Finding every dinosaur bone in Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most rewarding collection quests for players seeking total game completion. Triggered by meeting the eccentric archaeologist Deborah MacGuiness in New Hanover, this quest tasks Arthur Morgan with locating 30 hidden prehistoric remains scattered across the vast map. Completing this hunt takes players through serene wilderness areas and dangerous frontiers while offering unique collectibles along the way.
How to Begin the Dinosaur Bone Quest
To start tracking down these ancient fossils, players must first initiate the stranger quest titled A Test of Faith. Located south of Heartlands Overflow, Deborah MacGuiness asks you to record coordinates for any dinosaur bones you discover throughout your travels. Once you inspect a site, you can mail the location details from any post office to receive progress rewards.
Using Eagle Eye is essential when searching for these elusive fossils in the wild. The ability highlights the bone sites with a distinctive glowing mist, making them much easier to spot against rocky terrains. Keeping a close eye on cliff sides, riverbeds, and unusual rock formations will significantly speed up your search.
Key Bone Locations Across the Map
The majority of dinosaur bones are located in northern regions like New Hanover and West Elizabeth. Players can explore the slopes of Mount Shann, the valleys of Big Valley, and the open fields of The Heartlands during early chapters of the story. Taking time to search near prominent landmarks often yields quick discoveries without needing extensive travel.
However, several bone locations are situated in New Austin, which remains locked during the main storyline. Attempting to enter this territory early triggers aggressive lawmen, making it nearly impossible to collect every specimen as Arthur Morgan. Players must wait until the epilogue to safely survey the final sites scattered across Gaptooth Ridge and Cholla Springs.
Milestone Rewards for Mail Progress
As you send coordinates back to Deborah MacGuiness, she sends valuable items to your mailbox as tokens of appreciation. Mailing your very first location reward yields a Quartz Lump, an essential ingredient used for crafting the Bear Claw Talisman. Reaching the halfway mark of 15 locations rewards you with a unique Skull Statue decorative item.
These milestone rewards provide helpful incentives long before you finish the entire collection task. Collecting crafting materials like the Quartz Lump offers tangible gameplay boosts that enhance Arthur's stats during combat and exploration. Consistently visiting the post office ensures you never miss out on these intermediate bonuses.
Final Completion Rewards and Quest Conclusion
After discovering and mailing all 30 dinosaur bone locations, Deborah invites you to her workshop in Cumberland Forest for the grand finale. Visiting her reveals a fully assembled, albeit fictional, skeleton that showcases the fruits of your extensive research efforts. This dramatic reveal serves as a memorable conclusion to one of the game's longest scavenger hunts.
As a final reward for completing the quest line, players receive the Jawbone Knife, a unique melee weapon with a distinctive handle crafted from prehistoric remains. Unlocking this exclusive weapon provides both a practical tool and a stylish trophy for your efforts. Furthermore, finishing the quest brings you one step closer to achieving 100 percent total completion in the game.
