What are the best strategies for surviving 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 and John are tasked with stealing sheep from a rival gang and delivering them to Valentine. This mission involves stealth, combat, and careful planning. To survive and succeed, follow these detailed strategies.\n\nFirst, prepare before starting the mission. Ensure Arthur is well-equipped with weapons, ammunition, and health items. A repeater like the Lancaster or a rifle like the Bolt Action is ideal for mid-range combat. Stock up on health tonics, snake oil for Dead Eye, and food to restore stamina. These items can be purchased from general stores or crafted using herbs and animal parts.\n\nWhen the mission begins, you''ll ride with John to the sheep pen near Valentine. Stay close to John and follow his lead to avoid drawing attention. Use your binoculars to scout the area and identify enemy positions. This is crucial for planning your approach. The game mechanics allow you to mark enemies using Dead Eye, making it easier to track their movements.\n\nOnce you reach the sheep pen, stealth is key. Crouch and move slowly to avoid alerting the guards. Use cover, such as fences and rocks, to stay hidden. If you''re spotted, the mission will turn into a shootout, which can be more challenging. However, if you prefer combat, position yourself behind cover and use Dead Eye to take out enemies quickly. Aim for headshots to conserve ammunition and eliminate threats efficiently.\n\nAfter securing the sheep, you''ll need to herd them to Valentine. This part of the mission requires patience and precision. Use your horse to guide the sheep, but avoid galloping too fast, as this can scatter them. Stay close to the herd and gently nudge them in the right direction. If a sheep strays, whistle or ride near it to bring it back into the group.\n\nDuring the drive, you may encounter enemies attempting to ambush you. Stay alert and use Dead Eye to neutralize threats quickly. Keep your horse at a steady pace to avoid losing control of the sheep. If you''re overwhelmed, dismount and take cover behind nearby objects like trees or wagons. Use health tonics to recover if you take damage.\n\nFinally, deliver the sheep to Valentine without losing too many. The mission ends successfully once the sheep are safely in the pen. If you lose too many sheep, the mission may fail, so prioritize their safety over engaging in unnecessary combat.\n\nPractical tips for this mission include saving your game before starting, so you can retry if things go wrong. Use Dead Eye strategically to conserve it for critical moments. If you''re struggling with stealth, consider upgrading your weapons and practicing in other missions. Remember, patience and preparation are key to surviving "The Sheep and the Goats."