How do I avoid losing honor during gang hideout raids?

Maximizing honor during gang hideout raids in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires careful planning and execution. Honor is a key gameplay mechanic that reflects your moral choices, and losing it can impact how NPCs interact with you, as well as unlock certain story outcomes. Gang hideouts, such as Hanging Dog Ranch or Six Point Cabin, are filled with hostile enemies, but there are ways to complete these raids without sacrificing your honor.\n\nFirst, avoid killing innocent bystanders or non-hostile NPCs. During raids, some hideouts may have civilians or workers who are not directly involved in combat. For example, at Hanging Dog Ranch, there are ranch hands who may not attack you immediately. Use your Dead Eye ability to carefully identify targets and only engage hostile enemies. Killing non-combatants will result in a significant honor loss, so always prioritize precision.\n\nSecond, use non-lethal methods when possible. While it’s tempting to go in guns blazing, you can minimize honor loss by using less violent approaches. For instance, you can use the lasso to subdue enemies instead of killing them. This is particularly effective in smaller hideouts like Six Point Cabin, where enemies are spread out. Once an enemy is lassoed, you can hogtie them to neutralize the threat without taking a life. This method preserves your honor and still allows you to complete the raid.\n\nThird, avoid unnecessary destruction. Setting fire to buildings or killing animals during a raid can also lower your honor. For example, at Shady Belle, burning down structures or killing livestock will negatively impact your reputation. Focus on the mission objective and avoid collateral damage. If you accidentally cause harm, you can regain lost honor by performing positive actions, such as helping strangers or donating to camp.\n\nFourth, stealth is your friend. Many hideouts allow you to approach quietly and take out enemies without alerting the entire group. Use cover and silenced weapons like the bow or throwing knives to eliminate enemies one by one. For example, at Beaver Hollow, you can sneak around the perimeter and pick off guards before they raise the alarm. This reduces the risk of chaotic firefights where accidental kills or collateral damage might occur.\n\nFinally, be mindful of your surroundings. Some hideouts are located near towns or populated areas, and stray bullets can harm innocent people. For instance, when raiding the Del Lobos hideout in Gaptooth Ridge, ensure your shots are precise to avoid hitting travelers on nearby roads. Always check your mini-map for red dots (hostile enemies) and avoid engaging anyone not marked as a threat.\n\nIn summary, to avoid losing honor during gang hideout raids, focus on precision, use non-lethal methods, avoid unnecessary destruction, employ stealth, and be mindful of your surroundings. By following these steps, you can maintain your honor while successfully completing raids. Remember, honor can always be regained through positive actions, so don’t stress too much if you make a mistake.