You're probably riding through the Heartlands or Roanoke Ridge right now, squinting at the screen, and wondering why on earth these tiny bushes are so hard to spot. Honestly, we've all been there. You need them for a Daily Challenge in Red Dead Online, or maybe you're banging your head against the wall trying to finish Herbalist 7 in the story mode. Whatever the reason, finding rdr2 golden currant locations shouldn't feel like a second job.
Most players make the mistake of looking for a "berry bush" that looks like a raspberry or blackberry. Don't do that. Golden Currant (Ribes aureum) looks more like a tall, leafy, dark green shrub. It's kinda pear-shaped if you look at it upside down. It doesn't have bright red berries popping out to grab your attention. It’s subtle.
The Best RDR2 Golden Currant Locations for Quick Farming
If you want the absolute highest density of these plants without riding across the entire map, you head to Roanoke Ridge. Specifically, look around Fort Brennand.
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This old Civil War fort is basically the motherlode. If you stand at the fort and head just slightly east, toward the Kamassa River, you'll run into several clusters. I've found up to 16 plants in this one small perimeter. It's great because you don't even have to cross the water. Just watch out for the Murfree Brood or the occasional cougar that likes to spawn near the tree line north of here.
Another spot people sleep on is the area north of Annesburg.
Look at your map. Find the word "Roanoke" where it's written in big letters across the ridge. Focus on the area around the letters "A," "N," and "O." If you roam the hillsides here, you'll find them scattered in groups of two or three. There's a specific fallen tree on a hillside north of the "S" in Annesburg where two plants always spawn right at the end of the trunk.
Great Plains and Beecher's Hope
If you've reached the Epilogue or you're playing Red Dead Online, the Great Plains is your best friend.
- Beecher's Hope: Check the western side of the property. There's an abundance of them just off the small cliff on the east side of the ranch too.
- Railroad Tracks: Follow the tracks that run through the Great Plains. These bushes love the open, light-colored grass here because their dark green leaves actually stand out better than they do in the woods of Roanoke.
Why You Actually Need Golden Currant
It isn't just about ticking a box for a challenge. Well, mostly it is, but the items you craft with it are actually top-tier.
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Special Miracle Tonics are the big one. To finish Herbalist 7, you have to craft five of these. Each one requires six currants. That means you need 30 total. If you try to find 30 currants by just "exploring naturally," you're going to be playing until 2029. Use the Fort Brennand route instead. It’ll save you hours.
Then there’s Horse Meal. If you want your horse to have gold cores for an entire in-game day, you need Currant, Beets, and Hay. Trust me, if you’re planning a long ride from Saint Denis to Tumbleweed, having a "juiced-up" horse makes a massive difference in stamina.
Pro Tips for the Hunt
Use Eagle Eye. Seriously.
When you trigger Eagle Eye (clicking both sticks), the Golden Currant plants will give off those little blue "scent" particles. Since they are taller than most weeds but shorter than trees, they are very distinct once they start glowing.
Also, a weird quirk about the game's inventory: Golden Currant and Black Currant are technically different plants, but once they hit your satchel, the game often just labels them as "Currant" for crafting. However, for the Survivalist 9 challenge—where you have to pick one of every single herb—the game is strict. You must pick a Golden Currant specifically if it’s on your list, even if you already have 20 Black Currants from New Austin.
Quick Location Checklist:
- Fort Brennand: East and South of the fort walls.
- Kamassa River: The banks between Butcher Creek and Mossy Flats.
- Van Horn: Just to the west of the town, near the tree line.
- Manito Glade: Check the crest of the hill between the house and the railroad tracks.
If you’re struggling with the spawn rates, try sleeping at a camp for 24 hours or fast-traveling away and coming back. The plants usually respawn after a few in-game days.
The most efficient path is starting at Van Horn, riding west to Fort Brennand, and then following the Kamassa River north toward Annesburg. You’ll hit your 30-plant limit for the Special Miracle Tonics before you even reach the top of the map. Just keep your rifle out—Roanoke Ridge is beautiful, but the locals aren't exactly friendly.
Next Steps for Your Journey
Now that you've stocked up on currants, head to the nearest campfire to craft those Special Miracle Tonics immediately so you don't waste satchel space. If you're working on the Herbalist 9 challenge, make sure to physically check off Golden Currant on a separate list or note, as the in-game tracker is notoriously vague about which of the 43 plants you've already collected.