Where can I find all cigarette cards for the Gilded Cage mission?

The Gilded Cage mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires you to collect all 144 cigarette cards scattered across the game world. These cards are divided into 12 sets, each containing 12 unique cards. Collecting these cards is essential for completing the mission and earning the associated achievement or trophy. The cards can be found in various ways, including purchasing premium cigarettes, looting them from NPCs, or finding them in specific locations.\n\nTo begin your search, you can purchase premium cigarettes from general stores or tobacco shops. Each pack of premium cigarettes has a chance to contain a random cigarette card. However, this method is time-consuming and expensive, as you may need to buy hundreds of packs to collect all the cards. A more efficient approach is to loot the cards from NPCs or find them in specific locations across the map.\n\nCigarette cards can be found in fixed locations, such as on tables, shelves, or inside drawers in buildings. Some notable locations include the Rhodes Gunsmith, the Valentine Saloon, and the Saint Denis Post Office. These locations often have multiple cards, so it’s worth revisiting them periodically. Additionally, looting NPCs, especially those in camps or during random encounters, can yield cigarette cards. This method is more unpredictable but can save you money compared to buying premium cigarettes.\n\nOne of the most efficient ways to collect cigarette cards is to use the RDR2 map online, which marks all the known locations of the cards. This tool allows you to plan your route and collect cards systematically. For example, you can start in the northern regions of the map, such as Ambarino and New Hanover, and work your way south to Lemoyne and New Austin. This approach minimizes backtracking and ensures you don’t miss any cards.\n\nA common challenge players face is the randomness of finding specific cards. If you’re missing a particular card from a set, focus on looting NPCs or purchasing premium cigarettes in areas where you’ve already collected most of the cards. This increases the chances of finding the missing card. Additionally, some cards are tied to specific missions or events, so make sure to explore thoroughly during story missions.\n\nOnce you’ve collected all 144 cigarette cards, you can mail them to Phineas T. Ramsbottom in Saint Denis to complete the Gilded Cage mission. This will unlock the achievement or trophy and reward you with a unique item. Remember to keep track of your progress using the in-game compendium, which lists all the cards you’ve collected.\n\nPractical tips for completing this challenge include saving your game before purchasing premium cigarettes or looting NPCs. This allows you to reload if you don’t get the desired card. Additionally, prioritize exploring fixed card locations first, as they are more reliable than random drops. Finally, be patient and persistent, as collecting all the cards can take several hours of gameplay.