How to Transform into a Deer in Red Dead Redemption 2: A Comprehensive Guide

The desire to experience the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 from a different perspective is a common one. Many players wonder if they can transform into an animal, specifically a deer, and the answer is a resounding yes, but with specific conditions. You cannot permanently become a deer in Red Dead Redemption 2, nor can you become one in the single-player story mode. However, in Red Dead Online, a temporary transformation into a Whitetail Buck is possible by becoming a Naturalist and engaging with the game’s unique mechanics. This transformation is a temporary effect, lasting around five minutes, provided you avoid being killed.

To transform into a deer in Red Dead Online, follow these steps:

1. Become a Naturalist: The first step is to become a Naturalist. You’ll need to travel to Strawberry and visit the visitor’s lodge. There, you’ll witness a cutscene between Harriet Davenport and Gus Macmillan. After this, you’ll have the option to purchase the Naturalist role for 25 gold bars. This is essential for accessing the transformation ability.

2. Reach Naturalist Rank 5: After becoming a Naturalist, you must reach Rank 5 in the role. You can increase your rank by studying animals, collecting samples, and completing missions for Harriet. This involves getting close to animals and using the R1/RB button to study them, using Sedation Ammo to put animals to sleep and extract samples, and selling those samples to Harriet. Collecting and selling “sets” of samples provides higher XP rewards.

3. Acquire the Vitalism Studies: Buck Pamphlet: Once you’ve reached Rank 5, Harriet will provide you with the Vitalism Studies: Buck pamphlet. This pamphlet is crucial as it unlocks the ability to transform.

4. Collect Harrietum Officinalis: You will need to collect five Harrietum Officinalis plants. These are a new type of flower added with the Naturalist update. You can usually find them scattered around the world, but their exact locations may vary, so keep your eyes peeled as you explore.

5. Find Deer Tracks: After collecting the flowers, look for deer tracks in the environment. The game will guide you to these tracks when the pamphlet is studied and the flowers are in your possession.

6. Interact with the Tracks: Finally, interact with the deer tracks. This will initiate the transformation, and your character will temporarily turn into a Whitetail Buck. The effect will last for about five minutes, or until you are killed.

Understanding the Naturalist Role

What is the Naturalist Role?

The Naturalist role is a specialized path in Red Dead Online that focuses on the study, conservation, and interaction with wildlife. It’s a unique approach that contrasts with the traditional hunting and skinning activities common in the game. Instead of killing animals, players using the Naturalist role often sedate them for the purpose of studying and collecting samples.

Harriet Davenport and Gus Macmillan

The two main characters associated with the Naturalist role are Harriet Davenport and Gus Macmillan. Harriet is a staunch conservationist who seeks to protect and understand wildlife. She is the one who provides the transformation pamphlet and tasks focused on animal studies. Gus, on the other hand, is a hunter and trapper who prefers to use wildlife resources. Depending on which NPC you deal with, you will find yourself sedating animals or skinning them.

Benefits of the Naturalist Role

Beyond the unique transformation ability, the Naturalist role offers several benefits, including:

• Unique missions centered around animal behavior and conservation.
• New items and equipment, like sedation ammunition and tracking equipment.
• Access to legendary animal missions after reaching a certain rank.
• Unique rewards, such as clothing and accessories inspired by nature.
• A different perspective on the game world, focused on observation and conservation rather than destruction and hunting.

FAQs: Transforming into a Deer in RDR2

What exactly is the Harrietum Officinalis plant?

Harrietum Officinalis is a specific type of flower added to Red Dead Online with the Naturalist update. It is required for the transformation into a buck and acts as a key ingredient for the pamphlet’s use.

How long does the deer transformation last?

The transformation into a Whitetail Buck lasts for approximately five minutes. After this time, your character will return to their original human form.

Can I use weapons or attack other players in deer form?

No, when transformed into a deer, you cannot use any weapons or directly attack other players. You are essentially vulnerable during this time.

Can other players see me as a deer?

Yes, other players in the game world can see you as a Whitetail Buck during your transformation.

Can I transform into other animals?

No, the Naturalist role and Vitalism Studies only allow you to transform into a Whitetail Buck. There are no other animal transformations available in the game.

Does it cost money or gold to use the transformation?

There are no additional costs after reaching Naturalist Rank 5 and obtaining the pamphlet. The transformation is usable as long as you possess the Harrietum Officinalis plants.

Do I need to complete the Red Dead Online story to become a naturalist?

No, the Naturalist role is available for purchase at any point in your Red Dead Online experience. You don’t need to complete the story to become a naturalist.

Can I become a deer in single-player mode?

No, the deer transformation is exclusively available in Red Dead Online and not in the single-player story mode.

Do perfect animal pelts have any value for the Naturalist role?

While perfect pelts are valuable in general, the Naturalist role focuses on studying and sampling animals, not hunting them for pelts. Therefore, perfect pelts are not typically a core focus of this role.

How does the transformation affect my player’s honor?

The deer transformation has no impact on your player’s honor level in Red Dead Online. It’s a temporary cosmetic effect.

Can I repeat the transformation process multiple times?

Yes, you can repeat the transformation process as many times as you want, as long as you have the five Harrietum Officinalis plants needed.

Is the buck transformation affected by weather or time of day?

No, the buck transformation is not affected by weather or time of day. You can use it at any time.

Is the transformation into a deer beneficial for specific tasks or activities?

The transformation is primarily for novelty and immersive experience. It does not offer any significant gameplay advantages. It is just for fun, if you are trying to traverse the environment in a more natural form.

Can I collect samples while transformed into a deer?

No, when transformed into a deer, you cannot use any items or collect samples. Your interactions are limited to movement.

What other unique features does the Naturalist role offer besides the transformation?

Besides the transformation ability, the Naturalist role allows you to collect and study samples, access legendary animal hunts, and earn unique rewards. It offers a different perspective of the Red Dead Redemption 2 world, promoting a more sustainable view of the natural landscape. It can be a great experience for anyone who likes to slow down and enjoy the small details within the game.