How do I craft items and tonics in Red Dead Online?

Crafting items and tonics in Red Dead Online is an essential skill that allows players to create useful consumables, ammunition, and tools to survive and thrive in the game. To begin crafting, you need to gather the necessary materials, such as herbs, animal parts, and other resources, which can be found throughout the open world. Crafting is done at a Campfire, which can be accessed at your personal camp or at various locations across the map, such as towns or wilderness areas.\n\nTo craft an item, approach a Campfire and interact with it to open the crafting menu. The menu will display all available recipes based on the materials you have collected. Recipes are unlocked as you progress through the game or purchase them from Fences, such as Seamus at Emerald Ranch. For example, to craft a Health Cure, you need one Yarrow and one Ginseng, both of which can be found in the wild. Once you have the required materials, select the recipe and confirm to craft the item.\n\nOne of the most common challenges players face is finding specific herbs or animal parts. For example, crafting Potent Snake Oil requires Oleander Sage, which grows near water sources like the Kamassa River. If you''re struggling to locate materials, use the in-game map to identify herb locations or hunt specific animals for their parts. For instance, Bucks are a reliable source of Antlers, which are used in crafting certain tonics.\n\nAnother important aspect of crafting is managing your inventory. Some items, like tonics and ammunition, have limited storage capacity, so prioritize crafting items that are most useful for your playstyle. For example, if you frequently engage in combat, focus on crafting Split Point Ammo or Special Health Cures. If you prefer exploration, craft items like Horse Stimulants or Bitters to keep your stamina and health topped up during long journeys.\n\nFor new players, it''s recommended to start by crafting basic items like Health Tonics and Regular Ammo, as these require common materials and are easy to find. As you gain experience, you can experiment with more advanced recipes, such as Explosive Ammo or Special Snake Oil, which provide significant advantages in combat or hunting. Always keep an eye out for rare materials, like Perfect Pelts or Exotic Herbs, as these are often required for high-tier recipes.\n\nFinally, consider investing in the Outlaw Pass or upgrading your camp with a Provisions Wagon to increase your crafting efficiency. These upgrades provide additional storage and access to exclusive recipes, making it easier to craft items on the go. By mastering crafting, you can enhance your gameplay experience and gain a competitive edge in Red Dead Online.\n\nPractical Tip: Always carry a Varmint Rifle when hunting small animals, as it ensures clean kills and high-quality pelts, which are essential for crafting. Additionally, use the Eagle Eye ability to highlight herbs and other resources in the environment, making it easier to gather materials quickly.