Red Dead Redemption 2 is renowned for its immersive open world, teeming with details that bring the Wild West to life. Among these intricate details are the Rock Carvings, mysterious geological formations scattered across the map. Finding all ten of these carvings isn’t just a completionist’s dream; it’s the key to unlocking the “Geology for Beginners” quest, earning valuable rewards like the Old Brass Compass, and crafting the powerful Raven Claw Talisman. This guide will lead you through each location, ensuring you discover every Rock Carving and reap the rewards of this fascinating side quest.
Embarking on the Geology for Beginners Quest
Alt text: Francis Sinclair’s remote cabin nestled in the wilderness of Red Dead Redemption 2, the starting point for the Geology for Beginners quest.
Your journey begins with a visit to Francis Sinclair, an eccentric geologist residing in his secluded cabin. You can find his dwelling northwest of Strawberry, situated east of Owanjila Lake – a known spot for Legendary Fish – and southwest of Hawks Eye Creek. Initiating a conversation with Sinclair will trigger the “Geology for Beginners” quest. He’ll task you with locating ten unique Rock Carvings scattered throughout the vast landscape of Red Dead Redemption 2. While the conversation itself may be peculiar, accepting this quest opens up a rewarding treasure hunt that will take you to some of the most scenic and remote corners of the game world.
Pro-Tip for Efficient Carving Hunting: To minimize extensive backtracking, this guide is structured to guide you from west to east across the map. This route is designed to be more efficient, especially since you’re likely to start the quest in the western regions near Strawberry. While the game may present the carvings in a different order, following this guide will streamline your search and save you valuable time in the saddle.
Detailed Locations of All 10 Rock Carvings
Before setting out, remember that many Rock Carvings are perched on cliffs or ledges. It’s highly recommended to create a manual save each time you approach a carving location. A misstep could lead to a fatal fall. Additionally, pack clothing suitable for varying climates as your search will take you through diverse environments, from snowy peaks to temperate forests.
1. Owanjila Lake Overlook (Carving Coordinates: 5)
Alt text: First Red Dead Redemption 2 rock carving location overlooking the serene Owanjila Lake, emphasizing the natural beauty and hidden collectibles in the game.
Alt text: Close-up view of the Owanjila Lake rock carving in Red Dead Redemption 2, highlighting the intricate details and geological mystery.
Your first carving is conveniently located west of Francis Sinclair’s cabin, near Owanjila Lake where your quest began. Head to the western bank of the lake and be cautious of snakes commonly found in this area. Consider bringing a Varmint Rifle, as this area is also known for Beaver habitats, offering an opportunity for hunting. The carving is positioned on a rocky outcrop offering a panoramic view of the lake.
2. Mount Shann Path Carving (Carving Coordinates: 6)
Alt text: Second Red Dead Redemption 2 rock carving situated along a path on Mount Shann, showcasing a less perilous but equally rewarding collectible find.
Alt text: Detailed image of the Mount Shann path rock carving in Red Dead Redemption 2, demonstrating its accessibility and natural integration into the environment.
Travel northeast from Sinclair’s cabin, heading even further northeast of Hawks Eye Creek to reach Mount Shann. This Rock Carving is conveniently placed along a path, minimizing the risk of falls or horse-related mishaps on treacherous terrain. The carving is etched into a prominent rock face beside the trail, easily noticeable as you traverse the path.
3. Flatneck Station Ridge Carving (Carving Coordinates: 7)
Alt text: Third Red Dead Redemption 2 rock carving positioned on a ridge northwest of Flatneck Station, illustrating its proximity to early game locations.
Alt text: Closer inspection of the Flatneck Station ridge rock carving in Red Dead Redemption 2, emphasizing its location near familiar landmarks like Horseshoe Overlook.
Locate this carving northwest of Flatneck Station, roughly halfway between the station and the Dakota River. It’s not far from Horseshoe Overlook, the initial camp of the Van der Linde gang in Red Dead Redemption 2. The carving is situated on a ridge overlooking the plains, offering views of Flatneck Station and the surrounding landscape.
