What’s the best strategy for the mission “The Sheep and the Goats”?

The mission ''The Sheep and the Goats'' in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a pivotal story mission in Chapter 2, where Arthur Morgan and John Marston are tasked with stealing sheep from a ranch and delivering them to Valentine. This mission introduces players to stealth mechanics, combat, and herding animals, making it a multi-faceted challenge. To succeed, you’ll need to balance stealth, combat, and efficient herding while avoiding detection and law enforcement.\n\nFirst, prepare for the mission by ensuring you have a reliable weapon loadout. A repeater like the Lancaster or Carbine is ideal for mid-range combat, while a revolver or pistol is useful for close encounters. Stock up on ammo and healing items like Potent Health Tonics and Bitters, as you may face resistance during the mission. Additionally, ensure your horse is well-fed and brushed to maintain stamina during the herding portion.\n\nWhen the mission begins, follow John to the ranch. Use stealth to avoid detection by the ranch hands. Crouch and move slowly, staying behind cover like fences and bushes. If you’re spotted, the mission becomes more challenging, as you’ll have to fight off enemies. Use Dead Eye to quickly eliminate threats if combat breaks out. Focus on headshots to conserve ammo and dispatch enemies efficiently.\n\nOnce you’ve secured the sheep, the herding portion begins. Use your horse to guide the sheep toward the designated path. Stay behind the flock and gently nudge them forward by riding close without spooking them. If the sheep scatter, use your lasso to wrangle strays back into the group. Be patient, as rushing can cause the sheep to panic and delay progress.\n\nAs you approach Valentine, lawmen may intercept you. If this happens, stay calm and focus on herding the sheep while avoiding gunfire. Use Dead Eye to take out lawmen quickly, but prioritize keeping the sheep together. Once you reach the drop-off point, dismount and interact with the designated area to complete the mission.\n\nCommon challenges include losing sheep or being overwhelmed by enemies. To avoid losing sheep, maintain a steady pace and avoid sudden movements. If enemies overwhelm you, use Dead Eye to thin their numbers and take cover behind objects like wagons or trees. Remember, the mission’s primary goal is to deliver the sheep, so prioritize herding over combat.\n\nFor experienced players, consider using stealth to bypass enemies entirely. This requires careful movement and timing but can make the mission smoother. New players should focus on mastering herding mechanics and using Dead Eye effectively during combat. Both approaches can lead to success, so choose the strategy that suits your playstyle.\n\nIn summary, ''The Sheep and the Goats'' requires a mix of stealth, combat, and herding skills. Prepare your loadout, use stealth to avoid detection, and herd the sheep carefully to avoid delays. Combat is manageable with Dead Eye, and prioritizing the sheep’s safety ensures mission success. With practice and patience, this mission becomes a rewarding challenge in Red Dead Redemption 2.