Red Dead Redemption 2 is a sprawling, meticulously crafted world teeming with detail. From the bustling streets of Saint Denis to the snow-capped peaks of the Grizzlies, every corner holds a secret waiting to be discovered. Among the most fascinating and rewarding collectibles scattered across the landscape are the dinosaur bones, remnants of a prehistoric era long gone. Finding all 30 dinosaur bones is a challenging but enriching quest, rewarding players with unique dialogue, a touch of historical intrigue, and a sense of accomplishment. This guide will delve into the world of dinosaur bones in RDR2, providing a comprehensive map, insightful tips, and a deep dive into the lore surrounding these ancient relics.
The Allure of the Past: Why Hunt Dinosaur Bones?
Before embarking on this paleontological expedition, it’s important to understand the motivations behind it. While finding dinosaur bones might seem like a simple collection quest, it offers several compelling reasons to dedicate your time to it:
- Unique Dialogue and Lore: Locating and reporting these bones to amateur paleontologist Deborah MacGuiness unlocks unique dialogue and sheds light on her research and theories. You’ll learn about the extinct creatures that once roamed these lands and the challenges of piecing together their stories from fragmented remains.
- Completionist Satisfaction: For players driven by a desire to experience everything RDR2 has to offer, collecting all the dinosaur bones is a significant milestone. It’s a testament to your dedication and exploration skills.
- The "A Test of Faith" Stranger Mission: This mission is directly tied to the dinosaur bones. After discovering your first bone, you’ll encounter Deborah MacGuiness. Reporting the locations of the bones to her progresses the mission, culminating in a final reward.
- Exploration and Discovery: The hunt for dinosaur bones forces you to explore every nook and cranny of the RDR2 map, leading you to discover hidden landscapes, forgotten settlements, and breathtaking vistas you might otherwise miss.
- Reward: Completing the "A Test of Faith" Stranger mission by finding all 30 bones rewards you with a Quartz Chunk, which is required for 100% completion, and also Deborah MacGuiness’s Rock Statue, a unique item that can be placed in your camp.
Mapping the Prehistoric Landscape: A Comprehensive Guide to Bone Locations
Finding all 30 dinosaur bones requires patience, a keen eye, and a detailed map. Here’s a breakdown of each bone’s location, categorized by region to make your search more manageable:
New Hanover:
- Heartland Overflow Bone: Northwest of the Heartland Overflow, near the edge of the cliff overlooking the water.
- Grizzlies East Bone: Southeast of Window Rock, on a rocky outcrop overlooking the valley.
- Hawks View Bone: Just northeast of Hawks View, on a plateau with a commanding view.
- Valentine Bone: Southwest of Valentine, on a small hill overlooking the town.
- Pleasance House Bone: Southeast of Pleasance House, near a cluster of trees.
- Elysian Pool Bone: North of the Elysian Pool, on a rocky ledge overlooking the water.
West Elizabeth:
- Grizzlies West Bone: Northwest of the Grizzlies West, on a snowy peak.
- Big Valley Bone: West of the Little Creek River in Big Valley, on a high ridge.
- Owanjila Bone: Southwest of Owanjila, near the edge of the canyon.
Ambarino:
- Cairn Lake Bone: South of Cairn Lake, near the edge of the frozen lake.
- Spider Gorge Bone: North of Spider Gorge, on a snowy plateau.
- Wapiti Indian Reservation Bone: Southwest of the Wapiti Indian Reservation, on a rocky hill.
Lemoyne:
- Kamassa River Bone: West of the Kamassa River, near the edge of the cliff.
- Saint Denis Bone: Northwest of Saint Denis, in a small clearing.
- Bluewater Marsh Bone: In the Bluewater Marsh, near a group of trees.
- Scarlett Meadows Bone: Southeast of Scarlett Meadows, on a small hill.
New Austin:
- Cholla Springs Bone: In Cholla Springs, near a cluster of cacti.
