What’s the best way to complete the Herbalist 9 challenge?

The Herbalist 9 challenge in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires you to pick one of every type of herb in the game, totaling 43 unique plants. This is one of the most time-consuming challenges in the game, but with proper planning and knowledge of the map, it can be completed efficiently. The challenge is part of the Herbalist series, which tests your ability to identify and collect plants across the vast open world of RDR2.\n\nTo begin, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the different regions of the map, as herbs are spread across all biomes, including forests, deserts, swamps, and mountains. Some herbs are common and can be found almost anywhere, like Yarrow and Wild Carrot, while others are rare and only grow in specific locations. For example, the elusive Blackcurrant is primarily found in the Grizzlies and Ambarino regions, while the Desert Sage is exclusive to the arid areas of New Austin.\n\nStart by creating a checklist of all 43 herbs. You can find a complete list online or in the game’s compendium under the Plants section. This will help you track which herbs you’ve already collected and which ones you still need. Focus on gathering the rarer herbs first, as they are harder to find and may require traveling to remote areas. For instance, the Red Sage is only found in the southern parts of New Austin, near Rio Bravo and Cholla Springs.\n\nUse your Eagle Eye ability frequently to highlight herbs in the environment. This ability makes plants glow, making them easier to spot, especially in dense vegetation or low-light conditions. Additionally, consider using a horse with high stamina and bonding level to cover long distances quickly. The Arabian or Missouri Fox Trotter breeds are excellent choices for this purpose.\n\nOne common challenge players face is locating the Orchids, which are required for the challenge. These flowers are scattered throughout the swamps of Lemoyne, particularly in the Bayou Nwa area. However, some Orchids, like the Lady of the Night Orchid, are extremely rare and may take multiple in-game days to respawn. To speed up the process, consider setting up camp nearby and sleeping to advance time.\n\nAnother tip is to combine herb gathering with other activities, such as hunting or completing side missions. This way, you can make progress on multiple fronts while exploring the map. For example, while searching for Prairie Poppy in the Heartlands, you can also hunt for bison or complete Stranger missions in the area.\n\nFinally, be prepared for environmental hazards. Some herbs, like the Ginseng and English Mace, are found in areas with predators or hostile NPCs. Always carry a weapon and keep an eye on your surroundings. If you’re playing as Arthur Morgan, note that certain herbs in New Austin are inaccessible until the epilogue, so plan accordingly.\n\nIn summary, completing Herbalist 9 requires patience, thorough exploration, and strategic planning. Use your Eagle Eye ability, create a checklist, and focus on rare herbs first. Combine herb gathering with other activities to save time, and always be prepared for dangers in the wild. With these tips, you’ll be able to conquer this challenging task and earn the satisfaction of mastering the flora of Red Dead Redemption 2.