How do I prevent failing missions by not triggering unwanted bounties?

Avoiding mission failures in Red Dead Redemption 2 often involves preventing unwanted bounties, which can disrupt your progress and lead to mission failures. Bounties are triggered when you commit crimes, such as assault, theft, or murder, and are witnessed by NPCs or law enforcement. To prevent bounties, you need to understand the game''s crime and witness system, as well as how to manage your actions during missions.\n\nFirst, always be aware of your surroundings. Before engaging in any mission-related activity, scout the area for lawmen, witnesses, or civilians who might report your actions. For example, in missions like ''A Quiet Time'' in Valentine, where Arthur gets drunk with Lenny, avoid drawing your weapon or starting fights in public areas. If you accidentally commit a crime, quickly defuse the situation by fleeing the area before witnesses can report you.\n\nSecond, use stealth and non-lethal methods whenever possible. Many missions allow you to complete objectives without resorting to violence. For instance, in the mission ''The Spines of America,'' you can sneak into the Cornwall Kerosene and Tar factory to retrieve the ledger instead of engaging in a full-blown shootout. Equip yourself with throwing knives, bows, or silenced weapons to take out enemies quietly. This reduces the chances of attracting attention and triggering a bounty.\n\nThird, wear a mask or bandana to conceal your identity during missions that involve illegal activities. While this won''t prevent lawmen from recognizing you, it can stop civilians from identifying you and reporting your crimes. However, note that lawmen in towns like Saint Denis or Blackwater have a higher chance of recognizing you even with a mask, so plan your actions carefully in these areas.\n\nFourth, pay off your bounties immediately if you accidentally trigger one. Visit a post office or use the camp ledger to clear your bounty before it escalates. High bounties can lead to increased law enforcement presence, making it harder to complete missions without interference. For example, if you accidentally kill someone during the mission ''Blessed Are the Meek?'' in Rhodes, pay off your bounty as soon as possible to avoid complications.\n\nFinally, save your game frequently before starting missions. This allows you to reload if things go wrong. For example, if you accidentally trigger a bounty during the mission ''American Distillation,'' reload your save to avoid the consequences. This is especially useful for new players who are still learning the game''s mechanics.\n\nIn summary, preventing unwanted bounties requires careful planning, stealth, and quick thinking. Always scout your surroundings, use non-lethal methods, conceal your identity, and pay off bounties promptly. By following these steps, you can avoid mission failures and enjoy a smoother gameplay experience in Red Dead Redemption 2.