How can I use the Naturalist role to supplement my income in Red Dead Online?

The Naturalist role in Red Dead Online offers a unique way to supplement your income while exploring the vast wilderness of the game. To begin, you must visit Harriet Davenport, the Naturalist role''s primary NPC, located at her tent in Strawberry or one of her other outposts. She will introduce you to the role and provide you with the necessary tools, such as the Sedative Varmint Rifle and Animal Field Guide. These tools are essential for studying and sampling animals, which is the core activity of the Naturalist role.\n\nOne of the most straightforward ways to earn money as a Naturalist is by collecting animal samples. To do this, equip the Sedative Varmint Rifle and aim for non-lethal shots on animals. Once sedated, approach the animal and take a sample using the prompt. Common animals like deer, rabbits, and foxes are easy targets for beginners. Each sample can be sold to Harriet for a small amount of money, but the real profit comes from completing sets of samples for specific animal categories, such as Farmland or Mountain & Grassland animals.\n\nAnother lucrative activity is completing Harriet''s missions, which involve tracking and sedating legendary animals. These missions are more challenging but reward you with valuable samples and materials. For example, the Legendary Rutile Horn Ram mission requires you to track and sedate a legendary ram in the Grizzlies. Completing these missions not only earns you money but also contributes to your Naturalist rank, unlocking additional perks and items like the Wilderness Camp and Mercy Kill ability.\n\nFor players who prefer a more passive income, the Naturalist role also allows you to trade in complete animal sample sets. These sets are compiled by collecting samples from all animals in a specific category. For instance, the Farmland set includes samples from animals like cows, pigs, and goats. Once you have all the required samples, you can sell the complete set to Harriet for a significant payout. This method requires patience and thorough exploration but is highly rewarding in the long run.\n\nA common challenge for new Naturalists is managing the sedative ammo for the Varmint Rifle. Sedative ammo can be purchased from Harriet or crafted using specific materials like Indian Tobacco and Varmint Rifle Ammo. To ensure you never run out, stock up on these materials whenever possible. Additionally, focus on sedating smaller animals first, as they require fewer sedative shots and are easier to handle. This strategy conserves ammo and allows you to collect more samples efficiently.\n\nFor experienced players, combining the Naturalist role with other roles like Trader or Collector can maximize your income. For example, while collecting animal samples, you can also hunt and skin animals to supply Cripps at your Trader camp. This dual approach ensures you are earning money from multiple sources simultaneously. Similarly, while exploring for animal samples, keep an eye out for Collector items like tarot cards or antique bottles, which can be sold to Madam Nazar for additional profit.\n\nPractical tips for maximizing your income as a Naturalist include focusing on high-value animals like cougars, wolves, and bears, as their samples sell for more. Additionally, always check your Animal Field Guide for incomplete sets and prioritize those animals. Lastly, take advantage of Naturalist role events and free roam activities, such as Protect Legendary Animal or Wild Animal Tagging, which offer bonus rewards and experience points.\n\nIn summary, the Naturalist role in Red Dead Online provides a versatile and engaging way to supplement your income. By collecting animal samples, completing Harriet''s missions, and trading in complete sets, you can earn a steady stream of money while enjoying the game''s immersive wildlife. Whether you are a new player or an experienced gamer, the Naturalist role offers something for everyone, making it a valuable addition to your Red Dead Online experience.