How can I prevent mission failures by avoiding wanted levels?

Avoiding wanted levels in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial to preventing mission failures, as many missions require you to remain undetected or avoid drawing attention from law enforcement. The game''s wanted system is dynamic and reacts to your actions, such as committing crimes, trespassing, or engaging in violence. Understanding how the system works and planning your actions carefully can help you stay under the radar and complete missions successfully.\n\nOne of the most important mechanics to understand is the ''Witness'' system. When you commit a crime, such as assaulting someone or stealing, nearby NPCs may witness it and report it to the authorities. To avoid this, always check your surroundings before taking any illegal actions. If a witness appears, you can either intimidate them by aiming your weapon at them or chase them down to stop them from reporting the crime. However, killing witnesses will escalate the situation, so use non-lethal methods like hogtying or knocking them out if necessary.\n\nAnother key mechanic is the ''Investigation'' phase. If a crime is reported, law enforcement will investigate the area. During this time, you can avoid detection by hiding in bushes, behind cover, or by leaving the area entirely. Use your minimap to monitor the red search zone and stay out of sight. If you are spotted, you can either surrender, flee, or fight back. Surrendering will result in a fine or jail time, while fleeing requires you to escape the red search zone without being caught.\n\nCertain missions are designed to test your stealth and discretion. For example, in the mission ''A Quiet Time'' in Valentine, you must avoid causing a disturbance while interacting with Lenny. If you draw attention or start a fight, the mission will fail. To prevent this, follow the mission''s prompts carefully and avoid antagonizing NPCs. Similarly, in the mission ''The Fine Art of Conversation,'' you must infiltrate a guarded area without being detected. Use stealth mechanics like crouching, staying in shadows, and using distractions to avoid guards.\n\nTo minimize the risk of wanted levels, always wear a mask or bandana when committing crimes. This conceals your identity, making it harder for law enforcement to recognize you. However, note that wearing a mask does not make you completely anonymous. If you are seen committing a crime in a town where you are well-known, such as Valentine or Saint Denis, your identity may still be revealed. In such cases, change your outfit and horse to further disguise yourself.\n\nPractical examples of avoiding wanted levels include planning your escape routes before committing a crime. For instance, if you plan to rob a store in Rhodes, scout the area beforehand and identify nearby hiding spots or paths to flee. Additionally, avoid using loud weapons like shotguns or explosives in populated areas, as they draw immediate attention. Instead, use silenced weapons like bows or throwing knives for stealthy takedowns.\n\nFinally, always pay off your bounties at post offices to prevent lawmen from hunting you down during missions. High bounties can lead to unwanted confrontations that disrupt your progress. If you cannot afford to pay off a bounty, consider completing bounty hunting missions to earn money or avoid areas where your bounty is active.\n\nIn summary, preventing mission failures due to wanted levels requires careful planning, understanding game mechanics, and using stealth and discretion. By managing witnesses, avoiding detection, and disguising yourself, you can complete missions without unnecessary complications. Always be mindful of your surroundings and adapt your strategies to the specific challenges of each mission.