How do I maximize earnings from the Valentine bank robbery?

The Valentine bank robbery is one of the most lucrative heists in Red Dead Redemption 2, but maximizing your earnings requires careful planning and execution. This mission becomes available during Chapter 3 as part of the story, specifically after completing the mission ''The New South.'' To ensure you walk away with the most money, follow these detailed steps and strategies.\n\nFirst, prepare your character and equipment before starting the robbery. Make sure you have a good stock of health tonics, ammunition, and a reliable weapon like a shotgun or repeater. The robbery will involve intense combat, so being well-equipped is crucial. Additionally, wear a bandana or mask to conceal your identity, as this will reduce your wanted level after the heist. However, note that wearing a mask doesn’t completely prevent lawmen from recognizing you, so be ready for a fight.\n\nDuring the robbery, you’ll need to work quickly and efficiently. After entering the bank, focus on looting the teller’s counter and the safe. The teller’s counter usually contains a small amount of cash, but the real prize is in the safe. Use dynamite to blow open the safe, as this is the fastest method. Be cautious, as the explosion will alert nearby lawmen. Once the safe is open, grab as much money as possible. The total take can range from $1,500 to $2,000, depending on how thorough you are.\n\nAfter looting the safe, the mission will transition into a chaotic escape sequence. You’ll need to fight your way out of Valentine while evading or eliminating lawmen. Use cover effectively and prioritize taking out enemies with high accuracy to minimize damage. If you’re playing with a companion, let them handle some of the enemies while you focus on escaping. The key here is to stay mobile and avoid getting surrounded.\n\nOne common challenge during the escape is the sheer number of lawmen and their reinforcements. To counter this, use Dead Eye to quickly eliminate multiple enemies. Dead Eye is especially useful for taking out mounted lawmen, who can be particularly dangerous. Additionally, try to steal a horse if yours is too far away, as this will help you move faster and avoid getting caught.\n\nOnce you’ve escaped Valentine, your next priority is to lose your wanted level. Head to a secluded area, such as the forests north of Valentine or the mountains near Strawberry. Stay off main roads and avoid towns until your wanted level disappears. If you’re still being pursued, use the terrain to your advantage by hiding in dense foliage or behind large rocks.\n\nTo maximize your earnings, consider replaying the mission if you feel you didn’t get enough money the first time. While this requires reloading a save, it can be worth it if you missed loot or took too much damage during the escape. Additionally, make sure to sell any valuables you looted during the robbery, such as jewelry or gold bars, at a fence. These items can significantly boost your total earnings.\n\nFinally, remember that the Valentine bank robbery is a high-risk, high-reward activity. While it can net you a substantial amount of money, it also comes with significant danger. Always save your game before attempting the robbery, and be prepared for a challenging fight. With the right preparation and strategy, you can walk away with a hefty payout and minimal losses.