by holding the appropriate button (e.g., holding L1/LB on consoles) and selecting the recipe from the quick menu.\n\nOne common challenge players face is finding Flight Feathers. Birds can be elusive, and their small size makes them difficult to spot. To overcome this, use Eagle Eye (R3/Right Stick) to highlight animals in your vicinity. Additionally, consider using the Buck Antler Trinket, which increases the quality of animal parts you collect, ensuring you get more Flight Feathers per bird. Another tip is to hunt during the early morning or late afternoon when birds are most active.\n\nFor Shotgun Shells, if you’re low on funds or prefer not to spend money, explore abandoned buildings, campsites, or enemy hideouts. These locations often contain ammo crates or lootable containers with Shotgun Shells. For example, the gang hideout at Hanging Dog Ranch in Big Valley is a reliable source of ammo and other supplies.\n\nIn summary, crafting the Improved Small Game Arrow requires preparation and resourcefulness. Focus on hunting birds for Flight Feathers, stock up on Arrows, and gather Shotgun Shells through exploration or purchases. Use Eagle Eye and the Buck Antler Trinket to maximize your efficiency. With these tips, you’ll be able to craft this essential tool and improve your hunting success in Red Dead Redemption 2.