How can you use the environment to avoid detection in stealth missions?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, stealth missions require careful planning and use of the environment to avoid detection. The game''s mechanics reward patience and observation, as enemies have distinct sightlines and hearing ranges. To succeed, you must use cover, shadows, and distractions effectively. This guide will walk you through how to leverage the environment to stay hidden and complete stealth missions with ease.\n\nFirst, always scout the area before engaging. Use Eagle Eye to highlight enemies, their patrol routes, and key environmental features like tall grass, rocks, and buildings. Tall grass is particularly useful for crouching and moving undetected. For example, in the mission ''The Sheep and the Goats,'' you can use the tall grass near the ranch to sneak past guards and avoid confrontation. Pay attention to enemy movement patterns and time your movements accordingly.\n\nNext, use cover to break line of sight. Objects like crates, walls, and trees can block enemy vision. When moving between cover points, crouch and move slowly to minimize noise. In missions like ''Pouring Forth Oil,'' you can use the oil derricks and machinery as cover to avoid being spotted by guards. Always stay in the shadows when possible, as darker areas make it harder for enemies to see you. This is especially useful in nighttime missions or indoor areas with limited lighting.\n\nDistractions are another powerful tool. You can throw rocks or use arrows to create noise and lure enemies away from your path. For instance, in ''The Gilded Cage,'' throwing a rock near a guard can draw them away from a doorway, allowing you to slip past unnoticed. Alternatively, use Dead Eye to silently take out enemies with a bow or throwing knives. This is particularly effective in missions like ''The Spines of America,'' where stealth is crucial to avoid alerting the entire camp.\n\nEnvironmental hazards can also work in your favor. For example, in ''An American Pastoral Scene,'' you can use the dynamite near the oil wagons to create a diversion or eliminate multiple enemies at once. Be cautious, though, as explosions can alert nearby enemies if not timed correctly. Similarly, animals in the area can sometimes be used to your advantage. In ''The King''s Son,'' you can scare horses to create chaos and distract guards.\n\nFinally, always have an escape plan. If you are detected, use the environment to break line of sight and hide. Tall grass, buildings, and natural terrain can help you lose pursuers. For example, in ''The Fine Joys of Tobacco,'' if you are spotted while sabotaging the tobacco fields, you can flee into the nearby forest to evade capture. Remember to stay calm and use the tools at your disposal to regain stealth.\n\nIn summary, mastering stealth in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of observation, patience, and strategic use of the environment. Use cover, shadows, and distractions to your advantage, and always have a backup plan if things go wrong. By following these tips, you can complete stealth missions efficiently and earn those coveted gold medals.