What’s the best way to hide from bounty hunters in the swamps?

Hiding from bounty hunters in the swamps of Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of stealth, environmental awareness, and strategic use of the terrain. The swamps, located primarily in the Bayou Nwa region near Saint Denis, are dense with vegetation, murky water, and wildlife, making them an ideal place to lose pursuers. However, bounty hunters are persistent and will track you down if you don’t take the right precautions.\n\nFirst, understand the game mechanics. Bounty hunters are triggered when you have a high bounty in a specific state. They will spawn in groups and use dogs to track your scent. To avoid detection, you need to break their line of sight and eliminate any evidence of your presence. This means avoiding open areas, staying off roads, and using the swamp’s natural cover to your advantage.\n\nStep 1: Enter the swamp on foot or horseback, but avoid galloping as it creates noise and leaves tracks. Dismount your horse and lead it quietly through the dense foliage. Horses can be a liability in the swamps due to the uneven terrain and alligators, so consider leaving your horse in a safe spot nearby.\n\nStep 2: Use the water to your advantage. The swamps are filled with shallow water and mud, which can obscure your tracks. Wading through the water slows you down but makes it harder for bounty hunters and their dogs to follow your trail. Stick to areas with tall reeds and cypress trees, as these provide additional cover.\n\nStep 3: Stay crouched and move slowly. The crouch mechanic reduces your visibility and noise, making it harder for bounty hunters to spot you. Use the ‘Eagle Eye’ ability to track enemy movements and plan your route. Avoid running unless absolutely necessary, as it increases your chances of being detected.\n\nStep 4: Use distractions to mislead bounty hunters. Throw bait or firecrackers to create noise and draw their attention away from your location. Alternatively, use the swamp’s wildlife to your advantage. Alligators can attack bounty hunters if they get too close, giving you an opportunity to escape.\n\nStep 5: If you’re cornered, use the environment to fight back. The swamps have plenty of natural choke points, such as narrow paths between trees or shallow water crossings. Use these to funnel bounty hunters into a manageable group and take them out with a bow or silenced weapon to avoid alerting others.\n\nPractical examples: If you’re near Lagras, head into the dense vegetation north of the town. The area is filled with tall grass and trees, making it easy to hide. Alternatively, the area around Bluewater Marsh has numerous small islands and waterways that can help you break line of sight.\n\nEnd with practical tips: Always carry health tonics and stamina boosters, as the swamps are dangerous. Use cover scent lotion to mask your scent from bounty hunter dogs. Finally, consider paying off your bounty at a post office if it becomes too high, as this will stop bounty hunters from spawning altogether.\n\nBy following these steps and using the swamp’s unique environment, you can effectively hide from bounty hunters and survive the dangers of the Bayou Nwa.