How can you ensure high weapon condition for gold medal requirements?

Maintaining high weapon condition is crucial for achieving gold medals in Red Dead Redemption 2 missions, as many objectives require you to finish tasks with minimal weapon degradation. Weapon condition directly impacts accuracy, damage, and reload speed, so keeping your firearms in top shape is essential. This guide will explain the mechanics of weapon degradation, provide step-by-step instructions for maintaining your weapons, and offer practical tips to ensure you meet gold medal requirements.\n\nFirst, understand how weapon degradation works. Every time you fire a weapon, it loses a small amount of condition. Environmental factors like rain, mud, or swimming can also accelerate wear. Additionally, using the same weapon repeatedly without cleaning will cause its condition to deteriorate faster. To monitor your weapon''s condition, open the weapon wheel and inspect the condition bar below each firearm. A red bar indicates poor condition, while a white bar signifies optimal performance.\n\nTo maintain high weapon condition, clean your firearms regularly. You can do this by accessing the weapon maintenance menu from your satchel or at a gunsmith. You''ll need Gun Oil, which can be purchased from general stores, gunsmiths, or found in lootable containers. Apply Gun Oil to restore your weapon''s condition to 100%. For example, after a mission involving heavy gunfire or exposure to water, make it a habit to clean your weapons before the next objective.\n\nAnother key strategy is to rotate your weapons. Instead of relying on a single firearm, switch between multiple guns to distribute wear. For instance, if you''re using a repeater for long-range combat, switch to a revolver or shotgun for close-quarters encounters. This prevents any one weapon from degrading too quickly. Additionally, always carry a backup weapon in case your primary firearm''s condition drops unexpectedly during a mission.\n\nEnvironmental awareness is also critical. Avoid exposing your weapons to rain or mud whenever possible. If you''re caught in a storm, seek shelter and clean your weapons afterward. Similarly, if you fall into water or wade through mud, clean your firearms immediately. For example, during the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil,'' where you''re often outdoors, keep an eye on the weather and take breaks to maintain your weapons.\n\nFinally, invest in weapon upgrades and maintenance tools. Visit a gunsmith to purchase improved components like rifling or sights, which can enhance performance and reduce wear. You can also buy a Weapon Cleaning Kit from general stores, allowing you to clean your weapons on the go. This is especially useful during long missions where you can''t access a gunsmith.\n\nIn summary, maintaining high weapon condition for gold medal requirements involves regular cleaning, rotating weapons, avoiding environmental damage, and upgrading your firearms. By following these steps, you''ll ensure your weapons perform optimally and meet the strict criteria for gold medals. Remember to stock up on Gun Oil and always check your weapon''s condition before starting a mission.