Red Dead Redemption 2 Camp Upgrades guide: How to get Leather Working Tools
Camp upgrades are definitely worth contributing towards. Here's everything you need to know about them in Red Dead Redemption 2.
From fun diversions to keeping Arthur clean and groomed, the Van Der Linde camp in Red Dead Redemption 2 is the closest base you have to home. Even a rag-tag group of outlaws need somewhere to enjoy each other's company, settle their differences, and catch a bit of shut-eye - and the camp that you take with you throughout the game is just that.
It's not just a place to lay your hat though; the Van Der Linde settlement boasts a wealth of activities that you can play as you acquire more resources.
To unlock all this however, you'll need to know how to upgrade your camp in Red Dead Redemption 2, as well as figuring out how to use the ledger and how to unlock the Leather Working Tools.
All of this requires money. So if you're struggling for cash, take a look at our guide on how to make money in Red Dead Redemption 2, fast.
How to upgrade camp in Red Dead Redemption 2
To upgrade your camp in Red Dead Redemption 2, there are two ways in which you can do so. The first is via the camp ledger, and the second is via camp chef, Pearson.
Where is the camp ledger?
The ledger is the hub of your camp in Red Dead Redemption 2, and everything runs through there. It'll be beside the lockbox where you can donate money or valuables to the camp.
You can find the ledger at the back of Dutch's tent in your first camp at Horseshoe Overlook. Just walk up to it and press Square on PS4 or X on Xbox One.
From here, you can turn the pages of the ledger and select different camp upgrades to purchase. We detail these more below.
Who is Pearson?
Pearson is the chef of the camp in Red Dead Redemption 2. At the very beginning of the game, he'll have taught you how to skin hunted animals so that the camp can use their meat and pelts for food and camp upgrades.
You can give Pearson perfect pelts and other items to receive cosmetic upgrades and satchel upgrades. These aren't as useful as some of the camp upgrades are, but those satchel upgrades are definitely something you'll want to seek out.
All camp upgrades in Red Dead Redemption 2
At the camp in Red Dead Redemption 2, there are multiple features that you can upgrade in your camp. They're represented by different icons on your map. In addition to icons for Arthur's tent, Mr Pearson's cooking station, and minigames like poker and Five Finger Filet, you'll see a number of supply icons.
These are:
- Medicine
- Provisions
- Ammunition and Arms
- Lodging
- Horse Station
- Chicken Coop
- Leather Working Tools
- Camp Boat
With Medicine, Provisions, and Ammunition, upgrading each of these areas stocks your camp with a variety of items. You don't have to pay for any of these items once you've paid for the upgrade. You can just walk over to the icon on your map, and collect any healing items, ammo, or food that you need.
From then on, you just need to pay the restocking fee to collect more.
Lodging is a really important area to invest in. After you've upgraded Dutch's tent - which makes your fellow campers toss more moolah into the shared kitty - the next upgrade unlocks Red Dead Redemption 2's fast travel system for $325.
The Horse Station is another useful upgrade. If you ever lose your trusty steed, then this upgrade lets you call them back to camp. It also lets you manage your owned horses more conveniently, letting you retrieve stabled horses more quickly. That said, you can still always pay a visit to the stables in the meantime.
Eventually, as you progress through the main story, you'll unlock the ability to purchase the world's most expensive row boat which, at $450, isn't exactly cheap. If you're big on fishing, this could actually be a fun camp upgrade to pick up. At least it means you're not scuttling around on the bank of lakes and rivers trying to catch fish all the time.
Finally, the Chicken Coop is a must for fans of the Dead Eye system. It imbues the stew that Mr Pearson cooks for the gang with a boost to your Dead Eye meter, which is useful in a scuffle. Plus, good news for poultry people - you can visit your newly acquired chickens as they cluck and pluck around.
How to unlock Leather Working Tools in Red Dead Redemption 2
On the last page of the Ledger, you'll find an option which lets you buy Leather Working Tools for $225. This gives Mr Pearson the ability to craft upgrades for your satchel from his stall.
As well, Mr Pearson can craft cosmetic items for your camp using the pelts you collect from hunting. To start, you can craft rugs, tablecloths, and throws for Arthur and John's tents, in addition to communal areas and camp vehicles.
Want to find the best weapons, a better horse or some more gold bars to upgrade your camp with? Then check out our Red Dead Redemption 2 walkthrough for more tips, tricks and guides.