Unlock the Secrets to Master Hunter Challenges in RDR2!

At the onset of “Red Dead Redemption 2”, Arthur Morgan informs Charles Smith that he’s not a seasoned hunter initially. However, there’s always an opportunity to improve one’s skills, especially for those aiming to accomplish the Master Hunter Challenges. To do so, they must gear up for the extensive hunting journey ahead and strive to master the art of hunting, ultimately reaching the pinnacle as the best hunter possible.

Mastering each Master Hunter Challenge in Red Dead Redemption 2 significantly enhances your gameplay experience, as it’s essential for achieving a perfect 100% completion and unlocking the Legend of the East set. It’s not just about playing the game, but also about fully immersing yourself in the intricate details of the open-world wilderness, while taking on a challenging task that only a select few can conquer.

1. Master Hunter Challenge #1 – Skin Three Deer

Rewards: Master Hunter Off-Hand Holster

For your first Master Hunter Challenge, you’ll find it relatively easy as deer are abundant and can be spotted almost everywhere except within towns. Deer are frequently seen in the wooded areas of West Elizabeth and the southwest region of Lemoyne. To complete the challenge, simply harvest and skin a total of three deer. The quality of their pelts isn’t crucial, so you can easily hunt them using a rifle while on horseback for swift and effective kills.

2. Master Hunter Challenge #2 – Collect Three Perfect Quality Rabbit Pelts

Rewards: 25 Health XP, $5

To successfully accomplish Master Hunter Challenge #2, gamers should initially obtain the Varmint Rifle, available for purchase from any Gunsmith at no cost. Armed with this rifle, players will be able to achieve a flawless kill on a rabbit, earning them a top-quality pelt as indicated by the three stars that show up when observing or tracking a rabbit in the lower right corner of the screen.

In your surroundings near Bolger Blade and Caliban’s Seat, which are locations in New Hanover and Lemoyne respectively, search for a three-star rabbit marked on your map. Once found, use the Varmint Rifle to make a clean kill, and then skin it afterwards.

3. Master Hunter Challenge #3 – Track 10 Different Animal Species Using Your Binoculars

Rewards: Master Hunter Bandolier

In the Master Hunter Challenge #3, players are tasked with observing and identifying 10 distinct species of animals using the Binoculars, which can be found in the item wheel. It’s important to note that this challenge doesn’t require the player to kill any animal; rather, they simply need to locate and observe them through their Binoculars.

To track an animal with the Binoculars, players must first familiarize themselves with the animal by studying it. This is done by holding down R1. Once the animal has been studied, players can click R1 from a distance to begin tracking it.

The most straightforward approach to conquering this task is by setting off from Valentine and cycling towards Saint Denis. During your journey, you’ll encounter over 10 creatures that you can observe using your Binoculars and monitor. Here are some animals we spotted during our journey:

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Whitetail Deer
Black-Tailed Jackrabbit
California Valley Coyote
American Red Fox
North American Raccoon
Black Squirrel
American Pronghorn Doe
Eastern Wild Turkey
Wild Boar
American Alligator

4. Master Hunter Challenge #4 – Get a Clean Kill After Calling to an Animal Five Times

Rewards: 50 Health XP, $10

Using Square/X, players can summon an animal while they’re taking aim at it. This allows for a clean shot since the animal will pause from grazing, look up, then swiftly move away. However, this chance is brief, so players should act quickly and utilize powerful weapons such as a Rifle or a Repeater.

Players should maintain a certain distance from the animal for safe calling, which tends not to scare the skittish creature. The ideal location for this is roughly near Emerald Ranch, since it offers ample chances to attract Whitetail Deer and American Pronghorn Does, and once called, players must secure a headshot at least five times.

5. Master Hunter Challenge #5 – Skin Three Black Bears or Grizzly Bears

Rewards: 50 Health XP, $10

Black Bears, being smaller in size, pose minimal threats, making them a suitable target for players seeking this challenge. To locate them easily, search around Wallace Station. Once found, take down these bears with precision rifle shots aimed at their heads for an effortless kill.

Please note that Black Bears are less common compared to other creatures. To respawn more of them, explore the area on horseback and reload your game save. Players need to slay and skin a total of three Black Bears or Grizzly Bears, but beware, Grizzlies are larger, rarer, and more dangerous. Here’s where you can find both:

1. Black Bears
– Wallace Station area

2. Grizzly Bears
(More challenging to locate due to their rarity and danger)

Grizzly Bears: Big Valley, South of Strawberry, Guaranteed Spawn at Vetter’s Echo
Black Bears: Roanoke Valley, Little Creek River, Bayou Nwa

6. Master Hunter Challenge #6 – Kill Five Cougars With Your Bow, Then Skin Them

Rewards: 100 Health XP, $15

In the initial stages of Red Dead Redemption 2, cougars aren’t frequently encountered, making it tough for players to complete Master Hunter Challenge #6. If you’re having trouble, here’s a tip: Save your game in a particular area mentioned below, and then reload the save state. This may help generate a cougar, as you need to hunt and skin 5 of them using a bow.

