Tracking down every rock carving in Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most intriguing side quests in Rockstar's open-world western. Initiated by meeting Francis Sinclair at his cabin northwest of Strawberry, the quest titled "Geology for Beginners" asks players to find ten mysterious stone engravings hidden across the frontier. Keeping up with daily gaming news can offer great tips for uncovering secrets throughout massive RPG landscapes. Completing this quest not only reveals intriguing narrative lore but also awards Arthur Morgan with unique items like the Brass Pocket Watch used to craft the Raven Claw Talisman.
Starting Geology for Beginners and West Elizabeth Carvings
To begin the quest, travel to the small cabin located just northwest of Strawberry in West Elizabeth to speak with Francis Sinclair. He will task you with finding ten carvings and mailing their precise coordinates back to him from any post office. The first carving nearby can be found high on the cliff face overlooking Owanjila lake, requiring players to walk along the shore to spot it carved into the stone.
Another carving in West Elizabeth rests atop Mount Shann, near the peak along the winding path. Look carefully near the rock face overlooking the valleys to inspect the futuristic line art. Finding these early carvings gives players a solid understanding of how to spot the subtle markings etched into cliff walls.
Discovering Carvings in New Hanover
Heading toward New Hanover, several rock carvings are scattered around the Heartlands and Cumberland Forest regions. One carving is located along the cliffs of Window Rock, positioned directly above the natural archway bridge. Players must navigate down the narrow ledge carefully to inspect the carving without slipping down the drop-off.
Another carving rests near Bacchus Station, nestled into the rocky hills south of the river. A third New Hanover location can be spotted on the plateau near Heartland Overflow, carved into a ledge facing the flat grassy plains. Inspecting each carving prompts Arthur to draw the detailed sketch in his journal for tracking.
Uncovering Carvings in Ambarino and Lemoyne Boundaries
Moving north into the cold territory of Ambarino, players can find a carving along the cliffs overlooking Whinyard Strait. This location requires players to walk along the footbridge near the river to get a clean view of the cliff wall. The steep terrain can make access tricky, so approach the rock edges with caution.
Near the border of the Grizzlies and Roanoke Ridge, another engraving is etched onto the face of the cliffs above the Kamassa River. Standing across the water gives players a clear sightline to locate the exact interactive prompt on the rock. Finding this carving completes one of the most remote coordinates needed on Arthur's checklist.
Mailing Coordinates and Finishing the Quest
Once all ten rock carvings have been inspected and logged in your journal, head to the nearest post office to mail the coordinates to Francis Sinclair. After sending all ten locations, wait a couple of in-game days for Francis to send an invitation letter back to Arthur. Reading the letter unlocks the final objective marker at Francis's cabin near Strawberry.
Return to the cabin to witness a mind-bending story cutscene that reveals the true nature of Francis Sinclair and his mysterious research. After the cutscene finishes, search the cabin table to collect the Brass Pocket Watch, an essential component for crafting the Raven Claw Talisman at any fence. Completing this stranger mission offers a memorable mystery that stands out in Arthur's journey across the American frontier.