- Rattlesnake Pillar Bone: Near Rattlesnake Pillar, at the base of the rock formation.
- Gaptooth Ridge Bone: In Gaptooth Ridge, near a ruined building.
- Tumbleweed Bone: Northeast of Tumbleweed, on a small hill.
- San Luis River Bone: West of the San Luis River, near the edge of the cliff.
- Hennigan’s Stead Bone: Northeast of Hennigan’s Stead, on a rocky outcrop.
Blackwater (Requires progressing through the main story):
- Great Plains Bone: In the Great Plains, near a small stream.
- Tall Trees Bone: In Tall Trees, near a group of pine trees.
- Manzanita Post Bone: Northeast of Manzanita Post, on a rocky plateau.
Tips and Tricks for the Bone Hunt:
Finding all 30 dinosaur bones can be a time-consuming endeavor, but with the right strategies, you can make the process more efficient and enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips:
- Use a Map: Utilize the map provided in this guide, or consult online resources that offer interactive maps. These maps pinpoint the exact locations of each bone, saving you valuable time and effort.
- Eagle Eye Vision: Employ Eagle Eye vision frequently. It highlights points of interest, including dinosaur bones, making them easier to spot against the surrounding terrain.
- Daytime Search: Conducting your search during daylight hours significantly improves visibility, making it easier to locate the bones.
- Clear Weather: Avoid searching during heavy rain or fog, as these conditions can obscure your vision and make it difficult to spot the bones.
- Utilize Fast Travel: Once you’ve unlocked fast travel, use it strategically to move between regions quickly.
- Patience is Key: The dinosaur bone hunt requires patience. Don’t get discouraged if you have trouble finding a particular bone. Take your time, explore the area thoroughly, and remember to use Eagle Eye vision.
- Use a Detailed Guide: While the above map is comprehensive, some bones can be tricky to find. Use this guide in conjunction with videos on YouTube that show the exact location and approach to each bone.
- Consider the Environment: Dinosaur bones are often found in elevated locations, such as cliffs, plateaus, and ridges. Keep this in mind as you explore each area.
- Listen for Cues: Sometimes, the game provides subtle audio cues when you’re near a dinosaur bone. Pay attention to your surroundings and listen for any unusual sounds.
- Mark Your Progress: Keep track of the bones you’ve already found by marking them on your map. This will prevent you from wasting time searching for bones you’ve already collected.
The Story Behind the Bones: Deborah MacGuiness and the Lost World
The dinosaur bones in RDR2 are more than just collectibles; they’re a window into a prehistoric world. Through the "A Test of Faith" Stranger mission, you’ll interact with Deborah MacGuiness, a passionate but somewhat eccentric paleontologist. Her dialogue provides valuable insights into the creatures that once roamed the land and the challenges of studying them.
Deborah’s research suggests that the dinosaurs in RDR2 lived millions of years ago, during the Mesozoic Era. She speculates about their size, diet, and behavior, drawing conclusions from the fragmented remains she studies. Her theories, while sometimes unconventional, add a layer of intrigue to the dinosaur bone hunt and make the experience more engaging.
Furthermore, Deborah’s presence highlights the scientific curiosity and exploration that characterized the late 19th century, the era in which RDR2 is set. Her dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the past reflects the spirit of discovery that drove many scientists and adventurers of the time.
Conclusion: A Journey Through Time and Terrain
The dinosaur bone hunt in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a rewarding and enriching experience. It combines the thrill of exploration with the satisfaction of collecting, offering a unique glimpse into a prehistoric world. By following the map, utilizing the tips, and engaging with the story of Deborah MacGuiness, you can unearth these ancient relics and uncover the secrets they hold. So saddle up, grab your map, and embark on a journey through time and terrain to discover the giants that once roamed the lands of Red Dead Redemption 2. The rewards are well worth the effort. Good luck, and happy hunting!