Cougar spawns: West of Big Valley, South of Blackwater, Cholla Springs

Taking a break or saving your progress will restart the game’s storyline, so make sure to keep your horse tranquil while riding. When a cougar is sighted, activate Dead Eye to handle it before it jumps and causes harm. Since you have to use a bow, this weapon skill can be particularly useful.

7. Master Hunter Challenge #7 – Use Bait to Lure and Kill Both a Herbivore and Predator

Rewards: Master Hunter Gun Belt

To complete Master Hunter Challenge #7, it’s not as challenging as it appears! The task involves using Herbivore Bait (which can be purchased at any General Store or crafted) in a wild area. In our case, we chose Big Valley in West Elizabeth. After placing the bait, simply wait for a herbivore to approach it, and then eliminate the herbivore. Next, set up Predator Bait near the fresh kill, and hopefully, a predator will come to eat it. Your goal is to then kill the predator. Repeating this process unlocks the challenge, but be aware that it may take several attempts, so if necessary, reload the world state when bodies start piling up.

Wild Boars will count as predators for this challenge.

8. Master Hunter Challenge #8 – Catch Three Small Fish Without Using a Fishing Rod

Rewards: 100 Health XP, $15

Here are two very straightforward methods for accomplishing Master Hunter Challenge #8. However, remember that the fish you’ll gather are quite small, as evident from their diminutive size and the fact that Arthur can carry them in his pocket. Both methods are exceptionally swift and efficient, and I’ll outline them for you below:

1. Use the Sniper Rifle: Position yourself at a vantage point where you can spot schools of small fish swimming close to the water’s surface. Aim carefully with your Sniper Rifle and take them out swiftly, ensuring you don’t miss any.
2. Use the Bow and Arrows: If you prefer a stealthier approach, use your Bow and Arrows. Approach a group of small fish quietly, aim carefully, and release the arrow to take down your prey without alerting others.

Master Hunter Challenge #8 Method 1: Head behind Granite Pass’s waterfall (South West of Fort Wallace) to find fish flopping on the ground that can be picked up.
Master Hunter Challenge #8 Method 2: Head to Gill Landing and by the shore, shoot any fish that appear with your gun so that they wash to shore and can be collected.

9. Master Hunter Challenge #9 – Catch an Opossum Playing Possum

Rewards: 150 Health XP, $20

In Master Hunter Challenge #9, locating a possum is key, as once found, players must trail it and frighten it until it emits a squeak. This action will cause the possum to feign death and lie motionless. At this stage, players may then take aim and eliminate the possum. Here are some spots where you can discover a possum, and bear in mind that these creatures typically appear during the night:

1. Forested areas with plenty of trees and underbrush, as possums are arboreal creatures.
2. Wooded parks or nature reserves.
3. Urban forests or green spaces in cities.
4. Rural farmland with wooded areas.
5. Near bodies of water such as streams, rivers, or lakes, as possums are semi-aquatic and often found near water sources.
6. In backyards or gardens, especially those with trees and shrubs for cover.
7. Abandoned buildings or structures, as possums will take shelter in man-made habitats.
8. Fruit trees or gardens, as possums are omnivores and enjoy eating fruits, berries, and insects.

Riggs Station
North West of Strawberry
The Heartlands, near the Oil Rig
Emerald Ranch

10. Master Hunter Challenge #10 – Find and Kill the Legendary Panther “Giaguaro”

Rewards: Master Hunter Holster

The Master Hunter Challenge becomes quite manageable once players are aware of the correct location. To complete this task, navigate to the southeastern part of Bolger Glade, which lies west of Shady Belle in Scarlett Meadows, Lemoyne. In this area, you’ll find the spot for a legendary creature – the elusive Legendary Panther, Giaguaro.

Players should engage Eagle Eye ability to follow signs left behind by the fearsome and deadly Legendary Panther, such as its victims, leftovers, and fecal piles. The trail of the elusive panther will ultimately guide players directly to it. Remember, if the panther detects a player, it will attack swiftly and fatally, so always prepare with a powerful and quick weapon like a Bolt-Action Rifle – the type of gun isn’t crucial.

After completing all Master Hunter tasks, players may visit the Trapper in Saint Denis to buy the Master Hunter Equipment Bundle which enhances the level of their Health attribute.

2025-02-15 18:30