What’s the best way to complete the “Banking, The Old American Art” mission?
The mission ''Banking, The Old American Art'' is a pivotal story mission in Red Dead Redemption 2, where Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang attempt to rob the bank in Valentine. This mission is part of Chapter 3 and requires careful planning, combat skills, and quick decision-making. Here’s a detailed walkthrough to help you complete it successfully.\n\nFirst, ensure you are well-prepared before starting the mission. Stock up on health tonics, ammunition, and Dead Eye supplies. You’ll need a reliable repeater or rifle, as well as a sidearm. The mission involves intense gunfights, so having enough supplies is crucial. Visit the gunsmith in Valentine or Rhodes to upgrade your weapons if needed. Additionally, make sure your horse is saddled and ready, as you’ll need to make a quick escape later.\n\nWhen the mission begins, meet Dutch and the gang at the designated location near Valentine. Dutch will outline the plan: distract the lawmen while the gang infiltrates the bank. Follow the gang to the bank and position yourself as instructed. Once the robbery begins, you’ll need to engage in a shootout with lawmen. Use cover effectively and aim for headshots to conserve ammunition. Dead Eye is particularly useful here to take out multiple enemies quickly.\n\nAfter securing the bank, you’ll need to escape. This is where things get intense. Mount your horse and follow the gang as they ride out of Valentine. Lawmen will pursue you, so stay alert and use Dead Eye to take out riders behind you. Keep an eye on your mini-map for enemy positions and avoid getting surrounded. If your horse is injured, use a horse reviver immediately to keep moving.\n\nOne common challenge during this mission is managing the chaos of the escape. The lawmen will spawn continuously, so focus on staying ahead of the pack rather than engaging every enemy. Use the terrain to your advantage by taking shortcuts or riding through narrow paths to lose pursuers. If you’re struggling, consider replaying the mission to familiarize yourself with the escape route.\n\nGame mechanics like Dead Eye and cover are essential for survival. Dead Eye allows you to slow time and target multiple enemies, making it invaluable during shootouts. Use cover to avoid taking unnecessary damage, especially during the bank shootout. Additionally, keep an eye on your health and stamina cores. Consume tonics or food if they run low.\n\nPractical tips for this mission include saving before starting, so you can retry if things go wrong. Also, equip weapons with high accuracy and damage, such as the Lancaster Repeater or Bolt Action Rifle. Finally, stay calm during the escape and focus on following the gang’s lead. With preparation and practice, you’ll complete ''Banking, The Old American Art'' successfully and enjoy one of the game’s most thrilling missions.