How can I use stealth to avoid bounty hunters in towns?

Avoiding bounty hunters in towns using stealth in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of strategic planning, understanding game mechanics, and utilizing the environment effectively. Bounty hunters are relentless and will track you down if you have a high bounty, but with the right approach, you can evade them and reduce your notoriety.\n\nFirst, it’s essential to understand how the bounty system works. When you commit crimes, such as robbery or assault, witnesses will report you to the law. If you don’t stop them, a bounty will be placed on your head. Bounty hunters will then spawn in the area and actively search for you. To avoid them, you need to minimize your visibility and use stealth mechanics to stay undetected.\n\nOne of the most effective ways to avoid bounty hunters is to stay out of their line of sight. Towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, and Rhodes are densely populated, making it easier to blend in. Use the cover of buildings, alleys, and foliage to move around unnoticed. Crouching (activated by pressing the left stick on consoles or the C key on PC) reduces your visibility and noise, making it harder for bounty hunters to spot you.\n\nAnother key mechanic is the use of disguises. While Red Dead Redemption 2 doesn’t have a formal disguise system, changing your outfit can help you avoid recognition. Store multiple outfits on your horse and switch to one that doesn’t match your previous appearance. For example, if you were wearing a bright red coat during a crime, switch to a more neutral outfit like a brown duster or a simple shirt. This won’t fool lawmen indefinitely, but it can buy you time to escape.\n\nTiming is also crucial. Bounty hunters are more active during the day, so consider moving through towns at night when visibility is lower. Use the shadows to your advantage and avoid well-lit areas like saloons or main streets. If you need to cross a town, plan your route carefully. For instance, in Saint Denis, stick to the back alleys near the docks or the train station to avoid patrols.\n\nIf you’re spotted, don’t panic. Use distractions to create opportunities to escape. Throwing items like bottles or rocks can divert the attention of bounty hunters, allowing you to slip away. Alternatively, use your environment to break line of sight. For example, in Valentine, you can duck into the stables or the general store to lose pursuers.\n\nFinally, consider paying off your bounty if it becomes too high. Visit a post office in any town and interact with the clerk to clear your name. This is a reliable way to reset your status and avoid bounty hunters altogether. If you’re short on cash, focus on completing missions or hunting valuable animals to earn money quickly.\n\nIn summary, avoiding bounty hunters in towns requires a mix of stealth, planning, and resourcefulness. Use cover, change your outfit, move at night, and employ distractions to stay undetected. By mastering these techniques, you can navigate towns safely and reduce your chances of being caught.