When it comes to side content in Red Dead Redemption 2, there are several memorable missions and experiences that likely come to players' minds. Whether testing the possibilities of wirelessly-controlled water vessels, or engaging in various criminal enterprises with fellow gang-members, it is clear that Arthur Morgan is never at a loss for options. Indeed, many of these smaller pieces of content provide players with many of Red Dead Redemption 2' s best experiences.
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One of the more memorable pieces of content, which falls under the 'Stranger Missions' category, is the 'Geology for Beginners' side quest. In this encounter, Arthur comes across a man named Franicis Sinclair, who immediately appears to be extremely out of place. His manner of dress and strange vernacular may be familiar to players with a knowledge of 1920s America, but they certainly aren't to Arthur. Even more mysteriously, Sinclair tasks Arthur with locating a series of rock carvings which clearly hold some special significance. If Arthur agrees, he is left with practically nothing to go on. There are no quest markers or clues of any kind. This guide will remedy this situation, providing players with everything they'll need to locate the carvings, and collect the eventual reward.
All Rock Carving Locations in Red Dead Redemption 2
Here is a simple map that shows the general locations of each rock carving in Red Dead Redemption 2. Make sure to use the individual maps below, and the featured video, to get the exact location. Technically, the rock carvings can be collected in any order, and the coordinates can even be collected before meeting with Francis Sinclair. This guide will be listed west to east and north to south.
Rock Carving 1: Mount Hagen
Grizzlies West, Ambarino
The first rock carving in Red Dead Redemption 2 will be found at the peak of Mt. Hagen. When reaching the few structures at the top of the mountain, continue to follow the main path left along the peak. The carving will be found in a rock wall on the right side of the path.
Rock Carving 2: Mount Shann
Big Valley, West Elizabeth
The second carving is found along the path leading to the peak of Mount Shann. If coming from the north, the cliff face that features the carving is found just beyond the massive skeleton known as the 'Giant Remains' POI. If coming from the south, the cliff is right before it.
Rock Carving 3: Owanjila
Big Valley, West Elizabeth
The third rock carving in Red Dead Redemption 2 is found along the southern shore of Lake Owanjila. The best way to reach it is to cross the small river on the eastern side of the lake, then ride along the southern shore. As Arthur rides along the shore, he will come to a point that is clearly blocked off by several large rocks. Carving 3 is found in the first large rock structure Arthur will come across.
Rock Carving 4: Flatneck Station
The Heartlands, New Hanover
The fourth Red Dead Redemption 2 Rock Carving is located west of Flatneck Station, not far from Horseshoe Overlook, the game's main camp for Chapter 2. This carving can be a little tricky to find if the player doesn't realize the cliff has a small ledge that sits along the entire edge. The carving is found from this ledge, which is easiest to find from the eastern ridge above the cliff.
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Rock Carving 5: Window Rock
Cumberland Forest, New Hanover
The Window Rock Carving is actually located across the Dakota River from Window Rock. Players should check the map and place a marker on the exact location. If the map attempts to have Arthur head into the area from the west, it simply won't work. The only way to reach this carving is to follow the trail from the east, then split off into a small forested path.
Rock Carving 6: Whinyard Strait
Grizzlies West, Ambarino
The sixth carving is extremely easy to find, as Arthur can see it from the bridge that crosses the strait. The carving is high up on the rock wall that sits on the western edge of the ravine that houses Whinyard Strait. Arthur can walk from the bridge directly back along the riverbank, or on a small path in the rock, and access the carving.
Rock Carving 7: Bacchus Station
Cumberland Forest, New Hanover
Rock Carving seven is located on a small hill near Bacchus Station and Fort Wallace. The carving is actually located just before the hiding spot for Red Dead Redemption 2's High Stakes Treasure Map 3. Look for two peaks on the hill where the marker is, and head right down the center. There is a small path that Arthur will want to follow on the left. Keep going until the path splits, and the left side rises quickly. The carving is on the rock beneath the rising path.
Rock Carving 8: Moonstone Pond
Grizzlies East, Ambarino
Carving eight is found south of Moonstone Pond. It may appear at first that Arthur can get to the carving from the south, but it is actually far easier to start from Moonstone Pond and head south. The marker shown on the map reveals the exact location of the carving. This specific carving is tucked away in a bit of an alcove in the rock, so make sure to use Eagle Eye to highlight it.
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Rock Carving 9: Elysian Pool
Roanoke Ridge, New Hanover
The ninth carving is practically impossible to miss when traveling around the eastern shore of the Elysian Pool. As can be seen in both the map and the video, the carving is actually visible, and can be inspected, from the road. Simply look right when Arthur has reached the mark on the map and it will be there.
Rock Carving 10: Deer Cottage
Roanoke Ridge, New Hanover
The final carving is found behind Deer Cottage, which is itself found northwest of Annesburg. To reach the carving, head around the back and up the hill. There is a large, flat rock with a massive rock wall above it. The carving is found in the top left corner of the wall. Using Eagle Eye will make sure Arthur can easily see it upon approach.
"Geology for Beginners" Explained
"Geology for Beginners" is the name of the Red Dead 2 Stranger Mission that tasks Arthur with finding the 10 rock carvings. To begin this quest, Arthur will need to head to an unmarked cabin that sits between Strawberry and Lake Owanjila.
Once Chapter 2 begins, this cabin will be shown on the map with the large, white area and question mark that marks the typical Stranger Mission side-quests. Upon visiting the cabin, Arthur meets Francis Sinclair, who sends him off looking for the carvings. The goal will be to note the coordinates of each carving, then send them to Francis. Once Arthur has sent all ten coordinates, he will have to wait, usually not much more than 24 hours. Eventually, Francis sends Arthur an invitation to his cabin. The game will notify the player when they have something waiting to be picked up at the post office, so they can either go about their business, or simply sleep and skip time ahead.
When Arthur visits Francis, a series of events play out that ultimately have no bearing on this guide. It is enough to say here that the event ends with Arthur leaving the cabin. It is very important that Arthur turn around and go back inside the cabin immediately. The Old Brass Compass will be sitting on the small table in the cabin, which is the only time and place it is available. This item is the only way for Arthur to craft the Raven Claw Talisman, one of Red Dead 2's craftable upgrade items. If Arthur misses it here, there is no other way for him to get it. So make sure to grab it here.
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
