What’s the best strategy to complete all survivalist challenges for the "Survivalist" trophy?

The Survivalist trophy in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires completing all 10 survivalist challenges, which test your hunting, fishing, and crafting skills. These challenges are divided into tiers, each with specific tasks that progressively increase in difficulty. To efficiently complete them, you’ll need to understand the game’s mechanics, such as hunting, fishing, and crafting, as well as know the best locations and strategies for each challenge.\n\nFor Survivalist 1, you must kill 5 small game animals with small game arrows. Small game includes animals like squirrels, rabbits, and birds. Craft small game arrows using flight feathers and regular arrows at a campfire. The best locations for small game are the forests near Valentine or the area around Emerald Ranch. Use Dead Eye to target small animals accurately, as they are fast and hard to hit.\n\nSurvivalist 2 requires you to catch 5 fish without using a fishing rod. This can be done by using dynamite or a bow with improved arrows. The Dakota River near Valentine is an excellent spot for this challenge. Stand on a rock or shallow area, throw dynamite into the water, and collect the fish that float to the surface. Be cautious of witnesses, as using dynamite is illegal and may attract law enforcement.\n\nFor Survivalist 3, you need to craft 5 horse stimulants or potent horse stimulants. These can be crafted using Yarrow and either Wild Carrot or Ginseng. Yarrow is commonly found in grassy areas, while Wild Carrot grows near roadsides. Ginseng is located in forests, such as the area around Roanoke Ridge. Collect these herbs, then craft the stimulants at a campfire.\n\nSurvivalist 4 tasks you with killing 5 animals with a bow in one day. This challenge is best completed in the Heartlands or Big Valley, where deer, pronghorns, and other medium-sized animals are abundant. Use Dead Eye to ensure clean kills and avoid damaging the pelts. Start early in the morning to maximize your hunting time.\n\nSurvivalist 5 requires you to pluck 5 flight feathers from birds. Flight feathers are obtained by killing birds like ducks, geese, or hawks. The Kamassa River near Rhodes or the Dakota River are ideal spots for finding flocks of birds. Use a varmint rifle or bow to avoid damaging the feathers.\n\nFor Survivalist 6, you must catch 3 fish in a row without losing any. This challenge is best attempted with a fishing rod and bait. The Owanjila Lake near Strawberry is a great location for catching fish like salmon or trout. Use the lake’s calm waters to practice your timing and avoid reeling in too quickly.\n\nSurvivalist 7 requires you to craft 7 special miracle tonics. These tonics are made using Indian Tobacco, which grows in the forests of Roanoke Ridge or near the Kamassa River. Collect the herbs, then craft the tonics at a campfire. This challenge may take some time, so plan accordingly.\n\nSurvivalist 8 tasks you with killing 8 small game animals in a row with small game arrows. This challenge is similar to Survivalist 1 but requires more precision. Use Dead Eye and aim for headshots to ensure clean kills. The forests near Valentine or the area around Emerald Ranch are ideal for this task.\n\nSurvivalist 9 requires you to catch one of every type of fish in the game. There are 13 species of fish, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and salmon. Use the right bait for each fish type and fish in their respective habitats. For example, salmon are found in cold waters like the Dakota River, while catfish are in swampy areas like Lagras.\n\nFinally, Survivalist 10 tasks you with crafting 9 small game arrows, 9 poison arrows, and 9 improved arrows. Gather the required materials, such as flight feathers, animal fat, and oleander sage, then craft the arrows at a campfire. Oleander sage is found near the Bayou Nwa area, while animal fat can be obtained from ducks or pigs.\n\nTo complete these challenges efficiently, always carry the necessary tools, such as a bow, varmint rifle, and fishing rod. Use Dead Eye to improve accuracy, and plan your routes to minimize travel time. Patience and preparation are key to mastering the Survivalist challenges and earning the trophy.