How do I avoid losing honor during the “The First Shall Be Last” mission?

The mission ''The First Shall Be Last'' in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a pivotal story mission where Arthur and the gang rescue Sean MacGuire from bounty hunters. While the mission involves combat and stealth, it is possible to avoid losing honor by making careful choices and understanding the game mechanics. Honor is a core system in RDR2 that reflects Arthur''s moral alignment, and losing honor can impact interactions with NPCs and story outcomes. Here''s how to navigate the mission without sacrificing your honor.\n\nFirst, focus on stealth and non-lethal approaches whenever possible. During the mission, you will infiltrate a bounty hunter camp near Blackwater. Instead of immediately engaging in combat, use the environment to your advantage. Crouch and move slowly to avoid detection. If you are spotted, try to disarm or knock out enemies rather than killing them. This reduces the likelihood of losing honor, as killing unnecessarily is penalized in the game.\n\nWhen you reach the camp, you will encounter a guard near the entrance. Use your lasso to subdue him silently. This is a non-lethal method that avoids honor loss. If you prefer a more aggressive approach, use your fists to knock him out. Avoid using firearms unless absolutely necessary, as gunfire will alert other enemies and escalate the situation. Remember, the goal is to rescue Sean, not to eliminate every enemy in the camp.\n\nAs you progress through the mission, you will face a choice during the escape sequence. After freeing Sean, you will be pursued by bounty hunters. Instead of engaging in prolonged combat, prioritize escaping on horseback. Use cover and terrain to avoid enemy fire, and only shoot back if you are cornered. Killing enemies during this phase is unavoidable, but minimizing unnecessary kills will help preserve your honor.\n\nAnother key mechanic to consider is the game''s honor system. Actions like helping strangers, sparing lives, and showing mercy contribute to positive honor. Conversely, killing innocents, stealing, and causing chaos lower your honor. During ''The First Shall Be Last,'' avoid looting bodies or stealing items unless explicitly required by the mission. These actions can trigger honor penalties, even if they seem minor.\n\nFinally, pay attention to dialogue and mission prompts. The game often provides subtle hints about the moral implications of your choices. For example, Dutch may encourage aggressive tactics, but Arthur can choose to act more cautiously. Listen to your companions and assess the situation before acting. This approach not only preserves your honor but also enhances the immersion and role-playing aspects of the game.\n\nIn summary, to avoid losing honor during ''The First Shall Be Last,'' prioritize stealth, use non-lethal methods, and minimize unnecessary kills. Focus on the mission objectives rather than engaging in excessive combat. By understanding the honor system and making thoughtful choices, you can complete the mission while maintaining Arthur''s moral integrity. These strategies are especially useful for players aiming for a high-honor playthrough or those who want to experience the story with a more heroic Arthur.