How do I unlock the Legendary Animal Map?

To unlock the Legendary Animal Map in Red Dead Redemption 2, you must progress through the main story and complete specific missions. The map becomes available after completing Chapter 1 and entering Chapter 2, which is when the open-world gameplay truly begins. However, the map itself is not handed to you automatically; you need to trigger a specific encounter with a character named Hosea Matthews, one of the members of the Van der Linde gang.\n\nHosea will introduce you to the concept of hunting Legendary Animals during the mission ''Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego.'' This mission is unlocked early in Chapter 2, and it involves hunting a Legendary Bear. Once you accept the mission, Hosea will give you a map that marks the locations of all Legendary Animals in the game. This map is essential for tracking down these rare and powerful creatures, which provide unique pelts and materials for crafting.\n\nTo start the mission, head to Horseshoe Overlook, the gang''s camp in Chapter 2. Speak to Hosea, who will be near his tent. He will propose a hunting trip to the Grizzlies East region, where the Legendary Bear resides. Follow Hosea to the location, and after a brief cutscene, you will be tasked with tracking and hunting the bear. This mission serves as a tutorial for hunting Legendary Animals, teaching you how to use Eagle Eye to follow tracks and how to approach these dangerous creatures.\n\nOnce you complete the mission, the Legendary Animal Map will be added to your inventory. You can access it by opening your satchel and navigating to the Documents tab. The map will display icons for all Legendary Animals across the game world, divided by regions. Each animal has a specific spawn location, and you can hunt them in any order. However, some Legendary Animals are locked behind story progression or require specific conditions to spawn.\n\nA common challenge players face is locating the exact spawn points for Legendary Animals. The map provides general areas, but you need to use Eagle Eye to find clues like tracks, fur, or other signs of the animal''s presence. If you''re having trouble finding a Legendary Animal, ensure you''re in the correct region and that the animal''s icon on the map is not grayed out. Grayed-out icons indicate that the animal cannot be hunted yet, either due to story progression or environmental factors like weather.\n\nAnother tip is to prepare adequately before hunting Legendary Animals. These creatures are tougher and more aggressive than regular wildlife, so bring powerful weapons like rifles or bows with improved arrows. Additionally, stock up on health tonics and stamina boosters to survive encounters. Some Legendary Animals, like the Legendary Cougar or Legendary Panther, are particularly dangerous and require careful planning to defeat.\n\nFinally, remember that Legendary Animals can only be hunted once. If you fail to kill or skin the animal, it will not respawn. However, the materials it provides are unique and essential for crafting special outfits and trinkets at the Trapper and Fence. These items offer permanent bonuses, such as increased health or stamina, making the hunt worthwhile.\n\nIn summary, unlock the Legendary Animal Map by completing the ''Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego'' mission in Chapter 2. Use the map to locate and hunt Legendary Animals, but be prepared for challenging encounters. With the right tools and strategy, you can successfully track down these rare creatures and reap their valuable rewards.