4. Mount Hagen Summit Carving (Carving Coordinates: 1)
Alt text: Fourth Red Dead Redemption 2 rock carving near the snowy summit of Mount Hagen, requiring warm attire and adventurous spirit to reach.
Alt text: Snow-covered Mount Hagen summit rock carving detail in Red Dead Redemption 2, highlighting the challenging yet rewarding nature of high-altitude collectibles.
For this carving, venture to the peak of Mount Hagen. Warm clothing is essential here due to the frigid temperatures. Despite the snowy environment, the carving is located on a path, so avoid unnecessary and risky climbing on dangerous icy rocks. The carving is found on a large boulder along the main path towards the summit.
5. Window Rock Riverview Carving (Carving Coordinates: 4)
Alt text: Fifth Red Dead Redemption 2 rock carving offering a scenic river view near Window Rock and Dodd’s Bluff, blending natural beauty with collectible hunting.
Alt text: Detailed perspective of the Window Rock riverview rock carving in Red Dead Redemption 2, illustrating its placement on a ledge overlooking the Dakota River.
Follow the Dakota River northeastward until you reach just south of Dodd’s Bluff and Window Rock. Stay on the southern side of the river. The carving is positioned on a ledge overlooking the river, slightly below the very top of the rock formation. A path leads to it, so avoid jumping down like some hasty explorers might!
6. Whinyard Strait Riverside Carving (Carving Coordinates: 2)
Alt text: Sixth Red Dead Redemption 2 rock carving located by the Whinyard Strait river, requiring careful navigation through rough terrain.
Alt text: Close-up of the Whinyard Strait riverside rock carving in Red Dead Redemption 2, suggesting dismounting your horse for safer access on foot.
North of Window Rock, along the Whinyard Strait river, you’ll find the next Rock Carving. It’s on the west side of the river in a somewhat rough terrain area. It’s advisable to leave your horse near the bridge just south of the carving and approach on foot for better maneuverability and safety.
7. Bacchus Station Cliffside Carving (Carving Coordinates: 3)
Alt text: Seventh Red Dead Redemption 2 rock carving precariously perched on a cliff overlooking the Dakota River near Bacchus Station, demanding caution.
Alt text: Bacchus Station cliffside rock carving detail in Red Dead Redemption 2, emphasizing the need for careful footing and horse safety.
Head northeast of Fort Wallace, southwest of Bacchus Station, and find yourself on the east side of the Dakota River. Here, a Rock Carving sits high on a cliff overlooking the river. Exercise caution at this location; it’s wise to leave your horse in a safe spot, especially if you’re riding the valuable White Arabian horse.
8. Moonstone Pond Hillside Carving (Carving Coordinates: 8)
Alt text: Eighth Red Dead Redemption 2 rock carving nestled in the hills south of Moonstone Pond, representing one of the more easily accessible collectibles.
Alt text: Accessible hillside rock carving detail near Moonstone Pond in Red Dead Redemption 2, highlighting its relatively safe and convenient location.
South of Moonstone Pond and north of Heartland Overflow, a carving is located amongst a collection of hills and rocks. This is one of the easier carvings to reach on horseback, with minimal risk of falling. Consider this a relatively straightforward collectible to add to your list.
9. Elysian Pool Cave Proximity Carving (Carving Coordinates: 10)
Alt text: Ninth Red Dead Redemption 2 rock carving near the Elysian Pool cave, a familiar location for players who completed the Poisonous Trail Treasure Hunt.
Alt text: Elysian Pool cave proximity rock carving detail in Red Dead Redemption 2, linking collectible hunting with treasure quest locations.
If you’ve undertaken the Poisonous Trail Treasure Hunt, this location might be familiar. This carving is near the cave that housed the treasure. Find it on the east side of Elysian Pool, on a rock face close to the bridge at the southern end of the pool.
