Red Dead Redemption 2’s immersive world extends far beyond its main story missions, with companion item requests offering players a deeper connection to the Van der Linde gang members. These optional side tasks not only provide valuable rewards but also reveal more about each character’s personality and backstory. Understanding every companion item request and where to find them is essential for players aiming to complete their journal, earn the coveted “Errand Boy” trophy, and experience everything this masterpiece has to offer.
How Companion Item Requests Work?
Before diving into specific requests, it’s crucial to understand the mechanics behind these optional side activities. Companion item requests in Red Dead Redemption 2 are triggered organically as you progress through the game, with most becoming available between Chapters 2 and 4. Unlike traditional side quests, these requests don’t appear with obvious markers on your map, making them easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.
Most companion requests can only be triggered between 8 AM and 8 PM in-game time, adding a layer of realism to these interactions. To maximize your chances of encountering these requests, make a habit of visiting camp regularly and interacting with all gang members. If no one seems to have a request, try leaving camp, setting up your own camp, sleeping for a while, and returning to trigger potential requests.
The rewards for completing these requests vary from useful items like ammunition and horse revivers to honor increases and unique character interactions. Some requests are time-sensitive and can be missed if you progress too far in the story, making it essential to complete them while they’re available.
Abigail Roberts’ Request
Chapter Availability: Chapter 2
Time of Day: 8 AM – 8 PM
Item Requested: $5
Where to Find: Your personal savings
Reward: Honor increase
Abigail’s request is one of the simplest to complete, but it’s also one of the most meaningful in terms of character development. She asks Arthur for $5 to help with Jack’s education, reflecting her concerns about her son’s future in their outlaw lifestyle. The money comes directly from your savings, so there’s no need to hunt for this item. Simply interact with Abigail when she makes the request and select the option to give her the money.
This request serves as an early reminder of the human cost of the gang’s lifestyle and sets up some of the game’s central themes about family and responsibility. The honor reward makes this a worthwhile investment, especially for players focusing on building Arthur’s positive reputation.
Bill Williamson’s Request
Chapter Availability: Chapters 2, 3, 4
Time of Day: 8 AM – 8 PM
Item Requested: Hair Pomade
Where to Find: General Stores throughout the map
Reward: Repeater Cartridges
Bill’s request for hair pomade perfectly captures his character’s vanity and concern with appearances, despite his rough exterior. Unlike many companion requests that require hunting for rare items, hair pomade is readily available at any General Store in Red Dead Redemption 2. You can purchase it for a few dollars at stores in Valentine, Saint Denis, Blackwater, and other major settlements.
The reward of repeater cartridges makes this request particularly valuable, especially during the game’s more intense combat sequences. Bill’s request can be triggered in multiple chapters, giving players plenty of opportunities to complete it. Keep some hair pomade in your inventory when visiting camp, as Bill might make his request unexpectedly.
Charles Smith’s Multiple Requests
Charles is one of the most active gang members when it comes to item requests, with three different items he might ask for throughout the game. Each request reflects different aspects of his character and skills.
Moonshine Request
Chapter Availability: Chapters 2, 3, 4
Time of Day: 8 AM – 8 PM
Item Requested: Moonshine
Where to Find: Fence shops
Reward: Fire Arrows
Charles’ request for moonshine relates to his interest in crafting and creating useful items. Moonshine can be purchased from any Fence shop in the game, making this relatively straightforward to complete once you’ve unlocked access to these vendors. The fire arrows you receive as a reward are incredibly useful for hunting large animals and dealing with groups of enemies, making this request well worth completing.
Oleander Request
Chapter Availability: Chapters 2, 3, 4
Time of Day: 8 AM – 8 PM
Item Requested: Oleander
Where to Find: Common herb found throughout the world
Reward: Poison Arrows
Oleander is a poisonous herb that grows in various locations across the game world, particularly near water sources and in forested areas. Charles uses this herb to craft poison arrows, which are extremely effective against both human and animal targets. The reward of poison arrows makes this one of the most valuable companion requests in the game, especially for players who enjoy hunting or want an edge in combat.
