How can I avoid the Pinkertons in "The Delights of Van Horn"?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, the mission ''The Delights of Van Horn'' involves avoiding the Pinkertons, who are actively searching for Arthur and his gang. This mission requires stealth, strategy, and careful planning to avoid detection. The Pinkertons are highly alert, and engaging them directly can lead to mission failure or unnecessary complications. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate this mission successfully.\n\nFirst, understand the mission’s context. Arthur and Dutch are in Van Horn to meet with a contact, but the Pinkertons have set up a heavy presence in the area. Your goal is to avoid confrontation while completing the mission objectives. The key to success lies in staying out of sight and using the environment to your advantage. The mission begins with Arthur and Dutch arriving in Van Horn, and you’ll need to follow Dutch while avoiding Pinkerton patrols.\n\nStart by sticking to the shadows and using cover. Van Horn is a densely packed town with plenty of alleys, buildings, and obstacles to hide behind. Use these to break line of sight with the Pinkertons. When moving, crouch to reduce your visibility and move slowly to avoid making noise. The game’s stealth mechanics are crucial here; running or making sudden movements can alert nearby enemies. Pay attention to the minimap, which shows enemy vision cones in red. Stay outside these cones to remain undetected.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to use distractions. You can throw objects like bottles or rocks to divert the Pinkertons’ attention. For example, if a Pinkerton is blocking your path, toss a bottle to the side to make them investigate the noise. This creates an opening for you to move past them. Distractions are particularly useful in areas with multiple guards, as they allow you to create safe paths through heavily patrolled zones.\n\nTiming is also critical. Observe the patrol patterns of the Pinkertons and wait for the right moment to move. Some guards may pause or turn away, giving you a brief window to advance. Patience is key; rushing can lead to mistakes and detection. If you’re spotted, don’t panic. Quickly retreat to a hidden area and wait for the search to subside. The Pinkertons will eventually return to their patrols, giving you another chance to proceed.\n\nIf you’re struggling with stealth, consider using consumables like health tonics or snake oil to boost your stamina and Dead Eye. These can help you react quickly if things go wrong. Additionally, ensure your weapons are holstered to avoid accidental confrontations. Engaging the Pinkertons in combat is not recommended, as it can escalate the situation and make the mission more difficult.\n\nFinally, follow Dutch closely and pay attention to his cues. He will often guide you through safer routes or provide warnings about nearby threats. Trust his experience and use his movements as a reference for your own. By combining stealth, distractions, and careful observation, you can successfully avoid the Pinkertons and complete the mission without unnecessary conflict.\n\nIn summary, avoiding the Pinkertons in ''The Delights of Van Horn'' requires a mix of stealth, strategy, and patience. Use the environment to your advantage, employ distractions, and time your movements carefully. By following these tips, you’ll navigate the mission smoothly and avoid detection, ensuring a successful outcome.