Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare - A Complete Guide to the Sasquatch Hunt in 'Birth of the Conservation Movement'

In the eerie, zombie-infested landscape of Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare, players take on the role of John Marston, battling not just the undead but a host of legendary creatures. Among these mythical beasts, the elusive Sasquatch holds a unique place. Unlike creatures that randomly spawn to terrorize the plains, the Sasquatch is encountered through a dedicated, narrative-driven side mission that offers players a poignant choice and valuable rewards. This mission, "Birth of the Conservation Movement," provides a haunting counterpoint to the game's relentless action, blending hunting with a touch of tragic folklore.

The hunt for the Sasquatch is not available from the very beginning but becomes accessible relatively early. Players must journey to the Tall Trees region in West Elizabeth. This area is open for exploration much sooner than, for instance, Mexico. Upon arriving in the northern reaches of Tall Trees, the mission "Birth of the Conservation Movement" automatically triggers. John Marston will encounter a Frontiersman, a hunter who is fervently firing his rifle into the wilderness while ranting about the Sasquatch population. This encounter sets the stage for the quest: to track down and eliminate five of these legendary creatures.

Interestingly, the mission begins with an immediate moral—or perhaps pragmatic—choice. The Frontiersman is armed with a Rolling Block Rifle, a powerful sniper weapon. Players can choose to:

• Engage with him and accept the mission to hunt the Sasquatches.

• Or, immediately kill the Frontiersman to claim his prized Rolling Block Rifle for themselves.

Remarkably, eliminating the quest-giver carries no negative consequences for mission progression. The hunt objectives remain active, and the player gains a significant early-game advantage with a powerful new weapon. It's a classic Red Dead Redemption moment, presenting a stark option between following the intended narrative or embracing the lawless opportunism of the frontier.

With the mission underway, the hunt begins in earnest. The first four Sasquatches are found roaming the dense forests of Tall Trees. The game guides players through a series of investigation areas marked by green circles on the map. The process is straightforward but atmospheric:

1. Ride into the designated wooded area.

2. Dismount and explore on foot, listening carefully.

3. A distinct, guttural sound will signal a Sasquatch is nearby.

4. Engage and defeat the creature.

Combat against these large, powerful beasts can be challenging. Using Dead Eye, the game's targeting mechanic, is highly recommended to land critical shots and bring them down efficiently. Each defeated Sasquatch brings players one step closer to the mission's unsettling conclusion.

After dispatching the fourth Sasquatch, the map updates, pointing toward a general location for the fifth and final one. This leads John to a serene spot on the bank of a river, where the last Sasquatch is found not prowling or attacking, but sitting peacefully under a tree. Approaching it triggers not a battle, but a conversation—a rare event in the game. In a somber twist, this Sasquatch can speak. It communicates a tale of sorrow and persecution, explaining that its kind are peaceful and simply wish to be left alone, contradicting John's (and the Frontiersman's) accusations of them being vicious baby-eaters.

This moment presents the final, and most significant, choice of the mission:

• Kill the Sasquatch: Complete the hunt as originally intended, fulfilling the violent contract.

• Spare the Sasquatch: Walk away, leaving the creature in peace and implicitly accepting its tragic story.

Regardless of the player's decision, the mission concludes at this point. The game does not judge the choice; it merely records the outcome. This narrative flexibility is a hallmark of the experience, allowing players to define their own version of John Marston's morality in this nightmare world.

Mission Rewards & Completion

Completing "Birth of the Conservation Movement" yields tangible rewards that aid in the broader fight against the undead:

• Primary Reward: The Undead Hunter Outfit Scrap. Collecting all outfit scraps in the game allows John to assemble the full Undead Hunter outfit, which may offer benefits or simply serve as a badge of honor for completing challenging content.

• Optional Reward: If the player chose to kill the Frontiersman at the mission's start, they will also permanently add the Rolling Block Rifle to their arsenal. This is a powerful, scoped rifle excellent for long-range engagements.

In summary, the Sasquatch hunt in Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare is far more than a simple creature-clearing quest. It is a self-contained story that encapsulates the game's blend of action, exploration, and moral ambiguity. From the opportunistic violence of its beginning to the melancholic choice at its end, the mission "Birth of the Conservation Movement" remains a memorable highlight. It challenges players to consider what it means to be a monster in a world already overrun by them, all while providing valuable gear for the arduous journey ahead. For players navigating the undead apocalypse, this foray into the Tall Trees is an essential, thought-provoking detour.