What’s the best way to avoid lawmen while completing stranger missions?

Avoiding lawmen while completing stranger missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a mix of stealth, planning, and understanding game mechanics. Stranger missions often involve morally ambiguous tasks, such as theft, kidnapping, or violence, which can attract unwanted attention. To minimize encounters with lawmen, you must carefully manage your actions, location, and timing.\n\nFirst, always scout the area before starting a mission. Use your binoculars or Eagle Eye to identify lawmen, witnesses, and potential escape routes. For example, in missions like ''The Smell of the Grease Paint'' in Saint Denis, the city is densely populated with lawmen. Plan your approach by identifying alleys, rooftops, or waterways that can serve as quick exits. Knowing the layout of the area is crucial for avoiding detection.\n\nNext, prioritize stealth over brute force. Equip yourself with a bow or throwing knives to silently eliminate threats without alerting nearby lawmen. For instance, in the mission ''The Ties That Bind Us,'' where you must rescue a captive, using stealth to take out guards will prevent a full-scale pursuit. If you must use firearms, opt for suppressed weapons like the Varmint Rifle with a suppressor attachment, which reduces noise and minimizes the chance of drawing attention.\n\nTiming is another critical factor. Lawmen patrol more frequently during the day, especially in towns like Valentine or Rhodes. Completing missions at night can reduce the likelihood of being spotted. Additionally, wearing a mask or bandana can help conceal your identity, but be aware that lawmen can still recognize you if they get too close. To further avoid detection, change your outfit after committing a crime, as this can throw off witnesses and lawmen searching for you.\n\nIf you do attract unwanted attention, use the environment to your advantage. Forests, swamps, and mountains provide natural cover to break line of sight. For example, in the mission ''The Widow of Willard''s Rest,'' the dense woods surrounding the area can help you evade pursuers. Alternatively, use water bodies like rivers or lakes to escape, as lawmen are less likely to follow you into deep water.\n\nFinally, always have a contingency plan. Keep your horse nearby and ensure it has high stamina and health. A fast horse like the Arabian or Missouri Fox Trotter can outrun most lawmen. Additionally, stock up on health tonics, stamina tonics, and ammunition before starting a mission. These items can be lifesavers during intense chases or shootouts.\n\nIn summary, avoiding lawmen during stranger missions involves careful planning, stealth, and leveraging the environment. Scout the area, use stealth weapons, time your actions wisely, and always have an escape route. By following these strategies, you can complete missions with minimal interference from the law.