How do you avoid penalties for using the wrong weapon in gold medal missions?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, earning gold medals in missions requires careful attention to specific objectives, including using the correct weapons. Many missions have a requirement to use a particular weapon, and failing to do so will result in penalties, preventing you from earning the gold medal. To avoid these penalties, you need to understand the game mechanics, plan ahead, and execute the mission with precision.\n\nFirst, always check the mission objectives before starting. When you select a mission, the game displays a list of requirements for earning a gold medal. One of these requirements often specifies the weapon you must use. For example, in the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil IV,'' you are required to use a bow to eliminate enemies stealthily. If you use a different weapon, such as a revolver or rifle, you will fail this objective and lose the chance for a gold medal.\n\nTo ensure you have the correct weapon equipped, open your weapon wheel before starting the mission. The weapon wheel allows you to select and customize your loadout. Pay close attention to the mission description and equip the required weapon. If the mission requires a specific weapon, such as a shotgun or a throwing knife, make sure it is readily accessible in your inventory. You can also store weapons on your horse, so ensure your horse is nearby if you need to switch weapons mid-mission.\n\nDuring the mission, avoid using any weapon other than the one specified. For example, in the mission ''The Sheep and the Goats,'' you are required to use a lasso to capture a target. If you accidentally pull out a gun and shoot the target, you will fail the objective. To prevent this, practice using the weapon wheel to quickly switch to the correct tool. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid engaging in unnecessary combat that might force you to use the wrong weapon.\n\nIf you find yourself in a situation where you accidentally used the wrong weapon, you can restart the mission from the checkpoint or the beginning. Red Dead Redemption 2 allows you to replay missions as many times as needed to achieve gold medals. Use this feature to your advantage and practice the mission until you can complete it flawlessly. Replaying missions also gives you the opportunity to memorize enemy locations and plan your approach, which can help you avoid mistakes.\n\nAnother tip is to familiarize yourself with the controls and mechanics of the required weapon. For example, if a mission requires you to use a bow, practice aiming and shooting with it in free roam. This will help you feel more confident during the mission and reduce the chances of making errors. Similarly, if a mission requires stealth, practice sneaking and using throwing knives or other silent weapons to eliminate enemies without alerting others.\n\nFinally, consider using Dead Eye to improve your accuracy and efficiency with the required weapon. Dead Eye allows you to slow down time and mark multiple targets, making it easier to complete objectives quickly and precisely. For example, in the mission ''An American Pastoral Scene,'' you are required to use a sniper rifle to eliminate enemies from a distance. Activating Dead Eye can help you line up perfect shots and avoid penalties for missing or using the wrong weapon.\n\nIn summary, avoiding penalties for using the wrong weapon in gold medal missions requires preparation, practice, and attention to detail. Always check the mission objectives, equip the correct weapon, and use the weapon wheel to switch tools as needed. Replay missions to refine your approach and familiarize yourself with the required weapon''s mechanics. By following these steps, you can maximize your chances of earning gold medals and completing missions flawlessly.