What’s the best way to handle the encounter with the runaway wagon?

The runaway wagon encounter in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a random event that can occur in various locations across the map, such as near Valentine, Rhodes, or Saint Denis. This event involves a wagon being pulled by a panicked horse, with the driver either unconscious or missing. The best way to handle this encounter depends on your goals, whether you want to help, loot, or simply avoid trouble.\n\nFirst, when you spot the runaway wagon, you’ll notice the horse is galloping wildly, often veering off the road. To stop the wagon, you need to calm the horse. Equip your lasso by holding L1/LB and selecting it from the weapon wheel. Approach the wagon on horseback, but maintain a safe distance to avoid spooking the horse further. Use the lasso to rope the horse, then dismount and approach slowly while holding the left trigger/LT to calm the animal. Repeatedly press the calm button (Square/X) to soothe the horse until it stops.\n\nOnce the horse is calm, you can inspect the wagon. If the driver is unconscious or dead, you can loot their body for valuables like money, jewelry, or other items. Be cautious, as looting in public areas may attract witnesses or law enforcement. If you’re playing as a high-honor character, you may choose to revive the driver if they’re still alive. Use a health tonic or revive them directly if prompted. This will increase your honor and may reward you with a small monetary gift or unique dialogue.\n\nIf you’re more interested in the wagon itself, you can claim it as your own. However, be aware that stolen wagons are marked as stolen property, and driving them into towns may attract unwanted attention. To avoid this, drive the wagon to a secluded area or a fence to sell it. Wagons can fetch a decent price, especially if they’re in good condition.\n\nOne common challenge during this encounter is dealing with the horse’s erratic behavior. If you fail to calm the horse quickly, it may crash the wagon, destroying it and potentially killing the driver. To prevent this, always approach the wagon from the side rather than head-on, as this gives you a better angle to lasso the horse. Additionally, make sure your own horse is calm and stationary before attempting to lasso the runaway horse, as a moving horse can make the process more difficult.\n\nAnother challenge is managing your honor level. If you choose to loot the wagon or harm the driver, your honor will decrease. Conversely, helping the driver or returning the wagon to its owner will increase your honor. Consider your playstyle and goals before deciding how to handle the situation. For example, if you’re aiming for a high-honor playthrough, always prioritize helping others over personal gain.\n\nFinally, practical tips for this encounter include keeping your lasso equipped when traveling through areas where random events are common. This allows you to react quickly to runaway wagons or other dynamic situations. Additionally, always carry health tonics or revivers in case you need to assist an injured NPC. If you’re unsure about the consequences of your actions, save your game before engaging in the event so you can reload if things don’t go as planned.\n\nIn summary, the runaway wagon encounter is a versatile event that offers multiple outcomes based on your choices. Whether you aim to help, loot, or avoid trouble, understanding the mechanics and preparing accordingly will ensure you handle the situation effectively.