The Definitive Herbalist 9 Checklist: All 43 Herbs & Where to Find Them
The Herbalist 9 challenge in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a true test of endurance. You must pick one of every single herb in the game—all 43 unique types. The catch? The game doesn't track which ones you've already picked, and some plants are located in the locked-off territory of New Austin, inaccessible to Arthur in a normal playthrough. This checklist is your ultimate solution. We've not only listed every plant but grouped them by region with precise locations and special notes. Use this roadmap to stay on track and preserve your sanity. Good luck, partner!
- 1.
- 1.1.This is non-negotiable for a stress-free experience. Carrying 99 of each item is a game-changer.
- 1.2.The challenge won't activate until you do.
- 1.3.The golden glow is your best friend for spotting herbs, especially in snowy areas or at night.
- 1.4.If playing as Arthur, you must use a specific glitch (e.g., the wagon/buggy method from Saint Denis) to enter New Austin without being killed by the invisible sniper. Otherwise, you must wait for the epilogue with John.
- 2.These are your starting points. Most are incredibly easy to find.
- 2.1.Abundant in the Heartlands, especially near Caliban's Seat.
- 2.2.Look along roadsides and in open fields in the Heartlands.
- 2.3.Grows near any freshwater source, like the banks of the Dakota River.
- 2.4.Found in forests and near riverbanks in Scarlett Meadows.
- 2.5.In the forests of Scarlett Meadows and Roanoke Ridge.
- 2.6.Dry, open areas in the Heartlands and West Elizabeth.
- 2.7.Found in moist, forested areas, like near the Kamassa River in Roanoke Ridge.
- 2.8.Alaskan is in Ambarino/NH; Wild is in forests like Tall Trees and Roanoke.
- 3.Be ready for alligators. Visit during the day.
- 3.1.On the ground and on tree stumps in the swampy areas around Lakay.
- 3.2.A fungus growing on dead trees in the Bayou, especially near the blue house.
- 3.3.Look for its red flowers in clearings within the Bayou and along the Kamassa River.
- 3.4.Poisonous plant found exclusively in the Bayou region.
- 3.5.Orange mushrooms on the ground in the forests of Bayou Nwa.
- 4.Watch for cougars and bears in Tall Trees.
- 4.1.On the forest floor in the snowy and forested areas of Ambarino and northern West Elizabeth.
- 4.2.Common in the plains of West Elizabeth, like Big Valley.
- 4.3.Shady forests of West Elizabeth, like along the Little Creek River.
- 4.4.Found in the grasslands of West Elizabeth, such as Big Valley.
- 4.5.In the forests of Tall Trees and northern West Elizabeth.
- 5.You'll need a cold weather outfit. Herbs can be hard to see in snow.
- 5.1.Grows at the base of trees in the snowy areas of Ambarino, like near the Loft.
- 5.2.Look for small bushes in the Cumberland Forest region.
- 5.3.This is part of the Duchess's quest, but it counts. Found on rocks and islands in the swampy waters of Bayou Nwa.
- 6.This is the main obstacle. Use a covered wagon for cover as Arthur.
- 6.1.All over the plains of Hennigan's Stead and Rio Bravo.
- 6.2.Found in the dry, red hills of southern New Austin, especially near Fort Mercer.
- 6.3.Grows near water sources in New Austin, like the San Luis River.
- 6.4.In the grasslands of Hennigan's Stead.
- 6.5.A small, yellow flower found in the arid plains of Rio Bravo.
- 7.Most of these are found in the Bayou Nwa for the Duchess's quest. They are tiny and spawn in specific, fixed locations.
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- 7.10.
- 7.11.
- 8.The game only shows a counter (e.g., 40/43). You must track them yourself.
- 8.1.Cross off each herb on this list as you pick it. This is the most reliable method.
- 8.2.The compendium only updates for herbs you study, not just pick. It's less reliable for tracking.
- 8.3.If you're missing 1-2, it's almost certainly an orchid. Re-check the Bayou spawn points meticulously.
This is the most comprehensive and structured Herbalist 9 checklist. Move from region to region, ticking off the herbs you've collected, and this monumental task will be complete. Remember, the orchid hunt is a test of patience, and New Austin is a test of your ingenuity. Which method for accessing New Austin as Arthur worked for you? And which orchid made you sweat the most? We want to hear your war stories in the comments below!