Red Dead Redemption 2 is a world brimming with secrets, and for those who fancy themselves amateur paleontologists, there's a rather fascinating side quest that sends you on a treasure hunt of a different kind. Forget gold bars and stolen loot for a moment; we're talking about dinosaur bones. The quest, aptly named "A Test of Faith," is your ticket to becoming a frontier fossil hunter, and it requires a keen eye and a willingness to explore some of the most rugged corners of the map.
To even begin this dusty endeavor, you'll need to track down Deborah MacGuiness. She's a passionate, if a bit eccentric, paleontologist you can find at a small oil derrick site. It's located just northeast of Flatneck Station in New Hanover. Follow the railway east from the station, and you'll eventually spot a wooden oil pump. Climb to the top of that derrick, and you'll find Deborah. She'll task you with finding 30 dinosaur bone locations scattered across the vast landscape.
Now, here's the neat part: you don't actually have to dig them up. Once you've spoken to Deborah, you can start your search. When you find a bone, Arthur will sketch its location in his journal. Then, it's off to the nearest post office to mail the coordinates to Deborah. You'll earn small rewards as you progress, with a grand prize waiting for you once all 30 are found.
It's worth noting that some of these ancient relics are tucked away in New Austin, an area that's only fully accessible later in the story, specifically during the epilogue. So, if you're aiming for 100% completion, patience will be your best friend.
Tips for the Bone Hunter
Finding these fossils can be tricky. They're often half-buried and blend in remarkably well with the terrain. This is where your trusty "Eagle Eye" ability comes in handy. Activate it (usually by clicking L3 and R3 on consoles) whenever you're in rocky areas or along cliff faces. It won't make the bones glow like other collectibles, but it will highlight their pale, fossilized outlines, making them stand out just enough.
Look for unusual terrain. Many bones are perched on cliff edges, high hilltops, or rocky outcrops, meaning you might have to do some climbing. Others could be hidden in caves, dry riverbeds, or secluded valleys. Don't stick to the main paths; the most rewarding finds are often off the beaten track.
Landmarks can be your best friend when navigating with Deborah's clues. Keep an eye out for notable features like waterfalls, peculiar rock formations, or even abandoned structures. These make excellent reference points.
To make your life easier, try to tackle the bones region by region. Instead of crisscrossing the map for single finds, clear out a whole area like Cumberland Forest or The Heartlands in one go. It saves a lot of travel time and keeps you focused.
Where to Start Looking
While the quest allows you to find the bones in any order, having a starting point can be helpful. Here are a few locations to get you going:
- Dakota River (South of Bacchus Station): Head south along the Dakota River from Bacchus Station. Look for a narrow cliff ledge; the bone is embedded in the rock wall overlooking the water.
- Dewberry Creek (North): Ride east from Emerald Ranch until you reach Dewberry Creek. The bone is on the west bank, partially buried in a dirt slope.
- Bacchus Station Hill: Just west of Bacchus Station, climb the grassy hill. You'll find the bone in open terrain near the peak.
- Caliban's Seat: South of Valentine, ride to Caliban's Seat and climb the ridge directly above the Dakota River. The bone is near the cliff's edge.
This quest is a wonderful way to experience more of RDR2's incredible world, encouraging exploration and rewarding your curiosity. So, saddle up, keep your eyes peeled, and happy hunting!
