How do I complete the mission “The Delights of Van Horn” without alerting enemies?

The mission “The Delights of Van Horn” in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires stealth and careful planning to avoid alerting enemies. This mission is part of Chapter 5 and involves infiltrating a heavily guarded area in Van Horn to retrieve a stolen item. The key to success lies in understanding the game’s stealth mechanics, enemy patrol patterns, and environmental opportunities.\n\nFirst, ensure you are equipped with a bow or throwing knives, as these are silent weapons that won’t alert nearby enemies. A sniper rifle can also be useful for long-range takedowns, but it’s riskier due to noise. Before starting the mission, stock up on health tonics and Dead Eye tonics, as they can help you recover quickly if things go wrong. Additionally, wear darker clothing to blend into the environment, as this reduces the chances of being spotted.\n\nWhen the mission begins, you’ll be tasked with sneaking into a guarded compound. Start by crouching and using the cover system to stay hidden. Move slowly and avoid running, as this increases noise and visibility. Use the environment to your advantage—stay behind walls, crates, and other obstacles to break line of sight with enemies. Pay attention to the mini-map, which shows enemy positions as red dots. If a red dot turns into a cone, it means an enemy is actively searching for you.\n\nAs you approach the compound, you’ll notice guards patrolling in specific patterns. Wait for them to turn their backs before moving forward. If you need to eliminate a guard, use a silent weapon like the bow or a throwing knife. Aim for headshots to ensure instant kills and avoid prolonged struggles. If you’re spotted, quickly retreat to a hidden area and wait for the alert status to subside. Enemies will eventually return to their patrols, giving you another chance to proceed.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with multiple guards in close proximity. In these situations, use distractions like throwing rocks to lure guards away from their posts. This creates openings to move past them or take them out one by one. For example, if two guards are standing near each other, throw a rock to the side to make one investigate, then silently eliminate the other.\n\nOnce inside the compound, locate the stolen item. It’s usually in a central building or guarded area. Use the same stealth tactics to avoid detection while retrieving it. After obtaining the item, exit the compound carefully. Avoid retracing your steps, as enemies may have moved into new positions. Instead, find an alternate route that minimizes contact with guards.\n\nIf you’re struggling with stealth, consider using Dead Eye to mark and eliminate multiple enemies quickly. This can be a last resort if you’re spotted and need to clear a path. However, be aware that using loud weapons like pistols or rifles will alert nearby enemies, so use this strategy sparingly.\n\nFinally, practice patience. Rushing through the mission increases the likelihood of mistakes. Take your time to observe enemy movements and plan your actions accordingly. Remember, the goal is to complete the mission without raising alarms, so prioritize stealth over speed.\n\nIn summary, completing “The Delights of Van Horn” without alerting enemies requires careful planning, the right equipment, and a solid understanding of stealth mechanics. Use silent weapons, stay hidden, and take advantage of distractions to outmaneuver guards. With patience and precision, you can successfully retrieve the stolen item and complete the mission undetected.