What’s the optimal strategy for completing “The New South” without penalties?

To achieve a Gold Medal in the mission ''The New South'' in Red Dead Redemption 2, you need to focus on precision, speed, and avoiding penalties. This mission involves Arthur and Dutch traveling to Rhodes to meet with the Gray family, and it requires careful navigation of combat and dialogue choices. The key requirements for the Gold Medal are completing the mission without taking any health items, achieving at least 70% accuracy, and finishing within 5 minutes and 30 seconds.\n\nFirst, prepare before starting the mission. Equip a reliable repeater or rifle, such as the Lancaster Repeater, and ensure it is clean and fully loaded. Stock up on Dead Eye tonics if needed, as they can help improve accuracy during combat. Wear lightweight clothing to avoid stamina penalties, as the mission involves running and quick movements. Avoid carrying unnecessary items that might slow you down.\n\nDuring the mission, focus on accuracy and efficiency. When the shooting starts, use Dead Eye to target enemies quickly and precisely. Aim for headshots to conserve ammo and maintain a high accuracy percentage. Avoid unnecessary shots, as missed bullets will lower your accuracy rating. Stay in cover whenever possible to minimize damage and avoid using health items, which disqualify you from the Gold Medal.\n\nPay attention to the mission''s pacing. The time limit is tight, so avoid lingering in areas or engaging in unnecessary actions. Follow Dutch closely and stay on the path he takes. During the chase sequence, prioritize shooting enemies quickly and accurately. Use Dead Eye to mark multiple targets and take them down efficiently. This will save time and ensure you meet the accuracy requirement.\n\nOne common challenge is the final shootout in the barn. Enemies will swarm from multiple directions, so position yourself strategically. Use the barn''s cover to your advantage and prioritize enemies who are closest or most threatening. If you find yourself overwhelmed, use Dead Eye to clear the area quickly. Remember, the goal is to finish the mission swiftly while maintaining high accuracy and avoiding health items.\n\nFinally, practice the mission a few times to familiarize yourself with enemy spawns and optimal routes. This will help you refine your strategy and improve your chances of earning the Gold Medal. Pay attention to the mission''s timer and adjust your pace accordingly. With careful planning and execution, you can complete ''The New South'' without penalties and secure the Gold Medal.\n\nIn summary, the optimal strategy for ''The New South'' involves preparation, precision, and speed. Equip the right weapons, use Dead Eye effectively, and stay focused on the mission''s objectives. Avoid health items, maintain high accuracy, and complete the mission within the time limit. With practice and attention to detail, you can achieve the Gold Medal and progress smoothly through the game.