Arcadia for Amateurs

Follow our expert guide to complete the Arcadia for Amateurs stranger mission in Red Dead Redemption 2, including all locations and steps for Part II, III, and IV.

Alright, let's get this 'Arcadia for Amateurs' stranger mission wrapped up. This one's a bit of a multi-parter, with Albert Mason popping up in a few different spots. We'll walk you through each one, so you don't have to go hunting around blind.

Arcadia for Amateurs II

First up, Albert's chilling north of Strawberry, near the Little Creek River. Look east of Wallace Station, and you'll spot a path branching off to the north. He's just a bit east of that turn-off. This time, he's trying to photograph wolves, and he's learned his lesson about keeping a safe distance – he's hanging the bait from a tree.

As you arrive, Arthur, being the good sport he is, decides to stick around in case things go south. Sure enough, two wolves show up, drawn by the meat. But the moment Albert snaps his photo, the flash spooks them, and they turn their attention right onto him! This is your cue to jump in. Open fire on those wolves. Don't get too comfortable, though, because three more show up to join the party. You've got five wolves to deal with in total.

Your best bet here is to use Dead Eye. It'll help you take down a few of them quickly, making the rest much more manageable. If you're running low on health, don't hesitate to pause and grab some food or a tonic. Once all five wolves are down, Albert will be super grateful, and that's the end of this part. Don't forget to skin those wolves for some nice pelts and other goodies!

Arcadia for Amateurs III

Next, Albert's moved on again. This time, you'll find him north of Emerald Ranch, which is east of Valentine. He's hanging out by the water, just north of the ranch. After the wolf incident, he's decided to photograph horses. The only snag is, the horses aren't exactly lining up to be his models. So, he needs your help to herd them his way.

As soon as you get control, hop on your horse (or grab Albert's if yours isn't handy) and ride to the marker on your map. When you get there, position yourself on the western side of the five horses. Hold down [L2/LT] to focus on them. Your job is to guide them back towards Albert. Just keep yourself behind them and don't ride too fast. You can make Arthur shout by pressing [Circle/B] to speed them up a bit, or even fire your gun in the air, but honestly, just keeping a steady pace behind them is usually enough. Keep an eye out, as some horses are slower than others, so try to match their speed to avoid trampling anyone. Once you get them close enough, Albert will snap his photo. You'll get a picture of the wolf encounter as a reward, and this part will be done.

Arcadia for Amateurs IV

Albert's latest spot is north of Saint Denis, in the Lakay/Lagras area, just above the Bayou NWA label on your map. He's in the swampy water on the eastern side. It seems he's gone back to the dangerous wildlife, this time trying to photograph alligators. He figures he'll be safer in a boat, so Arthur heads out onto the water.

If you're new to boating, the left analog stick steers, and [X/A] is for rowing. Time your presses with the oar entering the water for a speed boost. You'll see three markers on your map – head to the northernmost one first, as it's the closest. There are some boars on the shore, which gets Albert excited that an alligator might be nearby. Slow your boat down ([R1/RB]) and wait for an alligator to snatch a boar. Hopefully, you'll be in a good position for Albert to get his picture.

You can head southwest or due west next; let's go southwest first. This alligator will be in the water, so you'll need to position Albert for a good shot. You can steer the boat using just the left stick without rowing. Once Mason gets the photo, move to the last spot on the west, which is on the coast. It'll head inland as you approach. Mason suggests you go on land to lure it out. Before you do that, though, turn the boat to face west.

Once that's done, get out of the boat and onto land. Slowly approach the marker. When you get close enough, the alligator will turn and head towards you. Quickly get back in the boat! Mason will snap the picture as you're scrambling in, and the alligator will give up chasing you. Head back to where you first met Albert to wrap up this part of the mission.