What are the best ways to unlock fast travel in West Elizabeth?

Unlocking fast travel in West Elizabeth in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a valuable feature that saves time and allows you to explore the vast open world more efficiently. Fast travel is not immediately available, and players must meet specific requirements to unlock it. This guide will walk you through the steps, mechanics, and strategies to unlock fast travel in West Elizabeth, ensuring you can navigate the region with ease.\n\nTo unlock fast travel in West Elizabeth, you must first progress through the main story and upgrade your camp. Fast travel is tied to the camp upgrades system, specifically the ''Leather Working Tools'' purchased from the camp ledger. These tools allow you to craft upgrades, including a map for fast travel. To begin, ensure you are in Chapter 2 of the story, as this is when camp upgrades become available. Visit the camp ledger near Dutch''s tent and purchase the Leather Working Tools for $225. This is a one-time investment that unlocks crafting options for camp upgrades.\n\nOnce you have the Leather Working Tools, you can upgrade Arthur''s lodging. This is a crucial step, as the fast travel map is tied to the lodging upgrade. Go to the camp ledger again and select the ''Lodging'' option. Upgrade Arthur''s tent to the second tier, which costs $220 and requires one unit of leather. After completing this upgrade, a fast travel map will appear near Arthur''s cot. This map allows you to fast travel to major towns, settlements, and other key locations in West Elizabeth and beyond.\n\nFast travel in West Elizabeth is particularly useful for reaching locations like Blackwater, Strawberry, and the surrounding wilderness. However, note that fast travel is limited to discovered locations. You must first visit a location on horseback or foot to unlock it as a fast travel destination. For example, to fast travel to Blackwater, you must first ride there manually. This encourages exploration while still providing convenience for return trips.\n\nA common challenge players face is accumulating enough money for camp upgrades early in the game. To address this, focus on completing story missions, hunting, and looting enemies for valuables. Selling pelts, jewelry, and other items to fences or general stores can quickly boost your funds. Additionally, treasure hunts are a great way to earn large sums of money. For example, the ''Jack Hall Gang Treasure Map'' can net you over $1,000 if completed early in the game.\n\nAnother tip is to prioritize the fast travel upgrade early in your playthrough. While it may seem expensive at first, the time saved by fast traveling is invaluable, especially when completing side missions or exploring distant areas. Once unlocked, fast travel becomes a core part of your gameplay strategy, allowing you to focus on story progression and exploration without spending excessive time traveling.\n\nIn summary, unlocking fast travel in West Elizabeth requires purchasing the Leather Working Tools and upgrading Arthur''s lodging at camp. This investment pays off by saving time and enhancing your overall gameplay experience. Focus on earning money through missions, hunting, and treasure hunts to afford these upgrades early. Once unlocked, fast travel will become an essential tool for navigating the vast world of Red Dead Redemption 2.