What’s the best strategy for the "The Delights of Van Horn" mission?

The Delights of Van Horn is a story mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 where Arthur Morgan and Bill Williamson visit the town of Van Horn to gather information about a ferry heist. This mission involves combat, stealth, and decision-making, so preparation and strategy are key to success. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the mission effectively.\n\nFirst, ensure Arthur is well-equipped before starting the mission. Stock up on ammunition for your preferred weapons, such as a repeater or pistol, and bring health tonics or food to restore health during combat. The mission involves a lot of shooting, so having Dead Eye fully charged is also beneficial. Additionally, wear clothing that provides good protection, as you’ll face multiple enemies in close-quarters combat.\n\nWhen the mission begins, Arthur and Bill will arrive in Van Horn. Follow Bill to the saloon, where you’ll need to gather information about the ferry. Inside, you’ll encounter hostile NPCs who will attack if provoked. To avoid unnecessary conflict, stay calm and avoid drawing your weapon unless absolutely necessary. Use the dialogue options to defuse the situation, but be ready to fight if things escalate.\n\nAfter leaving the saloon, you’ll be ambushed by a group of enemies. Use cover effectively to avoid taking damage. The buildings and crates in the area provide excellent protection. Aim for headshots to conserve ammunition and eliminate enemies quickly. If you’re overwhelmed, use Dead Eye to target multiple enemies at once. This ability is especially useful in tight spaces where enemies are clustered together.\n\nOnce the initial wave of enemies is defeated, you’ll need to chase down a fleeing target. Mount your horse and follow the objective marker. Be cautious of obstacles and other NPCs in the area, as collisions can slow you down. Use Dead Eye to shoot the target’s horse if you’re having trouble catching up. This will force them to stop, allowing you to interrogate them.\n\nAfter interrogating the target, you’ll face another wave of enemies. This time, the combat takes place near the docks. Use the environment to your advantage by taking cover behind barrels and crates. Enemies will approach from multiple directions, so stay alert and prioritize targets that are closest to you. If you’re low on health, retreat to a safe spot and use tonics or food to recover.\n\nFinally, the mission concludes with a cutscene where Arthur and Bill discuss their next steps. Pay attention to the dialogue, as it provides important context for future missions. Once the mission is complete, you’ll receive a reward and progress further in the story.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to practice aiming and using Dead Eye before attempting this mission. Experienced players can experiment with different weapons and strategies to make the combat more engaging. Regardless of your skill level, always prioritize survival by using cover and healing items when necessary.\n\nIn summary, The Delights of Van Horn requires a mix of stealth, combat, and quick decision-making. Prepare thoroughly, use cover effectively, and leverage Dead Eye to overcome the challenges. With the right strategy, you’ll complete the mission successfully and continue your journey in Red Dead Redemption 2.