In Red Dead Redemption 2, players can encounter all sorts of mysterious strangers offering a variety of sidequests. One such stranger, the eccentric Francis Sinclair, will offer the sidequest Geology for Beginners. He’ll task players with finding a variety of mysterious rock carvings in remote locations around the map. We’ve tracked down all 10 carvings to make it easier for you to complete the quest and reap the rewards.
Red Dead 2: Maps to all rock carving locations
Location 1: Mount Hagen
This carving is located atop the snowy peaks of Mount Hagen. Simply follow the road to the top, and look for this carving embedded into the mountain near where the road ends.
Location 2: Mount Shann
This carving is small and can be easy to miss. It is, however, located directly along the road that leads to the top of Mount Shann. Look for it along the roadside.
Location 3: Owanjila
To find this carving, you’ll need to head to the western shore of Owanjila. Look for it high up on a rocky outcropping.
Location 4: Whinyard Strait
Head down into the Whinyard Strait to find this carving. It’s large and contrasts with the dark rock around it, so it should be easy enough to spot.
Location 5: Moonstone Pond
This one can be a tricky find. It’s located in a cluster of rocks and ledges south of Moonstone Pond. It’s tucked in a little crevice and is only visible if you approach from the north.
Location 6: Cumberland Forest
This one requires a bit of hunting. Head to the cliffs overlooking the Dakota River. You’ll see a narrow path winding down along the front of these cliffs. Follow this path around and you’ll find this carving at the end. Just don’t look down.
Location 7: Bacchus Station
This large and relatively easy to find carving can be found about midway between Bacchus Station and Fort Wallace. Just look for the mushroom cloud.
Location 8: Elysian Pool
The carving near Elysian Pool is nearly impossible to miss. It’s the largest carving on the list by far, and is easily spotted from the nearby road.
Location 9: Deer Cottage
From Location 8, head north into the Roanoke Ridge Valley to Deer Cottage. Once you’ve arrived at the cottage, you’ll see some rocky ledges behind it. Climb up into these ledges and look for the carving pictured above.
Location 10: Flatneck Station
Just northwest of Flatneck Station, this carving is located on a rocky ledge. You’ll have to do a bit of climbing to get to it, but it shouldn’t be too difficult.
Rewards
After collecting all the carvings, head to the nearest post office and mail them to Sinclair. After 24 hours, you’ll be able to collect the following rewards:
- 1 carving: Kentucky Bourbon, $10
- 5 carvings: Rock Statue
- 10 carvings: Sinclair’s Invitation
After receiving Sinclair’s letter, read it and head to his home near Strawberry. You’ll be treated to a head-scratching cutscene that reveals Sinclair to be more than he appears. After, head back inside his cabin and search it to find the Old Brass Compass on the kitchen table. Taking this to a fence will allow you to purchase the Raven Claw Talisman, which permanently slows weapon degradation by a whopping 20%. Be warned: you must search the cabin immediately after the quest. If you leave and come back, the cabin’s interior will be inaccessible and you’ll have lost your chance at the Talisman.
Happy hunting, geologists!
