What are the best choices during the mission “A Short Walk in a Pretty Town”?

The mission ''A Short Walk in a Pretty Town'' in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a pivotal moment in Chapter 4, where tensions between the Van der Linde gang and the Grays and Braithwaites escalate. This mission involves a shootout in Rhodes, and your choices can significantly impact the outcome and your honor level. Here’s a detailed guide to making the best choices during this mission.\n\nFirst, ensure you are well-prepared before starting the mission. Equip a reliable repeater like the Lancaster Repeater and a revolver such as the Schofield Revolver. Stock up on health tonics, ammo, and Dead Eye tonics, as the mission involves intense combat. You can purchase these items from the general store in Rhodes or craft them using herbs and other materials found in the wild.\n\nWhen the mission begins, you’ll accompany Dutch, Micah, and Bill into Rhodes. The gang plans to confront Sheriff Gray, but things quickly spiral out of control. During the initial dialogue, choose to remain calm and avoid escalating the situation. This will help maintain your honor level. However, the mission is scripted to lead to a shootout regardless of your choices, so be ready for combat.\n\nOnce the shooting starts, take cover behind objects like barrels, crates, or walls to avoid taking damage. Use Dead Eye to target enemies efficiently, focusing on those with shotguns or rifles first, as they deal the most damage. Aim for headshots to conserve ammo and eliminate threats quickly. If your health drops, use health tonics immediately to stay in the fight.\n\nDuring the shootout, you’ll face waves of enemies, including lawmen and Grays family members. Stay close to your gang members, as they provide covering fire and can help thin out the enemy numbers. However, don’t rely on them entirely; prioritize your survival by staying mobile and using cover effectively.\n\nAfter the initial shootout, you’ll need to escape Rhodes. Follow Dutch’s lead and mount your horse. Use Dead Eye to shoot pursuing enemies while riding. Aim for their horses to slow them down or take out the riders directly. Keep an eye on your horse’s stamina and health; if it gets too low, dismount and find another horse nearby.\n\nOnce you’ve escaped Rhodes, the mission concludes with a cutscene. Your choices during the mission won’t drastically alter the story, but maintaining a high honor level by avoiding unnecessary violence and helping your gang members can lead to better outcomes in the long run. For example, sparing enemies when possible and assisting your allies during the shootout can boost your honor.\n\nPractical tips for this mission include saving your game before starting, as it allows you to retry if things go wrong. Additionally, practice your shooting and Dead Eye skills in free roam to improve your accuracy and reaction time. Finally, explore Rhodes beforehand to familiarize yourself with the town’s layout, which can give you an advantage during the shootout.\n\nIn summary, the best choices during ''A Short Walk in a Pretty Town'' involve staying calm, using cover effectively, and prioritizing your survival. Prepare adequately, focus on headshots, and maintain your honor by avoiding unnecessary violence. These strategies will help you navigate the mission successfully and align with the game’s broader narrative.