10. Deer Cottage Woods Carving (Carving Coordinates: 9)
Alt text: Tenth and final Red Dead Redemption 2 rock carving located in the woods near Deer Cottage northwest of Annesburg, in potentially dangerous territory.
Alt text: Wooded Deer Cottage rock carving detail in Red Dead Redemption 2, cautioning players about the surrounding dangerous wilderness and potential threats.
Northwest of Annesburg, deep in the woods, you’ll find Deer Cottage. After visiting the cottage (perhaps looting or resting), head to the back. The final carving is located on the rocks behind the cottage. Be aware that this area can be dangerous due to potential wildlife encounters and hostile NPCs.
Rewards for a Budding Geologist
Alt text: Francis Sinclair presenting rewards for discovering Red Dead Redemption 2 rock carvings, including Kentucky Bourbon, cash, and a unique rock statue.
Submitting the coordinates of each Rock Carving to Francis Sinclair via mail will yield rewards. While you can send them individually, it’s generally more efficient to collect them all before mailing. However, sending carvings in batches can provide intermediate rewards.
- 1 Carving Mailed: Kentucky Bourbon and $10
- 5 Carvings Mailed: Rock Statue (Valuable Collectible worth $50)
- 10 Carvings Mailed: Invitation from Francis Sinclair
Alt text: Old Brass Compass reward from Francis Sinclair in Red Dead Redemption 2, essential for crafting the Raven Claw Talisman and enhancing weapon durability.
Alt text: Close up of the Old Brass Compass in Red Dead Redemption 2, highlighting its intricate design and in-game utility for weapon maintenance.
Mailing all 10 carvings at once will grant you all the cumulative rewards. After mailing all ten coordinates, leave the Post Office and wait for a couple of in-game days (sleeping or letting time pass naturally). Return to the Post Office when the icon changes, indicating new mail. You should receive an Invitation from Francis Sinclair. This invitation will mark Francis’s cabin on your map. Visit him to trigger a cinematic cutscene. Crucially, after the cinematic ends, do not leave the cabin immediately! Search the small table in the center of the room to find and loot the Old Brass Compass. It does not automatically appear in your satchel; you must manually pick it up.
Resolving the Missing Old Brass Compass Bug
If you find the Old Brass Compass missing from your satchel after the cinematic, it means you likely missed picking it up from the table in the cabin. Upon returning, you might find the cabin door locked, seemingly preventing re-entry. Fortunately, a fix exists, thanks to a resourceful Reddit user. Standing outside the locked cabin door, create a manual save. Exit to the game’s title screen via the menu, and then reload your save. You’ll likely respawn a short distance from the cabin. Return to the cabin, and the door should now be unlocked, allowing you to re-enter and retrieve the Old Brass Compass from the table.
Crafting the Raven Claw Talisman
Alt text: Crafting the Raven Claw Talisman at a Fence Vendor in Red Dead Redemption 2, utilizing the Old Brass Compass to enhance weapon longevity.
Alt text: Raven Claw Talisman crafting menu at a Fence Vendor in Red Dead Redemption 2, detailing the components and cost for this weapon degradation perk.
Once you have confirmed the Old Brass Compass is in your satchel, visit any Fence vendor. Choose the “Craft” option. Here, you can craft the Raven Claw Talisman for $29, using the Old Brass Compass as a key ingredient. This talisman provides a valuable perk: it slows down the degradation of all your weapons by 20 percent. This means fewer expenses on Gun Oil and less frequent visits to Gunsmiths for weapon cleaning, making it a worthwhile reward for your rock carving expedition.
Completing the Geology for Beginners quest and obtaining the Raven Claw Talisman is a rewarding journey that takes you across the diverse landscapes of Red Dead Redemption 2. As you explore, keep an eye out for Legendary Animals and other hidden secrets the world has to offer. For more adventures and guides, be sure to check out our comprehensive Red Dead Redemption 2 walkthrough and guide.
