How do you avoid penalties for killing civilians in gold medal missions?

Avoiding penalties for killing civilians in Red Dead Redemption 2 gold medal missions is crucial for achieving perfect scores. Gold medals require players to meet specific objectives, and penalties for unnecessary violence can ruin your chances. Civilians are non-hostile NPCs, and killing them results in honor loss, bounties, and mission failure in some cases. To avoid these penalties, you must carefully manage your actions during missions.\n\nFirst, understand the game mechanics. Civilians are often present in towns, camps, or mission areas, and they react to your behavior. If you draw your weapon, fire shots, or engage in combat near them, they may panic or report you to law enforcement. This can escalate situations and lead to accidental civilian deaths. Always holster your weapon when not in combat and avoid unnecessary aggression. Use the ''Deadeye'' system sparingly to ensure you only target hostile enemies.\n\nNext, plan your approach to missions. Many gold medal objectives require stealth or precision, so rushing in guns blazing is rarely the best strategy. For example, in the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil IV,'' you must sabotage oil wagons without alerting guards or harming civilians. Use cover, crouch to reduce visibility, and take out guards silently with melee attacks or throwing knives. Avoid using explosives or shotguns, as these can cause collateral damage.\n\nAnother key tip is to use non-lethal methods when possible. For instance, in missions like ''The Sheep and the Goats,'' you can lasso or tackle civilians instead of killing them. This prevents penalties and keeps your honor intact. Additionally, always aim carefully during shootouts. Use the ''Lock-On'' feature to target enemies specifically, and avoid firing in crowded areas where stray bullets might hit civilians.\n\nIf you accidentally kill a civilian, reload a checkpoint immediately. Most missions allow you to restart from specific points, and this can save your gold medal attempt. However, some missions, like ''Banking, The Old American Art,'' have no checkpoints, so caution is essential. In such cases, save your game manually before starting the mission to avoid losing progress.\n\nFinally, practice situational awareness. Pay attention to your surroundings and identify civilians before engaging enemies. For example, in the mission ''A Short Walk in a Pretty Town,'' you must avoid harming townsfolk during a shootout. Stay on the outskirts of the town and use cover to minimize risks. If you accidentally hit a civilian, disengage and flee the area to avoid further penalties.\n\nIn summary, avoiding penalties for killing civilians in gold medal missions requires careful planning, precise execution, and situational awareness. Use stealth, non-lethal methods, and careful aiming to minimize risks. Reload checkpoints or save manually if mistakes occur. By following these strategies, you can achieve gold medals without unnecessary penalties.