The Ultimate High Stakes Treasure Map 1 Guide: How To Find $1500 In Red Dead Redemption 2 (2024 Update)

The High Stakes Treasure Map 1 is the crucial first step in one of *Red Dead Redemption 2*'s most lucrative and challenging treasure hunts, promising a massive haul of Gold Bars upon completion. As of December 11, 2025, the path to this fortune remains unchanged, but many players still struggle to trigger the initial encounter with the elusive Treasure Hunter who holds the map. This guide provides the most current, step-by-step instructions to ensure you secure the first map and solve its riddle at Cumberland Falls. This quest is essential for players looking to quickly amass wealth as Arthur Morgan, with the final reward being three Gold Bars, which can be sold for a total of $1500 at any Fence. Securing this first map is the gateway to unlocking the entire *High Stakes Treasure* line, a must-do for any serious player in the vast world of *Red Dead Redemption 2*.

The Elusive High Stakes Treasure Hunter: Acquisition Details

The journey for the *High Stakes Treasure Map 1* begins not with a fixed location, but with a specific random encounter. Unlike some other treasure maps in *Red Dead Redemption 2*, this one cannot simply be purchased until much later in the game, making the random encounter the primary method of acquisition for early and mid-game players.

Prerequisites for the Map Encounter

Before the *High Stakes Treasure Hunter* will appear, you must meet a crucial story requirement: * Complete Chapter 3 Mission: You must have successfully completed the *Chapter 3* mission titled "The New South" or the similar prerequisite mission "All that Glitters". This unlocks the possibility of the random event. * The Treasure Hunter NPC: The map is held by an older, often disheveled-looking *Treasure Hunter NPC* who will be seen wandering or camping in the wilderness.

Where to Find the Treasure Hunter

The random encounter can spawn in several locations, but a few areas in the region of West Elizabeth and *New Hanover* are known hot spots for the *High Stakes Treasure Hunter*: * Riggs Station Area: The most reliable location is often north of *Riggs Station* in *West Elizabeth*. * Near Valentine: The area around the town of *Valentine* and the winding roads in the *Grizzlies East* region of *Ambarino* are also common spawn points. * The Encounter: When you spot the *Treasure Hunter*, he will usually be standing next to his horse or running away from you. You must chase him down and interact with him. If he escapes, he will respawn in another location later. If you choose to rob or kill him, you can loot the *High Stakes Treasure Map 1* directly from his body.

Solving the High Stakes Treasure Map 1 Clue

Once you have the map in your possession, either by peaceful interaction or force, the first riddle will point you toward a well-known landmark in the *New Hanover* region.

The Map Clue Breakdown

The drawing on *High Stakes Treasure Map 1* depicts a distinctive waterfall and a large, fallen log. * Location: The image is a clear depiction of Cumberland Falls. This major waterfall is situated west of the town of *Valentine* and north of *Fort Wallace*. * The Path: You must approach the falls and look for a way to get behind the curtain of water.

Step-by-Step Treasure Retrieval at Cumberland Falls

Follow these precise steps to locate the hidden cache and obtain the next map: 1. Travel to Cumberland Falls: Head to the landmark located on the border of *New Hanover* and *Ambarino*. 2. Find the Hidden Path: Approach the falls from the west side. Look for a narrow, rocky ledge that leads down and behind the waterfall. 3. Navigate the Ledge: Carefully walk along this slippery ledge. It can be tricky, so move slowly to avoid falling into the water. 4. Locate the Stash: Once you are behind the main curtain of water, you will see a small, rocky cavern or alcove. 5. Claim the Reward: Inside this alcove, you will find a small wooden chest. Open it to find the High Stakes Treasure Map 2 and a small monetary reward.

The High Stakes Treasure Line: Entities and Final Payout

The *High Stakes Treasure* quest is one of three major treasure hunting side-quests in *Red Dead Redemption 2*, alongside the *Jack Hall Gang Treasure* and the *Poisonous Trail Treasure*. Completing all three maps is a significant undertaking that yields a substantial reward, making it a key activity for *RDR2* completionists and money-makers.

Key Entities and Locations in the Quest Line

To establish topical authority and provide a complete context, here is a list of relevant entities and locations associated with the *High Stakes Treasure* quest and the broader world of *Red Dead Redemption 2*: * Protagonist: Arthur Morgan * Game Title: Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) * Quest Name: High Stakes Treasure * Map Stages: Treasure Map 1, Treasure Map 2, Treasure Map 3 * Initial Map Location: West Elizabeth * Map 1 Treasure Location: Cumberland Falls * Map 2 Treasure Location: Calumet Ravine (near *Bacchus Station*) * Map 3 Treasure Location: Near *Fort Wallace* (on a large rock formation) * Final Reward Item: Gold Bars (3 total) * Reward Value: $1500 (selling price at a Fence) * Key NPC: Treasure Hunter * Starting Chapter: Chapter 3 * Prerequisite Mission: "The New South" / "All that Glitters" * Vendor: Fence (for selling Gold Bars) * Other Regions: Ambarino, New Hanover, Grizzlies East * Other Treasure Quests: Jack Hall Gang Treasure, Poisonous Trail Treasure * Landmarks: Mysterious Hill Home, Valentine, Riggs Station, Calumet Ravine, Fort Wallace

Alternative Acquisition: The Fence Option

If you find yourself in the later chapters of the game (*Chapter 4* or beyond) and have missed the random *Treasure Hunter* encounter, the game provides a fallback option. * The Purchase: The *High Stakes Treasure Map 1* will become available for purchase from any Fence location in the game (e.g., Rhodes, Emerald Ranch, Saint Denis). * Cost: This purchase option is typically expensive, reflecting the high value of the final reward. However, it guarantees the start of the quest line without relying on the unpredictable nature of the random encounter. The pursuit of the *High Stakes Treasure Map 1* is a classic *Red Dead Redemption 2* experience, blending exploration, puzzle-solving, and high-value rewards. By following this updated guide, you can bypass the confusion of the random encounter and quickly secure the first map, propelling you toward a $1500 payday in the unforgiving world of the Wild West.