What are the benefits of upgrading Arthur’s satchel?

Upgrading Arthur’s satchel in Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most impactful ways to improve your gameplay experience. The satchel determines how many items Arthur can carry, including consumables, crafting materials, and valuables. By default, Arthur starts with a basic satchel that limits his inventory capacity, but upgrading it through the crafting system allows you to carry significantly more items, making resource management much easier.\n\nTo upgrade the satchel, you need to visit Pearson, the camp cook, at your gang’s main camp. Pearson offers a series of satchel upgrades, each requiring specific animal pelts and crafting materials. These upgrades are tied to the ''Leatherworking Tools'' item, which you can purchase from the ledger in camp for $225. Once you have the tools, Pearson will unlock the ability to craft satchels, starting with the ''Materials Satchel'' and progressing to the ultimate ''Legend of the East Satchel,'' which grants unlimited storage for nearly all items.\n\nEach satchel upgrade requires specific animal pelts, which must be in perfect condition. For example, the Materials Satchel requires a perfect deer pelt, a perfect rabbit pelt, and a perfect raccoon pelt. To obtain perfect pelts, you need to hunt animals using the correct weapon and aim for a clean kill. For deer, a rifle or bow with improved arrows works best, while small animals like rabbits and raccoons require a varmint rifle. Always study the animal beforehand to ensure it’s a three-star (perfect) specimen.\n\nUpgrading the satchel not only increases your carrying capacity but also streamlines your gameplay. For instance, the Provisions Satchel allows you to carry more food items, which is crucial for maintaining Arthur’s health and stamina cores during long journeys or intense combat. Similarly, the Tonics Satchel lets you stockpile more health tonics, snake oils, and other consumables, giving you an edge in tough situations like gang hideouts or bounty hunter encounters.\n\nOne common challenge players face is finding the required animals for pelts. For example, raccoons can be elusive, often appearing at night in wooded areas like Big Valley or Roanoke Ridge. Using bait or predator calls can help lure them out. Additionally, some animals, like the panther, are rare and dangerous, requiring careful preparation and high-quality weapons to hunt successfully. Always save your game before attempting to hunt dangerous animals to avoid losing progress.\n\nOnce you’ve crafted all the individual satchels, Pearson will unlock the Legend of the East Satchel, which combines the benefits of all previous upgrades. This satchel is a game-changer, allowing you to carry 99 of nearly every item, including herbs, meat, tonics, and valuables. This eliminates the need to constantly manage inventory and ensures you’re always prepared for any situation.\n\nPractical tips for upgrading the satchel include focusing on hunting early in the game, as it’s easier to gather materials before the story progresses and camp locations change. Use the in-game compendium to track animal locations and study their behavior. Additionally, invest in the Varmint Rifle and Bow early on, as they are essential for hunting small and medium-sized animals. Finally, always carry a few pieces of bait and predator calls to make hunting more efficient.\n\nIn summary, upgrading Arthur’s satchel is a worthwhile investment that significantly enhances your gameplay. By increasing your carrying capacity, you’ll spend less time managing inventory and more time exploring the vast world of Red Dead Redemption 2. Follow the steps to craft each satchel, hunt strategically, and prioritize the Legend of the East Satchel for the ultimate convenience.