How do I complete the cigarette card sets for rewards?

Completing cigarette card sets in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a rewarding collectible activity that requires patience and strategy. There are 12 unique sets, each containing 12 cards, totaling 144 cards to collect. These cards can be found in various ways, including purchasing premium cigarettes, looting them from NPCs, or finding them in specific locations across the map. Each completed set can be mailed to Phineas T. Ramsbottom, a collector, in exchange for unique rewards such as cash, trinkets, and other valuable items.\n\nTo start collecting cigarette cards, you can purchase premium cigarettes from general stores or find them in the world. Each pack of premium cigarettes contains one random card, but duplicates are common. To avoid wasting money, focus on looting cards from NPCs or searching for them in fixed locations. For example, cards can often be found in drawers, on shelves, or in abandoned buildings. Some notable locations include the desks in Valentine''s doctor''s office, the shelves in Rhodes'' general store, and the drawers in the abandoned cabins scattered throughout the map.\n\nOne effective strategy is to use the ''Cigarette Card Locations'' map available online or in-game guides to pinpoint specific card spawns. For instance, the ''Artists'' set includes a card located in the loft of the abandoned church near Pleasance. By visiting these locations systematically, you can reduce the time spent searching and increase your chances of completing sets faster. Additionally, looting enemies after gunfights or random encounters can yield cards, so always check their bodies.\n\nA common challenge is dealing with duplicate cards. Since cards are randomized, you may end up with multiple copies of the same card before completing a set. To mitigate this, consider selling duplicates to a fence or trading them with other players if you''re playing online. Alternatively, you can use the ''Discard'' option to remove duplicates from your inventory, though this doesn''t provide any in-game benefit.\n\nOnce you''ve completed a set, head to any post office and mail the cards to Phineas T. Ramsbottom. After a short wait, you''ll receive a reward in the mail. Rewards vary by set but often include cash, unique trinkets, or crafting materials. For example, completing the ''Famous Gunslingers'' set rewards you with a valuable trinket that boosts your Dead Eye experience gain.\n\nFor new players, it''s recommended to start collecting cards early in the game, as some locations may become inaccessible later due to story progression. Experienced players can use fast travel and their knowledge of the map to efficiently gather cards. Always keep an eye out for cigarette packs in stores and loot every container you come across to maximize your chances of finding cards.\n\nIn summary, completing cigarette card sets in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a mix of exploration, looting, and strategic purchasing. Use online resources to locate specific cards, manage duplicates wisely, and mail completed sets for valuable rewards. With persistence and a bit of luck, you''ll soon have all 12 sets completed and enjoy the unique benefits they offer.