What’s the best strategy to survive the Bandit Challenges without high bounties?

Surviving the Bandit Challenges in Red Dead Redemption 2 without accumulating high bounties requires careful planning, strategic execution, and an understanding of game mechanics. The Bandit Challenges involve committing crimes like robbery, theft, and train heists, which naturally attract law enforcement. However, by following these steps, you can minimize your bounty while completing the challenges efficiently.\n\nFirst, always wear a bandana or mask to conceal your identity. This is crucial because it prevents witnesses from identifying you, reducing the chances of a bounty being placed on your head. However, note that law enforcement will still recognize you if they see you committing a crime, so avoid direct confrontations with them. For example, when robbing a store or train, ensure you’re masked before initiating the crime.\n\nSecond, choose remote locations for your crimes. Towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, and Blackwater have heavy law enforcement presence, making it harder to escape unnoticed. Instead, target isolated areas like the outskirts of Rhodes or the small settlements in the Grizzlies. For instance, the Bandit Challenge requiring you to rob five townsfolk can be completed in less populated areas like the camps near Flatneck Station or the lone travelers on the roads between towns.\n\nThird, use stealth and timing to your advantage. Many Bandit Challenges, such as looting bodies or stealing wagons, can be completed without alerting anyone. For example, when stealing a wagon, wait until nightfall and approach from a less visible angle. Use the cover of darkness to avoid detection. Similarly, when looting bodies, ensure no witnesses are nearby. If someone spots you, quickly intimidate them or flee the area before they report the crime.\n\nFourth, manage your bounty by paying it off at post offices. If you do accumulate a bounty, avoid escalating it further by committing additional crimes in the same region. Instead, travel to a different state to complete other challenges while you save up to pay off your bounty. For example, if you have a high bounty in Lemoyne, head to New Hanover or West Elizabeth to continue your progress.\n\nFifth, use distractions to your advantage. For challenges like robbing trains, board the train in a remote area like the bridge near Riggs Station. This limits the number of lawmen who can respond. Additionally, use dynamite or fire bottles to create chaos, allowing you to escape more easily. Always have a fast horse nearby for a quick getaway.\n\nFinally, consider using the game’s honor system to your benefit. While the Bandit Challenges lower your honor, you can offset this by performing good deeds like helping strangers or donating to camp. This won’t directly reduce your bounty, but it can make the game world feel less hostile and improve your overall experience.\n\nIn summary, surviving the Bandit Challenges without high bounties involves masking your identity, choosing remote locations, using stealth, managing your bounty, and leveraging distractions. By following these strategies, you can complete the challenges efficiently while minimizing the financial and legal consequences.