Hunting for treasure in Red Dead Redemption is undoubtedly a worthwhile endeavor, as it will reward John Marston with unique abilities, a special satchel that doubles the consumable carry amount, and, above all, an abundance of riches. To obtain the first map, players must first have a random encounter with a particular treasure-seeking NPC under attack by bandits in Red Dead Redemption. By saving the NPC or looting their corpse, John will acquire Red Dead Redemption's first treasure map. This event can happen at any time through one's playthrough, so the best way to trigger this occurrence is by riding around listening for a call for help.
After finding the first treasure map in RDR, players can locate the next one by looting the treasure chest of the initial map. Likewise, the following map will lead to the next spot. Treasure maps in Red Dead Redemption illustrate specific parts of the environment or characteristics of the terrain of a particular location. John Marston - and the players - will need to use these hand-drawn hints to determine where the undiscovered treasure is buried or hidden.
Additionally, players should bear in mind that "X" doesn't necessarily "mark the spot" on the sketches. Instead, they should be used as a guide for identifying the general location of the buried treasure rather than an exact recreation of where Red Dead Redemption players should look. For reference, players can always double-check their maps within their inventory. Below are all the map locations of the hidden treasure in Red Dead Redemption.
Treasure Map 1 Location In Red Dead Redemption
The first map shows a noose and an X in the center of four boulders. This location, also known as "Hanging Rock," can be found to the north of Armadillo and west of the Twin Rocks. At the bottom of the largest boulder, players can find a small pile of rocks that contain Red Dead Redemption's first treasure and its second map.
Treasure Map 2 Location In Red Dead Redemption
The next treasure location in Red Dead Redemption is east of Rio Bravo and can be found along the cliffside horse path. Players need to be wary, as a fall down the ledge will be harmful or lethal to John and force the player to start the trail from the beginning.
Treasure Map 3 Location In Red Dead Redemption
RDR's third treasure map points to an old abandoned mansion to the northwestern side of Tumbleweed. Head through the open entrance to the underground cellar and go down the corridor until reaching the end.
On the right, players will find the treasure within a pile of rocks beneath a decorative yet menacing skull.
Treasure Map 4 Location In Red Dead Redemption
The next treasure can be found behind a stone wall beyond a notable skull-covered tree located north of Chuparosa.
Treasure Map 5 Location In Red Dead Redemption
East of Escalera, John can find the next buried treasure atop a unique rock formation in the wilderness.
Treasure Map 6 Location In Red Dead Redemption
The sixth treasure location is under the left side of the giant stone arch south of Chuparosa.
Treasure Map 7 Location In Red Dead Redemption
Northeast of Chuparosa and southeast of Armadillo, players can find the next treasure along a trail with finger-looking rocks that line the side of the path's cliffside.
Treasure Map 8 Location In Red Dead Redemption
The eighth treasure location is near Beecher's Hope, around a tree that's been split in half. To the north of the tree, Red Dead Redemption's John Marston can find the buried treasure within the gap of a stone hedge.
Treasure Map 9 Location In Red Dead Redemption
The final treasure is within the snowy mountain region north of Tall Trees. Within a small cave near an open elevated area, players can find the ninth treasure in Red Dead Redemption. This last treasure will also unlock the Treasure Hunter's Satchel, which lets John carry twice the amount of consumable items.
Red Dead Redemption is available on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.