How do I unlock the horse lantern for nighttime riding?

Unlocking the horse lantern in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a valuable upgrade for nighttime riding, as it provides illumination in dark areas, making it easier to navigate trails and avoid obstacles. The horse lantern is not available immediately and requires specific steps to unlock. Here’s a detailed guide to help you obtain it.\n\nFirst, you must progress through the game’s story until you reach Chapter 2. This is when most of the game’s mechanics and upgrades become available. Once in Chapter 2, you’ll need to visit a Fence, which is a special vendor that sells unique items and upgrades. The closest Fence to your camp in Chapter 2 is located in Rhodes, a town in the southern part of Lemoyne. You can also find Fences in Saint Denis and Emerald Ranch later in the game.\n\nTo unlock the horse lantern, you’ll need to purchase the Improved Saddlebags from the Fence. These saddlebags are a prerequisite for equipping the lantern. The Improved Saddlebags cost $45 and allow you to carry more outfits on your horse. Once you’ve purchased the saddlebags, you can then buy the horse lantern for an additional $350. While this may seem expensive, the lantern is a worthwhile investment for players who frequently travel at night or through dense forests.\n\nAfter purchasing the lantern, you’ll need to equip it to your horse. To do this, approach your horse and open the Horse menu. Select the Saddle option, then choose the Lantern slot. The lantern will automatically attach to your horse’s saddle and provide light during nighttime rides. Note that the lantern is purely cosmetic during the day and only activates when it’s dark.\n\nOne common challenge players face is earning enough money to afford the lantern early in the game. To quickly gather funds, consider completing side missions, hunting valuable animals, or looting enemies during story missions. For example, hunting perfect pelts from animals like deer or cougars can fetch a high price at the Trapper or Butcher. Additionally, robbing stagecoaches or searching for hidden treasures can provide a significant cash boost.\n\nAnother tip is to ensure your horse is well-bonded before equipping the lantern. A higher bond level improves your horse’s stamina and health, making nighttime travel safer. Bonding with your horse is achieved by feeding, grooming, and riding it regularly. If your horse is skittish, the lantern’s light can help calm it in dark or unfamiliar areas.\n\nFinally, remember that the horse lantern is not the only way to navigate at night. You can also use your personal lantern, which is obtained during the story mission ‘Polite Society, Valentine Style.’ However, the horse lantern is more convenient as it frees up your hands for other tasks like shooting or looting.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the horse lantern involves progressing to Chapter 2, visiting a Fence, purchasing the Improved Saddlebags, and then buying the lantern itself. Save up money through hunting, looting, or side missions to afford the upgrade. Equip the lantern via the Horse menu and enjoy safer nighttime rides. With these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the vast world of Red Dead Redemption 2, even in the darkest hours.