Eagle Feather Request
Chapter Availability: Epilogue 2
Time of Day: 8 AM – 8 PM
Item Requested: Eagle Feather
Where to Find: Hunting eagles
Reward: Horse Reviver
This request is unique as it occurs during the game’s epilogue, reflecting Charles’ continued presence in John Marston’s life. Eagle feathers can be obtained by hunting eagles, which are typically found in mountainous regions. The horse reviver reward is particularly valuable in the epilogue, as horses remain essential for transportation and combat.
Dutch van der Linde’s Request
Chapter Availability: Chapters 2, 3, 4
Time of Day: 8 AM – 8 PM
Item Requested: Pipe
Where to Find: Vetter’s Echo shack (south of Hanging Dog Ranch, west of Wallace Station)
Reward: Spurs
Dutch’s request for a pipe is one of the more challenging companion requests due to the item’s specific location. The pipe can be found in the Vetter’s Echo shack, located south of Hanging Dog Ranch and west of Wallace Station, near the western edge of the map. This area is relatively remote and may require some travel to reach.
The pipe is sitting on a desk inside the shack, making it relatively easy to spot once you’ve found the location. The reward of spurs is fitting for Dutch’s character, as they represent leadership and authority. This request also provides insight into Dutch’s personal habits and the stress he’s under as the gang’s leader.
Jack Marston’s Penny Dreadful Request
Chapter Availability: Chapters 2, 3, 4
Time of Day: 8 AM – 8 PM
Item Requested: Penny Dreadful
Where to Find: Four possible locations
Reward: Honor increase
Jack’s request for a Penny Dreadful book is one of the most memorable companion requests, reflecting his young age and desire for adventure stories. Unlike many other requests, the Penny Dreadful can be found in four different locations, giving players multiple options:
- Osman Grove: Located east-southeast of Emerald Station and Emerald Ranch. The book is on a table next to a deceased elderly woman in a rocking chair. This location is particularly convenient as it also contains Mary-Beth’s requested fountain pen.
- Clawson’s Nest: Found in a cabin on the eastern edge of the Grizzlies West, northwest of Valentine across the Dakota River. This location is more remote but offers a scenic journey through the mountains.
- Pleasance: Located in the burned-out town northwest of Saint Denis, slightly west of Bluewater Marsh. The Penny Dreadful is in the schoolhouse building on the southeast edge of town.
- Downes Ranch: Situated directly west of Caliban’s Seat and southwest of Valentine. This location might be familiar to players who have completed loan collection missions in the area.
The honor reward makes this request worthwhile, and the multiple location options mean you’re likely to encounter a Penny Dreadful naturally during your travels. Jack’s enthusiasm for the book and his subsequent storytelling add a touching layer to the gang’s camp life.
Mary-Beth Gaskill’s Fountain Pen Request
Chapter Availability: Chapters 2, 3, 4
Time of Day: 8 AM – 8 PM
Item Requested: Fountain Pen
Where to Find: Osman Grove shack
Reward: Honor increase
Mary-Beth’s request for a fountain pen perfectly reflects her character’s aspirations as a writer and intellectual. The fountain pen can be found in the same Osman Grove shack where Jack’s Penny Dreadful is located, making it efficient to complete both requests in a single trip.
The shack is east of Emerald Station, near the border of The Heartlands and west of the Kamassa River. Inside, the fountain pen is typically found on a desk or table. This request highlights Mary-Beth’s dreams beyond the outlaw life and provides players with honor points for helping her pursue her literary ambitions.
Hosea Matthews’ Book Request
Chapter Availability: Chapters 2, 3, 4
Time of Day: 8 AM – 8 PM
Item Requested: Book
Where to Find: Triggered by finding “The Deceitful German” near Hosea’s tent
Reward: Honor increase
Hosea’s request is unique in that it’s triggered by finding a specific book rather than being directly requested. If you pick up “The Deceitful German” book near Hosea’s tent in camp, you’ll receive a notification about his request for another book. This mechanic reflects Hosea’s role as the gang’s intellectual and his love of reading.
