How do you complete the "The Mercies of Knowledge" mission without being detected?
The ''The Mercies of Knowledge'' mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a Stranger mission that requires stealth and careful planning to complete without being detected. This mission involves infiltrating a guarded camp to retrieve a rare book for Professor Andrew Bell III. To avoid detection, you must rely on stealth mechanics, environmental awareness, and strategic movement.\n\nFirst, ensure you are well-prepared before starting the mission. Equip yourself with a bow and arrows or a silenced weapon like the Varmint Rifle. These tools are essential for silently taking out guards without alerting others. Additionally, wear dark or muted clothing to blend into the environment, as bright colors can make you more visible. Stock up on health tonics and snake oil to boost your Dead Eye, which will help you mark and eliminate targets efficiently.\n\nThe mission takes place at the Aberdeen Pig Farm, a location northeast of Rhodes. Approach the area cautiously, preferably on foot, as horses can make noise and draw attention. Use the cover of trees and rocks to scout the camp from a distance. Binoculars are useful for identifying guard patrols and their routes. Take note of the camp''s layout, including the positions of guards, dogs, and the book''s location inside the main house.\n\nTo avoid detection, move slowly and crouch to reduce noise. Use the ''Sneak'' mechanic by pressing the crouch button (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox). Stay in tall grass or behind objects to remain hidden. If a guard spots you, quickly retreat to a hidden spot and wait for their suspicion to subside. Avoid running unless absolutely necessary, as it increases the chances of being detected.\n\nEliminate guards one by one using your bow or silenced weapon. Aim for headshots to ensure instant kills and prevent them from raising alarms. If dogs are present, prioritize taking them out first, as they can alert the entire camp. Use Dead Eye to mark multiple targets if you are confident in your aim. Be mindful of the bodies; hide them in bushes or tall grass to avoid raising suspicion among other guards.\n\nOnce the area is clear, enter the main house to retrieve the book. It is usually located on a table or shelf in one of the rooms. After obtaining the book, exit the house quietly and avoid lingering in the camp. If you were undetected, the mission will complete successfully without any additional combat.\n\nCommon challenges include dealing with multiple guards or being spotted by dogs. To overcome these, use distractions like throwing rocks to lure guards away from their patrol routes. If you are detected, consider reloading a previous save to retry the mission without penalties. Patience and careful observation are key to completing this mission stealthily.\n\nIn summary, completing ''The Mercies of Knowledge'' without detection requires preparation, stealth, and precision. Use silenced weapons, stay hidden, and eliminate threats quietly. By following these steps, you can successfully retrieve the book and complete the mission undetected.