Tracking down prehistoric remains across the expansive frontier is one of the most rewarding side endeavors in Red Dead Redemption 2. Players seeking total completion must venture into deep valleys, climb treacherous cliffs, and explore remote deserts to uncover every single fossil hidden throughout the map. Knowing where to start and how to navigate each region efficiently makes completing the paleontology quest significantly smoother.
Starting the Test of Faith Stranger Mission
To officially begin your search for prehistoric fossils, you must locate Deborah MacGuiness in the Heartlands region. She can be found near an old oil derrick site situated just northeast of Flatneck Station. Speaking with her triggers the quest titled A Test of Faith, which prompts Arthur to mail back coordinate details whenever a bone is discovered.
Finding your very first bone grants a Quartz Chunk, which is an essential component for crafting the Bear Claw Talisman. Collecting all 30 locations requires access to areas like New Austin, which means full completion must wait until reaching the epilogue. Once every coordinate is sent via the post office, Deborah invites you to her workshop to receive the unique Jawbone Knife reward.
Finding Fossils Across New Hanover and Lemoyne
The majority of the accessible early-game bones are scattered around New Hanover and Lemoyne. Notable spots include the rocky banks near the Dakota River and the grassy mounds around Dewberry Creek. Players should keep an eye on elevated cliff edges and dry creek beds where erosion has exposed prehistoric fragments.
Another notable bone lies hidden at the bottom of the oil derrick structure where you first meet Deborah. Exploring around Cumberland Forest and the ridges near Bacchus Station will yield several additional finds perched on high rock ledges. Activating Eagle Eye helps illuminate the faint outlines of fossils when inspecting dense vegetation or shadowy canyon walls.
Exploring West Elizabeth and Ambarino
Heading into the northern wilderness of Ambarino reveals several fossils tucked along mountain faces and rocky ravines. You can find bones scattered along Calumet Ravine as well as near the high overlooks around O'Creagh's Run. Traversing these steep terrains requires cautious footwork to avoid dangerous falls down the cliffs.
In West Elizabeth, search the rugged areas surrounding Wallace Station and Mount Shann. One bone is nestled inside a secluded cave system north of Beryl's Dream, while others lie exposed on high ridges overlooking Big Valley. Checking narrow mountain passes often rewards thorough explorers with well-hidden specimens.
Uncovering New Austin Bone Sites
The remaining fossils are located in the arid frontier of New Austin, accessible during the endgame. Key search zones include the rugged plateaus of Rio Bravo, the dry gorges near Jorge's Gap, and the high cliffs around Gaptooth Ridge. Many of these bones rest on elevated rock shelves that overlook the sprawling desert landscape below.
You will also find specimens near the San Luis River banks and tucked into the rock faces surrounding Hennigan's Stead. Taking the time to survey each canyon rim ensures you will not miss any isolated site. Gathering these final coordinates allows you to complete the entire collection and earn your hard-won paleontology rewards.