The specific book Hosea requests can vary, but it’s typically found in a nearby location or can be purchased from a general store. This request provides insight into Hosea’s character and his role as Dutch’s counterbalance in the gang’s leadership.
Other Companion Requests
Several other gang members may also make requests throughout the game, though these are often for more common items:
Javier Escuella
Item Requested: Harmonica
Where to Find: General Stores or random loot
Reward: Honor increase
Javier’s request for a harmonica reflects his musical talents and love of entertainment. Harmonicas can be purchased from general stores or found as random loot throughout the world.
Lenny Summers
Item Requested: Moonshine
Where to Find: Fence shops
Reward: Honor increase
Lenny’s request for moonshine often comes after he shares a story at the campfire, reflecting his desire to bond with Arthur over drinks.
Sadie Adler
Item Requested: Moonshine
Where to Find: Fence shops
Reward: Honor increase
Sadie’s request for moonshine typically occurs later in the game, reflecting her growing integration into the gang’s activities.
Tilly Jackson
Item Requested: Snuff Tin
Where to Find: General Stores or random loot
Reward: Honor increase
Tilly’s request for a snuff tin is one of the simpler companion requests, reflecting her practical nature.
Tips for Completing All Companion Requests
To ensure you don’t miss any companion item requests in Red Dead Redemption 2, follow these expert tips:
- Visit Camp Regularly: Make it a habit to return to camp after every main mission or significant activity. Companion requests are triggered when you interact with gang members in camp.
- Check Different Times: Since most requests are only available between 8 AM and 8 PM, visit camp during these hours. Some requests might only appear at specific times, so vary your visits between morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Interact with Everyone: Don’t just focus on main story characters. Speak with every gang member during each camp visit to maximize your chances of triggering requests.
- Keep Common Items: Store items like moonshine, hair pomade, and harmonicas in your inventory. When a request is made, you’ll be able to fulfill it immediately.
- Use the Journal: Track your progress in Arthur’s journal, which keeps a record of active requests and completed tasks.
- Plan Efficient Routes: When possible, combine requests that require visiting the same areas. For example, you can get both Jack’s Penny Dreadful and Mary-Beth’s fountain pen in a single trip to Osman Grove.
- Don’t Progress Too Quickly: Some requests become unavailable after certain story missions. Complete companion requests before advancing to Chapter 5 if possible.
The Importance of Companion Requests in RDR2
Companion item requests in Red Dead Redemption 2 serve multiple purposes beyond simple gameplay mechanics. These requests:
- Deepen Character Development: Each request reveals something about the character’s personality, interests, and role within the gang.
- Enhance World Immersion: The organic nature of these requests makes the game world feel more alive and responsive to player actions.
- Provide Valuable Rewards: From useful ammunition to honor increases, the rewards make completing these requests worthwhile from a gameplay perspective.
- Contribute to 100% Completion: Completing all companion requests is necessary for achieving 100% game completion and earning the “Errand Boy” trophy.
- Create Memorable Moments: Many of these requests lead to unique dialogue and character interactions that aren’t available elsewhere in the game.
Conclusion: Mastering Red Dead Redemption 2 Companion Item Requests
Red Dead Redemption 2’s companion item requests represent some of the game’s most rewarding optional content, offering players deeper insights into the Van der Linde gang while providing valuable gameplay benefits. By understanding every companion item request and where to find them, you’ll not only enhance your gameplay experience but also create a more complete picture of Arthur Morgan’s journey and the relationships that define it.
Whether you’re a completionist aiming for 100% game progress or simply want to experience everything this masterpiece has to offer, taking the time to fulfill these requests will enrich your time in the world of Red Dead Redemption 2. Remember to visit camp regularly, interact with all gang members, and keep an eye out for those special items that bring joy to your fellow outlaws. The rewards, both tangible and emotional, make every companion item request worth pursuing in this incredible gaming experience.