The Old Brass Compass in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a key unique item required for crafting high-tier gear at the Fence. Securing this rare collectible requires players to track down specific collectibles across the expansive map before completing a memorable side quest. Understanding where to find it and how to properly utilize its properties gives Arthur Morgan a valuable gameplay boost.
How to Unlock and Locate the Old Brass Compass
To acquire the Old Brass Compass, players must first initiate the Geology for Beginners stranger mission by meeting Francis Sinclair. This quest tasks you with finding all 10 rock carving locations scattered throughout the open world. After recording all locations and mailing them from a post office, Francis will invite you back to his cabin northwest of Strawberry.
Upon completing the final cutscene inside Francis Sinclair's cabin, the Old Brass Compass can be found sitting on top of the dining table. If the cabin door locks before you can grab the item, saving your game nearby and reloading your save file will unlock the door again. This simple workaround allows players to easily re-enter the home and retrieve the missing compass without losing progress.
Crafting the Raven Claw Talisman
The primary use for the Old Brass Compass is serving as a critical ingredient to craft the Raven Claw Talisman at any Fence. Players must take the item alongside a fee to a Fence vendor to forge this valuable talisman. Equipping the talisman grants a permanent 20 percent reduction to weapon degradation speed across all firearms.
This bonus ensures your weapons maintain peak performance, accuracy, and damage over longer firefights without requiring frequent maintenance items like gun oil. Because the item is consumed upon crafting the talisman, it cannot be used as a standard navigation tool during general gameplay exploration. Completing this crafting process is also an essential step for completionists aiming to achieve total game completion.
Tips for Finding Rock Carvings Efficiently
Finding all 10 rock carvings can take time if you explore without a clear route or strategy. Utilizing the GPS map markers and keeping a close eye on cliff faces or canyon walls makes spotting these detailed carvings much easier. Traveling on horseback through mountainous biomes near Cumberland Falls and Mount Shann will reveal several carvings early in your search.
Once all carvings are discovered, head to the nearest post office right away to mail the coordinates to Francis. Waiting a couple of in-game days will trigger the invitation letter needed to access the cabin cutscene and claim your reward. Following these steps guarantees you acquire the Old Brass Compass and unlock its powerful combat passive without hassle.
