How do you avoid penalties for using explosives in gold medal missions?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, earning gold medals in missions requires careful planning and execution, especially when it comes to avoiding penalties for using explosives. Many missions have specific objectives that penalize players for using dynamite, throwing knives, or other explosive devices. To avoid these penalties, you need to understand the game mechanics and adapt your strategy accordingly.\n\nFirst, always check the mission objectives before starting. Some missions explicitly state that using explosives will result in a penalty, while others may not mention it but still deduct points. For example, in the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil IV,'' using dynamite to destroy the oil wagons will prevent you from earning a gold medal. Instead, focus on using firearms or melee weapons to complete the objective without triggering penalties.\n\nNext, consider the mission''s context and enemy placement. In missions where stealth or precision is required, explosives can alert enemies or cause unnecessary destruction, leading to penalties. For instance, in ''The Sheep and the Goats,'' using dynamite to kill the wolves will fail the ''Do not kill any sheep'' objective. Instead, use a rifle or bow to take down the wolves carefully, ensuring you don''t harm the sheep.\n\nAnother key strategy is to use non-explosive alternatives. Many missions allow you to complete objectives with firearms, bows, or melee weapons without penalties. For example, in ''An American Pastoral Scene,'' you can use a sniper rifle to take out enemies from a distance instead of relying on dynamite. This approach not only avoids penalties but also helps you maintain stealth and precision.\n\nIf you accidentally trigger an explosive penalty, consider restarting the mission checkpoint immediately. This allows you to retry the objective without losing progress. For example, in ''The Fine Joys of Tobacco,'' if you use dynamite to destroy the tobacco fields, restart the checkpoint and use fire bottles or Molotov cocktails instead, as these are often not penalized.\n\nFinally, practice your aim and timing to minimize reliance on explosives. Many missions reward accuracy and speed, so mastering your shooting skills can help you avoid penalties altogether. For example, in ''The Battle of Shady Belle,'' focus on headshots with a rifle or revolver to take down enemies quickly and efficiently, rather than resorting to explosives.\n\nBy understanding mission objectives, using non-explosive alternatives, and practicing precision, you can avoid penalties for using explosives and increase your chances of earning gold medals in Red Dead Redemption 2.