All Dinosaur Bone Locations in Red Dead Redemption 2
Tracking down every hidden fossil in Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most comprehensive challenges for completionists aiming for absolute perfection. The questline, formally known as A Test of Faith, tasks players with discovering thirty ancient remains scattered across the massive open world. Successfully documenting all these locations rewards players with unique gear and brings them closer to the coveted one hundred percent completion mark.
Starting the Paleontology Quest in New Hanover
Before you begin documenting the fossilized remains, you must officially trigger the stranger mission by meeting Deborah MacGuiness. She can be found working diligently at an excavation site located just southeast of Horseshoe Overlook in the Heartlands. Speaking with her unlocks the ability to mail collected coordinates from any local post office to advance your progress.
The early stages of your hunt will primarily take place around New Hanover and Lemoyne, where several specimens rest near prominent geography. For instance, one notable bone is hidden directly at the bottom of an oil well underneath the Heartlands oil derrick structure. Another can be found partially exposed along the dry riverbed of Dewberry Creek just north of the regional border.
Searching the Peaks and Forests of Ambarino
Moving north into the colder environments of Ambarino requires players to navigate highly vertical cliffs and rocky terrain. The mountainous regions of Grizzlies East and Grizzlies West contain numerous specimens that are easily missed without careful observation. Utilizing the Eagle Eye mechanic helps highlight the pale contours of the fossils against the dark gray stone surfaces.
One exceptionally hidden bone rests on a narrow cliff ledge just south of Cotorra Springs, overlooking the massive train tracks below. Further east, players can locate another fossil caught in the striking red rocky outcrops near Calumet Ravine. Navigating these steep drop-offs demands precise horse control to avoid fatal falls down the mountainsides.
Uncovering Remnants in West Elizabeth and New Austin
The remaining collectibles require players to venture deep into West Elizabeth and the dusty plains of New Austin. Several fossils are tucked away inside the dense wilderness of Big Valley, including one resting inside a secluded cave at the base of Mount Hagen. Another spine fragment lies directly on the dirt path situated halfway up the winding trails of Mount Shann.
The final sets of bones are located within the restrictive territories of New Austin, which become fully accessible during the epilogue chapters. Explorers must brave the harsh landscapes of Gaptooth Ridge, Cholla Springs, and Rio Bravo to secure the final coordinates. A specimen sits on the elevated rocky plateau directly overlooking Fort Mercer, while the last few populate the canyons surrounding Tumbleweed.
Securing Your Final Rewards at Firwood Rise
After successfully mailing all thirty coordinate sets to Deborah, she will extend an official invitation to visit her home. Players must travel to her personal ranch located at Firwood Rise in the Cumberland Forest region to conclude the quest. Entering her barn triggers the final narrative sequence and grants you your well-earned tracking rewards.
Completing this massive paleontology assignment officially secures the unique Jawbone Knife for your custom weapon wheel arsenal. This custom cosmetic dagger serves as an excellent badge of honor showing your dedication to exploring every corner of the frontier. Additionally, finishing this activity provides a substantial boost to your overall Dead Eye experience points.