High Stakes Treasure Map 1 Full Guide: Location, Waterfall Puzzle, and Gold Bar Rewards
By Chloe Bennett
Q1: Why is the Treasure Hunter stranger not spawning on my map?
A1: The encounter requires you to finish the Chapter 2 mission "The First Shall Be Last" where Arthur and Javier rescue Sean. If you completed that mission and he still fails to appear, ride between Riggs Station and Wallace Station, or sleep at a wilderness camp for 24 hours to reset regional NPC encounter tables.
Q2: What happens if the Treasure Hunter dies and I lose his body?
A2: You cannot permanently lock yourself out of the quest line. If the stranger dies, flees, or falls off a cliff edge without being looted, his first map automatically transfers to fences across the frontier. Visit the fence in Saint Denis, Rhodes, or Van Horn to purchase it for $2.50.
Q3: Can I go directly to the treasure at Cumberland Falls without owning the map?
A3: No. Red Dead Redemption 2 prevents sequence breaking for major treasure hunts. If you walk behind Cumberland Falls without acquiring and inspecting Map 1 from your satchel first, the interaction prompt on the rock ledge will not appear.
Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.
