How do I unlock the Survivalist challenges?

The Survivalist challenges in Red Dead Redemption 2 are a series of 10 tasks that test your hunting, fishing, and survival skills in the wild. These challenges are part of the larger Challenges system, which also includes categories like Sharpshooter, Bandit, and Herbalist. To unlock the Survivalist challenges, you must first progress far enough in the game to access the Challenges menu. This typically happens after completing the early story missions in Chapter 2, when the game opens up and allows you to explore freely.\n\nTo begin, open your Satchel and navigate to the Challenges tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all challenge categories, including Survivalist. The first Survivalist challenge, Survivalist 1, requires you to catch a Bluegill fish. Bluegill can be found in most freshwater bodies across the map, such as the Dakota River near Horseshoe Overlook or Flat Iron Lake. You’ll need a fishing rod, which becomes available after completing the mission ''A Fisher of Men'' in Chapter 2. Once you have the rod, equip it, find a suitable fishing spot, and use the correct bait (bread or cheese work well for Bluegill).\n\nFor Survivalist 2, you’ll need to catch a Chain Pickerel, which is slightly larger and found in similar locations. Use the same fishing mechanics, but be prepared for a longer struggle as Pickerel are stronger. Survivalist 3 requires you to craft a special type of bait, the Herbivore Bait, which can be crafted using Creeping Thyme and a Berry. Creeping Thyme is commonly found in grassy areas, while berries can be picked from bushes. Crafting is done through the Satchel’s crafting menu, and you’ll need to gather the required materials beforehand.\n\nAs you progress through the challenges, the tasks become more demanding. Survivalist 4, for example, requires you to kill five animals with a bow. This is a great opportunity to practice stealth and precision. Use the Varmint Rifle or Small Game Arrows for smaller animals like rabbits or squirrels to ensure clean kills. For larger animals, such as deer, regular arrows or Improved Arrows are more effective. Always aim for headshots to maximize efficiency and preserve the quality of the pelts.\n\nSurvivalist 5 introduces the need to craft Poison Arrows, which require Arrow, Flight Feather, and Oleander Sage. Oleander Sage is found in the swampy areas near Saint Denis or along the Kamassa River. Once crafted, Poison Arrows are highly effective for hunting or combat, as they deal damage over time. Survivalist 6 tasks you with killing eight small game animals in a row without missing. This is where patience and practice come into play. Focus on stationary targets like birds perched on rocks or rabbits in open fields.\n\nFor Survivalist 7, you’ll need to craft a Predator Bait, which requires Crushed Sage and a Gamey Meat. Predator Bait is useful for luring carnivorous animals like wolves or cougars. Survivalist 8 requires you to catch three different types of fish within one in-game day. Plan your route carefully, starting with a Bluegill, then moving to a Chain Pickerel, and finally a larger fish like a Lake Sturgeon. Survivalist 9 involves killing five flying birds with a bow, which can be tricky. Look for flocks of birds near water bodies or open plains.\n\nThe final challenge, Survivalist 10, requires you to catch a fish weighing at least 19 lbs. The Legendary Muskie, found in Lake Isabella, is a great option for this. Use Special Lake Lure to increase your chances of catching it. Completing all Survivalist challenges rewards you with a unique item and boosts your health, stamina, or Dead Eye stats.\n\nPractical tips for these challenges include always carrying the right tools (fishing rod, bow, and crafting materials), studying animals to learn their behaviors, and saving your game frequently to avoid losing progress. Use the in-game map to mark locations where specific fish or animals are found, and don’t hesitate to consult guides or videos for visual assistance. With patience and persistence, you’ll master the Survivalist challenges and become a true outdoorsman in Red Dead Redemption 2.