What’s the best way to earn gold from the Naturalist role?

Earning gold as a Naturalist in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a mix of patience, strategy, and understanding of the role''s mechanics. The Naturalist role, introduced in the Frontier Pursuits update, focuses on studying and preserving wildlife. While it’s not the most lucrative role for gold, it can still provide steady income if approached correctly. Here’s a detailed guide to maximizing your gold earnings as a Naturalist.\n\nFirst, you’ll need to unlock the Naturalist role by visiting Harriet Davenport in Strawberry. She’s located near the western edge of the town, and you’ll need 25 Gold Bars to start the role. If you’re short on gold, consider completing Daily Challenges or other roles like Bounty Hunter to save up. Once you’ve unlocked the role, Harriet will provide you with a Sample Kit, which is essential for collecting animal samples.\n\nThe primary way to earn gold as a Naturalist is by completing Naturalist Free Roam Events and Daily Challenges. Free Roam Events like ''Protect Legendary Animal'' and ''Wild Animal Tagging'' are excellent opportunities to earn gold. These events occur at specific times, so keep an eye on the in-game schedule. Completing these events not only rewards you with gold but also provides valuable experience points to level up your Naturalist role.\n\nAnother effective method is to focus on Harriet’s missions. She offers Legendary Animal missions, which involve tracking and sedating rare creatures. These missions are repeatable and reward you with gold, cash, and Naturalist XP. For example, the Legendary Elk mission in Tall Trees is a great way to earn gold while exploring the wilderness. Always carry Sedative Ammo and a Varmint Rifle to ensure you can complete these missions efficiently.\n\nDaily Challenges are another reliable source of gold. As a Naturalist, you’ll have access to role-specific Daily Challenges, such as sedating specific animals or reviving sedated creatures. Completing at least one Daily Challenge each day will activate a streak multiplier, increasing your gold payout over time. For instance, if you complete seven Daily Challenges in a row, your gold reward per challenge will increase significantly.\n\nTo maximize your efficiency, focus on areas with high animal density, such as the Heartlands or Big Valley. These regions are teeming with wildlife, making it easier to complete tasks like collecting samples or sedating animals. Always carry enough Sedative Ammo and Tonics to keep your stamina and health topped up during long hunting sessions.\n\nOne common challenge is managing Harriet’s disapproval. If you hunt animals excessively, she will temporarily refuse to speak to you. To avoid this, balance your activities between sampling and hunting. For example, spend one session collecting samples and another session hunting for pelts or meat. This approach ensures you maintain a good relationship with Harriet while still earning gold.\n\nFinally, consider combining the Naturalist role with other roles like Trader or Collector. For instance, you can collect samples while searching for collectibles or hunting for Cripps’ Trading Company. This multi-role strategy allows you to maximize your time and resources, earning gold and cash simultaneously.\n\nIn summary, the best way to earn gold as a Naturalist is by participating in Free Roam Events, completing Harriet’s missions, and focusing on Daily Challenges. By balancing your activities and exploring high-density animal areas, you can steadily accumulate gold while enjoying the unique gameplay of the Naturalist role.