Why Can’t I Find the Legendary Alligator in Red Dead Redemption 2? A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re ready to tangle with the king of the swamps, the Legendary Bull Gator, but he’s nowhere to be found? Don’t fret, partner; many a player has scratched their head at this very predicament. The Legendary Bull Gator in Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) has specific conditions that must be met before it graces you with its presence. The primary reasons why the Legendary Gator isn’t spawning typically boil down to story progression or environmental factors. Most often, it is because the player has not yet progressed far enough in the story.

Unlocking the Gator: Story Progression

The most common culprit is that you haven’t reached the necessary point in the game’s narrative. The Legendary Bull Gator will NOT appear on your map, nor spawn in the open world, until you’ve completed the Chapter 5 mission, “That’s Murfree Country”. This is a crucial step. Until you have completed this mission, the Bullgator will not spawn.

The Murfree Brood and the Missing Girl

“That’s Murfree Country” is an unmissable and unforgettable event. It involves Arthur, alongside Charles, rescuing a kidnapped girl from the clutches of the depraved Murfree Brood. It is also the trigger for the Bullgator to become available to hunt in the open world. You may see the Bullgator before the mission, but you won’t be able to hunt it.

Beyond the Mission: Restarting and Camping

Even after completing “That’s Murfree Country,” there can be instances where the gator stubbornly refuses to appear. In this case, you can set up a camp (not nearby) and sleep.

Environmental Factors Affecting Spawning

Beyond story progression, certain environmental factors can also prevent the Legendary Gator from spawning.

Too Much Activity in the Area

The game’s engine can sometimes be overwhelmed by excessive activity near the intended spawn location. This includes other animal spawns, ongoing conflicts with NPCs (Non-Player Characters), or even lingering remnants of previous encounters.

Clear the Area and Reset

If you encounter the “too much activity” message, the solution is to clear the area of any competing activities. This might mean eliminating nearby predators like wolves or bears, resolving any outstanding bounties in the region, or simply creating distance between yourself and any recent disturbances.

Legendary Alligator Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Legendary Alligator to help you get hunting!

1. Why isn’t the Legendary Alligator showing up on my map?

The question mark icon representing the Legendary Bull Gator will only appear on your map after completing the “That’s Murfree Country” mission in Chapter 5. Ensure that you have reached this point in the story.

2. What are the best weapons to use for hunting the Legendary Alligator?

While the pelt will always be perfect, so even the most destructive weapons can be used without ruining the pelt, the easiest way to kill the Legendary Bullgator is by using explosive rifle ammo. High-powered rifles like the Rolling Block Rifle or the Carcano Rifle, coupled with explosive rounds, will quickly bring down this colossal reptile. Shotguns with slug rounds are also effective at close range.

3. Can I hunt the Legendary Alligator as Arthur Morgan?

Yes, you can hunt the Legendary Alligator as Arthur Morgan. However, you can only begin after completing “That’s Murfree Country” in Chapter 5.

4. What time of day is best to hunt the Legendary Alligator?

While the Legendary Bull Gator doesn’t have specific time requirements like the Teca Gator in Red Dead Online, hunting during the daytime provides better visibility in the swampy terrain.

5. How do I track the Legendary Alligator?

After completing “That’s Murfree Country,” head to the Gator’s territory in the swamps north of Saint Denis. Look for the telltale question mark icon on your map, then use your Eagle Eye to follow the clue markers (tracks, scat, disturbed vegetation) that lead to the gator.

6. What should I do if I accidentally scare the Legendary Alligator away?

If you spook the Legendary Alligator, it will retreat into the swamp. Move some distance away from the area, set up camp, sleep or wait for some time, and then return. This should reset the gator’s spawn and allow you to try again.

7. Is the Legendary Alligator aggressive?

Yes, the Legendary Bull Gator is extremely aggressive. Be prepared for a fierce fight and bring plenty of ammunition and healing items. Keep your distance and use cover strategically.

8. What can I do with the Legendary Alligator pelt?

The Legendary Alligator Skin can be used to craft unique items. The Legendary Alligator Skin can be used to create the Death Roll garment from the Trapper or a saddle for your horse.

9. What if I ruin the Legendary Alligator pelt?

In the case of Legendary animals, you can’t actually ruin the pelt. The Trapper will still have the materials for crafting even if you don’t sell the pelt.

10. Are there any other Legendary Alligators in Red Dead Redemption 2?

In the main story of Red Dead Redemption 2, there is only the Bull Gator. In Red Dead Online, two other legendary alligators were added to the game. These are the Teca Gator and the Sun Gator.

11. What does it mean when the game says “There’s too much activity in the area”?

This message indicates that something is interfering with the game’s ability to spawn the Legendary Animal. Possible causes include nearby conflicts, other animals in the vicinity, or recent activity in the area. Clear the area, move a considerable distance away, and return later to reset the spawn.

12. Can I use Dead Eye to hunt the Legendary Alligator?

Yes, using Dead Eye is highly recommended when hunting the Legendary Alligator. It allows you to slow down time, line up precise shots, and target vulnerable areas.

13. Do I need to be a certain level to hunt the Legendary Alligator?

There is no specific level requirement to hunt the Legendary Alligator. As long as you have completed “That’s Murfree Country,” and have powerful weapons and ammunition, you can attempt the hunt.

14. Besides completing the mission, are there any other requirements to find the Legendary Alligator?

Besides completing the mission, there are no other hard requirements. Some suggest that the Legendary Teca Gator only appears between 9pm and 6am, only during thunderstorms, rain or foggy weather, but this is for the Teca Gator in Red Dead Online. The Legendary Bull Gator doesn’t have specific time or weather constraints, but some players have reported better luck during rainy or foggy conditions.

15. I completed “That’s Murfree Country” but still can’t find the alligator. What should I do?

If you have completed the mission and still cannot find the Legendary Alligator, try these steps:

• Double-check that the mission is marked as completed in your progress log.
• Fast travel to a different location far away from the swamp.
• Set up camp and sleep for a full 24 hours.
• Return to the area and search again, using Eagle Eye to look for clues.

Mastering the Hunt

The Legendary Bull Gator is a challenging and rewarding hunt in Red Dead Redemption 2. Ensure you’ve met the necessary story prerequisites, prepare yourself with the right gear, and be patient. Success requires a combination of skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck. Happy hunting, partner!

This hunting is a skill. The skill and learning needed for games, and game design is supported by the Games Learning Society. You can explore the site further at GamesLearningSociety.org.