How do I unlock and upgrade the Naturalist role?

To unlock and upgrade the Naturalist role in Red Dead Online, you must first visit Harriet Davenport, the role''s primary NPC. She can be found at her tent in one of several locations, including MacFarlane''s Ranch, Lagras, or near Strawberry. To begin, you need to purchase the Naturalist Kit for 25 Gold Bars. If you''re short on gold, consider completing daily challenges or participating in events to earn more.\n\nOnce you''ve unlocked the role, your primary task as a Naturalist is to study and sample animals across the map. Harriet will provide you with a Field Guide, which tracks your progress as you document animals. You can use the Sedative Varmint Rifle, available for purchase from Harriet, to sedate animals without killing them. After sedating an animal, collect a sample using the Sample Kit provided. These samples can be sold to Harriet for Naturalist XP and cash.\n\nTo level up the Naturalist role, focus on completing tasks such as sampling animals, reviving sedated animals, and turning in samples to Harriet. Each animal species has a unique entry in the Field Guide, and completing these entries by sampling multiple animals of the same species will grant additional XP. For example, sampling a deer, rabbit, and wolf will fill their respective entries and reward you with progress toward role upgrades.\n\nAs you level up, you''ll unlock new items and abilities. At Rank 5, you gain access to the Mercy Kill ability, which allows you to humanely kill sedated animals. At Rank 10, you unlock the Wilderness Camp, a portable campfire that lets you craft items and fast travel from remote locations. Additionally, you can purchase role-specific outfits, horse equipment, and trinkets that enhance your Naturalist abilities.\n\nOne common challenge is managing Harriet''s disapproval if you hunt animals. If you kill too many animals, Harriet will temporarily refuse to interact with you. To avoid this, balance your activities by focusing on sampling rather than hunting. If you''re also pursuing the Trader role, consider dedicating specific play sessions to each role to minimize conflicts.\n\nFor efficient progression, prioritize sampling legendary animals. These rare creatures, such as the Legendary Rutile Horn Ram or the Legendary Onyx Wolf, provide significant XP and cash rewards. Harriet offers Legendary Animal Missions, which are repeatable and guarantee encounters with these unique animals. Completing these missions is a great way to level up quickly.\n\nFinally, use the Naturalist role to complement other roles. For example, the samples you collect can be used to craft potent tonics, and the Wilderness Camp is invaluable for Trader and Moonshiner activities. By integrating the Naturalist role into your overall gameplay strategy, you can maximize its benefits and enjoy a richer Red Dead Online experience.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry Sedative Ammo for your Varmint Rifle, as running out mid-task can be frustrating. Use the Animal Field Guide to track your progress and identify which animals you still need to sample. If you''re struggling to find specific animals, consult online maps or guides that detail spawn locations. Lastly, remember that patience is key—studying and sampling animals takes time, but the rewards are well worth the effort.