What’s the best way to avoid lawmen during robberies?

Avoiding lawmen during robberies in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires careful planning, situational awareness, and understanding of the game''s mechanics. The key to success lies in minimizing your visibility, choosing the right targets, and having an escape plan. Here’s a detailed guide to help you avoid lawmen and maximize your profits.\n\nFirst, always wear a mask or bandana before committing a robbery. This prevents witnesses from identifying you, reducing the chances of a bounty being placed on your head. Masks can be purchased from general stores or crafted at camp. However, note that wearing a mask doesn’t make you completely anonymous; if lawmen see you committing a crime, they will still recognize you. Therefore, timing and location are crucial.\n\nChoose your targets wisely. Smaller towns like Valentine or Strawberry are easier to escape from compared to larger cities like Saint Denis, which have more lawmen patrolling the streets. For example, robbing a store in Valentine allows you to quickly flee into the surrounding wilderness, while Saint Denis’ dense population and narrow streets make escape more challenging. Always scout the area beforehand to identify escape routes and nearby hiding spots.\n\nWhen committing a robbery, act quickly and avoid unnecessary violence. Killing witnesses or lawmen will escalate your wanted level, making it harder to escape. Instead, focus on grabbing the loot and leaving the area as fast as possible. For example, if you’re robbing a train, position it in a remote area like the Grizzlies or near Riggs Station to minimize the chances of lawmen arriving quickly.\n\nUse the game’s stealth mechanics to your advantage. Crouch to reduce your visibility and avoid making noise. If you’re robbing a homestead or store, wait until nightfall when fewer people are around. For instance, robbing the general store in Rhodes at night reduces the number of potential witnesses. Additionally, use distractions like throwing bottles or firing warning shots to draw attention away from your escape route.\n\nAlways have a fast horse ready nearby. A horse with high stamina and speed, such as the Arabian or Missouri Fox Trotter, can help you outrun lawmen. Make sure your horse is fully bonded and equipped with a saddle that boosts stamina. Before starting a robbery, position your horse in a safe but accessible location, such as behind a building or in a secluded alley.\n\nIf lawmen do spot you, don’t panic. Use the terrain to your advantage. Forests, mountains, and rivers can provide cover and break the line of sight. For example, if you’re being chased near Valentine, head toward the Dakota River and swim across to lose your pursuers. Alternatively, use smoke bombs or dynamite to create chaos and slow down lawmen.\n\nFinally, pay off your bounty as soon as possible. High bounties increase the number of lawmen and bounty hunters chasing you, making future robberies more difficult. Visit a post office to pay your bounty or use the “Amnesty” option if available. If you’re low on funds, consider completing side missions or selling valuables to cover the cost.\n\nIn summary, avoiding lawmen during robberies in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires preparation, quick thinking, and strategic use of the game’s mechanics. Wear a mask, choose your targets carefully, act swiftly, and always have an escape plan. By following these tips, you can successfully pull off robberies without attracting unwanted attention.