What’s the best strategy for completing the “Banking, The Old American Art” mission?
The mission ''Banking, The Old American Art'' in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a pivotal story mission in Chapter 3, where Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang attempt to rob the bank in Valentine. This mission is action-packed and requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a detailed strategy to complete it successfully.\n\nFirst, ensure you are well-prepared before starting the mission. Stock up on health tonics, ammunition, and Dead Eye supplies. A good repeater like the Lancaster or a shotgun will be useful for close-quarters combat. Equip your favorite sidearm, and consider carrying a rifle for long-range engagements. The mission involves intense gunfights, so being fully stocked is essential.\n\nWhen the mission begins, you’ll meet Dutch, Bill, and Micah in Valentine. Follow them to the bank, where you’ll initiate the robbery. As you enter the bank, stay alert and follow Dutch’s instructions. Once inside, you’ll need to intimidate the bank staff and customers. Use your weapon to threaten them, but avoid shooting unnecessarily, as this can escalate the situation too quickly.\n\nAfter securing the bank, you’ll need to crack the safe. Micah will handle the explosives, but you’ll be tasked with defending the group from incoming lawmen. Position yourself near the windows or doorways to take cover and pick off enemies as they arrive. Use Dead Eye to target multiple enemies quickly, and prioritize taking out any lawmen with shotguns or rifles, as they can deal significant damage.\n\nOnce the safe is open, grab as much money as you can. The mission will then transition to a chase sequence. You’ll need to escape on horseback while being pursued by lawmen. Stay close to your gang members and follow the on-screen prompts to navigate through the town. Use your horse’s stamina wisely, and avoid crashing into obstacles, as this can slow you down and leave you vulnerable to enemy fire.\n\nDuring the chase, you’ll encounter roadblocks and ambushes. Use Dead Eye to eliminate enemies quickly, and keep moving to avoid being surrounded. If your horse is injured, use a health tonic to restore its stamina. Once you reach the outskirts of Valentine, the mission will conclude, and you’ll return to camp with the stolen money.\n\nA common challenge in this mission is managing the large number of enemies during the bank defense and chase sequence. To overcome this, use cover effectively and prioritize high-threat targets. Additionally, make sure your horse is well-fed and bonded to ensure it performs well during the escape.\n\nIn summary, the key to completing ''Banking, The Old American Art'' is preparation, quick reflexes, and effective use of Dead Eye. Stock up on supplies, stay alert during the bank robbery, and focus on surviving the intense chase sequence. With these strategies, you’ll successfully complete the mission and secure a significant payout for the gang.