What’s the best strategy to avoid failing missions with wanted levels?

Avoiding mission failures due to wanted levels in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of strategic planning, understanding game mechanics, and quick decision-making. Wanted levels are triggered when you commit crimes, such as assault, theft, or murder, and law enforcement or witnesses become aware of your actions. Missions often involve high-stakes scenarios where these actions are unavoidable, so knowing how to manage your wanted status is crucial.\n\nFirst, understand how the wanted system works. When you commit a crime, witnesses will react by either fleeing or reporting you to the authorities. If a witness escapes and reaches a lawman, a wanted level is triggered. The severity of the crime determines the size of the search area and the number of lawmen pursuing you. For example, stealing a horse in a remote area may result in a smaller search radius, while murdering someone in a town like Valentine or Saint Denis will escalate the situation quickly.\n\nTo avoid wanted levels during missions, always prioritize stealth and discretion. Many missions allow you to complete objectives without drawing attention. For instance, in missions where you need to infiltrate a location, use cover, crouch, and avoid unnecessary confrontations. If you must eliminate enemies, use silenced weapons like the bow or throwing knives to minimize noise. In missions like ''The Fine Joys of Tobacco,'' where you sabotage a tobacco field, avoid being seen by guards and escape quickly after completing the objective.\n\nIf a wanted level is triggered, act swiftly to reduce your visibility. Change your outfit at a nearby wardrobe or camp to lower the chances of being recognized. Masks can help conceal your identity temporarily, but they are not foolproof. Lawmen and witnesses can still identify you if they get too close. Additionally, fleeing the area on horseback is often the best option. Use the terrain to your advantage by riding through forests, rivers, or narrow paths where lawmen struggle to follow.\n\nIn some missions, such as ''Banking, The Old American Art,'' where a wanted level is inevitable, prepare beforehand. Stock up on health tonics, ammunition, and powerful weapons like the Lancaster Repeater or Pump-Action Shotgun. These tools will help you survive prolonged shootouts. During the escape, follow the mission markers carefully and avoid deviating from the planned route, as this can lead to additional confrontations.\n\nAnother key strategy is to pay off your bounty immediately after a mission. Visit a post office in any town and pay the bounty to clear your name. This prevents lawmen from pursuing you in future missions. If you cannot afford to pay the bounty, avoid towns and stick to less populated areas like the Grizzlies or Bayou Nwa until you can gather the necessary funds.\n\nFinally, practice situational awareness. Always scan your surroundings for witnesses or lawmen before committing a crime. Use Eagle Eye to track nearby NPCs and plan your actions accordingly. For example, in missions like ''A Quiet Time,'' where you and Lenny cause chaos in a saloon, be mindful of the townsfolk who might report your antics.\n\nBy combining these strategies, you can minimize the risk of mission failures due to wanted levels. Remember, preparation, stealth, and quick thinking are your best tools for success in Red Dead Redemption 2.