What’s the best way to avoid collisions with NPCs in towns?

Avoiding collisions with NPCs in towns while horseback riding in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of careful navigation, understanding game mechanics, and situational awareness. Towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, and Rhodes are bustling with activity, making it easy to accidentally bump into pedestrians, wagons, or other riders. To minimize collisions, always ride at a controlled speed, preferably at a trot or walk, especially in crowded areas. This gives you more time to react to sudden movements by NPCs or obstacles.\n\nOne key mechanic to master is the use of the ''slow down'' button (L2/LT on consoles) to reduce your horse''s speed. Holding this button while gently steering with the left stick allows for precise movement. Additionally, tapping the ''calm'' button (Square/X on consoles) helps keep your horse steady, especially if it gets spooked by nearby activity. This is particularly useful in towns like Saint Denis, where the dense population and narrow streets increase the risk of accidents.\n\nAnother important tip is to stay on the right side of the road, mimicking real-world traffic rules. NPCs in the game generally follow this pattern, so sticking to the right reduces the likelihood of head-on collisions. For example, in Valentine, where the main street is wide but often crowded, riding on the right side ensures smoother navigation. If you need to overtake a slower wagon or rider, do so cautiously and only when there’s enough space.\n\nPay attention to your surroundings and use the mini-map to anticipate NPC movements. The mini-map shows the positions of nearby characters and vehicles, allowing you to plan your route in advance. For instance, if you see a group of pedestrians crossing the street in Rhodes, slow down and wait for them to pass. Similarly, if a wagon is approaching from the opposite direction, adjust your path to avoid a collision.\n\nIn some cases, dismounting and leading your horse on foot can be a safer option, especially in extremely crowded areas like the market district of Saint Denis. To do this, hold the ''dismount'' button (Triangle/Y on consoles) and walk your horse by holding the ''lead'' button (L2/LT). This method is slower but significantly reduces the risk of accidents and keeps your honor intact, as running over NPCs can lead to negative consequences like bounties or hostile reactions.\n\nFinally, practice patience and avoid rushing through towns. While it might be tempting to gallop through to save time, the potential for collisions and the resulting chaos far outweigh the benefits. By taking your time and being mindful of your surroundings, you can navigate towns safely and maintain a positive reputation in the game.\n\nTo summarize, the best way to avoid collisions with NPCs in towns is to ride at a controlled speed, use the mini-map for situational awareness, stay on the right side of the road, and consider dismounting in crowded areas. Mastering these techniques will help you navigate even the busiest towns with ease and avoid unnecessary conflicts.