Find the marked area first

  1. Confirm the gemstone bonus objective is active in TF2 Mission 5.
  2. Locate Site 3 and the nearby pointed end of the lake.
  3. Look back toward the lake from the end of the map that the lake tip points toward; inspect the bare slopes.
  4. Use a contour or other gray data-layer view to make the red objective circle easier to distinguish.
  5. Work within the marked objective area and check the task feedback.

Sources: TF2 players · Digging up gemstones

Location guidance, with limits

This orientation comes from first-hand Steam discussion and linked player screenshots, originally posted in 2019. The reports give no exact coordinates or fixed excavation depth. Rotate the camera and locate the actual marker instead of guessing a compass direction.

Evidence note

TF2 only. This is not the location of TF3 Desert Adventure artifacts.

Sources: TF2 players · Digging up gemstones

SOURCE NOTEBOOK

Where this answer comes from

Checked 2026-10-22. Each claim links to the published material it comes from. Inspection sequences are Routebook’s editorial suggestions.

Editorial method & corrections →