Red Dead Redemption 2 features a vast collection of hidden collectibles scattered throughout its immersive wild west landscape. Among these fascinating pursuits is the search for 30 prehistoric remains tied directly to the stranger mission titled A Test of Faith. Understanding where to search and how to systematically document these ancient fossils allows players to efficiently achieve full completion across the frontier.
Starting the A Test of Faith Mission
Before you begin hunting down fossilized remains across the map, you must formally trigger the quest. Travel southeast of Horseshoe Overlook in New Hanover to find the enthusiastic paleontologist named Deborah MacGuiness. Speaking with her initiates the questline, tasking Arthur Morgan with locating all 30 bone sites and mailing their exact coordinates back via any local post office.
Key Bone Locations Across New Hanover and Ambarino
Many early discovery sites are located in the vast territories of Heartlands, Cumberland Forest, and the northern peaks of Ambarino. You can find specimens exposed along steep cliff edges, buried near dry creek beds like Dewberry Creek, or hidden inside deep structures like oil derrick wells. Utilizing Eagle Eye frequently while exploring rocky ridges makes detecting glowing yellow clues significantly easier.
Navigating New Austin and Endgame Collectibles
A significant portion of the total bone locations reside in New Austin, including zones like Gaptooth Ridge, Cholla Springs, and Rio Bravo. Because this entire region remains highly dangerous during the main story chapters, players typically complete this collection effort during the endgame epilogue. Carefully checking elevated plateaus, canyon walls, and small cave entrances reveals the final remaining fossils embedded in the desert landscape.
Rewards for Completing the Fossil Quest
Submitting fossil coordinates to the post office yields distinct progression milestone rewards along the way. Mailing your very first location awards a Quartz Chunk, which is an essential crafting component for unique trinkets. Once all 30 sites are documented and submitted, Deborah MacGuiness sends an invitation that ultimately rewards the player with the rare Jawbone Knife.