What’s the best strategy for stealth missions to earn gold medals?

Earning gold medals in stealth missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of patience, precision, and understanding of the game''s mechanics. Stealth missions often have specific objectives, such as avoiding detection, completing tasks within a time limit, or using specific weapons. To succeed, you need to master the stealth mechanics, plan your approach, and execute your actions carefully.\n\nFirst, familiarize yourself with the stealth mechanics. Pressing the crouch button (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) reduces your visibility and noise. Use this to move quietly and stay out of sight. The mini-map is crucial for stealth missions, as it shows enemy positions and their cones of vision. Red areas indicate where enemies are looking, so avoid these zones. Additionally, throwing objects like rocks (using the L1/LB button) can distract enemies, allowing you to bypass them or take them down silently.\n\nNext, plan your route before engaging. Many stealth missions, such as ''The Sheep and the Goats'' or ''An American Pastoral Scene,'' require you to infiltrate enemy camps or areas. Scout the area using Eagle Eye (R3/RS) to mark enemies and identify patrol patterns. This helps you determine the safest path and timing for your movements. For example, in ''The Sheep and the Goats,'' you can sneak around the perimeter of the ranch to avoid guards and reach the sheep pen without being seen.\n\nUse the environment to your advantage. Tall grass, shadows, and cover objects like crates or walls can conceal you from enemies. When moving, stay crouched and move slowly to avoid making noise. If you need to take down an enemy, use a bow or throwing knives for silent kills. Guns, even silenced ones, can still alert nearby enemies, so use them sparingly. For instance, in ''An American Pastoral Scene,'' you can use the bow to silently eliminate guards near the barn before freeing the captive.\n\nTiming is critical in stealth missions. Wait for the right moment to move or act. Enemies often have predictable patrol routes, so observe them for a few moments before making your move. For example, in ''The Gilded Cage,'' you can wait for the guard to turn away before sneaking into the mansion. Rushing can lead to detection, so take your time and stay patient.\n\nIf you are detected, don''t panic. Sometimes, you can recover by quickly eliminating the enemy who spotted you before they alert others. However, if the mission fails due to detection, consider restarting from a checkpoint to maintain your chances of earning a gold medal. Some missions, like ''A Fine Night of Debauchery,'' require you to remain undetected entirely, so practice and precision are key.\n\nFinally, equip the right gear for stealth missions. The bow, throwing knives, and silenced weapons are essential tools. Additionally, wearing darker clothing can help you blend into the environment better. For example, the Legendary Panther Cloak or other dark outfits reduce your visibility at night or in shadowy areas.\n\nIn summary, mastering stealth missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 involves understanding the game''s mechanics, planning your approach, using the environment wisely, and staying patient. By following these strategies, you can complete stealth missions efficiently and earn gold medals. Practice makes perfect, so don''t be discouraged if it takes a few attempts to get it right.