How do I complete the Naturalist role missions?
The Naturalist role in Red Dead Online allows players to study and protect the wildlife of the American frontier. To begin, you must visit Harriet Davenport, the Naturalist role''s primary NPC, who can be found at her tent in locations such as MacFarlane''s Ranch, Lagras, or near Strawberry. You will need to pay 25 Gold Bars to unlock the role, or you can purchase the Outlaw Pass to gain a discount. Once unlocked, you can start Naturalist missions and progress through the role''s ranks.\n\nNaturalist missions revolve around studying animals, collecting samples, and completing tasks for Harriet. To study animals, equip your Varmint Rifle or Bow with Small Game Arrows to sedate animals without killing them. Approach the sedated animal and use the Sample Kit to collect a sample. These samples can be sold to Harriet for Naturalist XP and cash. Be cautious, as killing animals excessively will anger Harriet, and she may refuse to speak to you for a short time.\n\nOne of the key mechanics of the Naturalist role is the Field Guide. This guide tracks all the animals you have studied and sampled. Completing entries in the Field Guide by sampling different species and subspecies will reward you with XP and role-specific items. For example, sampling alligator species in the Bayou Nwa region will unlock unique rewards like the Wilderness Camp Fast Travel upgrade.\n\nNaturalist missions also include Legendary Animal hunts. These are special missions where you track and sedate rare animals. Legendary Animals are marked on your map, and you must follow clues like tracks, droppings, and sounds to locate them. Once found, sedate the animal and collect its sample. These samples are highly valuable and can be sold to Harriet for significant rewards. Alternatively, you can kill the Legendary Animal and sell its pelt to Gus Macmillan, a trapper who can craft unique clothing items.\n\nA common challenge for new Naturalists is managing Harriet''s disapproval. If you kill too many animals, Harriet will temporarily lock you out of her services. To avoid this, focus on sedating animals and collecting samples rather than hunting. If you need to hunt for other roles like Trader, balance your activities by completing Naturalist tasks before engaging in hunting.\n\nPractical tips for excelling in the Naturalist role include using the Eagle Eye ability frequently to track animals and clues. Equip the Naturalist Satchel to carry more samples and items. Additionally, invest in the Improved Binoculars to study animals from a distance without spooking them. Completing daily Naturalist challenges is another great way to earn XP and Gold Bars quickly.\n\nIn summary, the Naturalist role in Red Dead Online offers a unique gameplay experience centered on wildlife conservation. By studying animals, collecting samples, and completing missions for Harriet, you can progress through the role and unlock valuable rewards. Balancing your activities and using the right tools will help you succeed as a Naturalist.