What’s the best strategy for completing the “The Gilded Cage” mission?

The Gilded Cage mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a key story mission in Chapter 4, where Arthur and Trelawny infiltrate a high-society party in Saint Denis to gather information for the gang. This mission requires stealth, strategy, and careful execution. Here’s a detailed guide to completing it successfully.\n\nFirst, prepare for the mission by ensuring Arthur is well-dressed. The mission requires you to wear a suit, which can be purchased from the tailor in Saint Denis. If you don’t have one, visit the tailor near the post office and buy the Grizzlies Outfit or any other formal attire. This is essential to blend in at the party. Additionally, stock up on health tonics and Dead Eye tonics, as you may face combat later in the mission.\n\nWhen the mission begins, meet Trelawny at the designated location in Saint Denis. Follow him to the party venue, where you’ll need to sneak in. Use the side entrance Trelawny points out, and avoid drawing attention to yourself. Once inside, stay close to Trelawny and follow his lead. He will guide you through the party, introducing you to key NPCs. Pay attention to the dialogue, as it provides clues about your objectives.\n\nYour primary goal is to gather information by eavesdropping on conversations. Move quietly and avoid bumping into guests or guards. Use the cover system to stay hidden behind furniture or walls. If you’re spotted, the mission won’t fail immediately, but it will make things harder. Focus on listening to the conversations Trelawny highlights. These are marked with white icons on the mini-map.\n\nAfter gathering enough information, you’ll need to steal a ledger from a locked room. Trelawny will create a distraction, allowing you to sneak upstairs. Use Dead Eye to mark and silently take out any guards in your path. Be cautious, as alerting the guards will trigger a shootout. Once you reach the room, pick the lock using the lockpicking mechanic. Take the ledger and make your way back downstairs.\n\nIf you’re detected, the mission will shift to a combat scenario. Use cover effectively and prioritize taking out guards with headshots. Dead Eye is invaluable here, as it allows you to quickly eliminate multiple enemies. Stay near Trelawny, as he will assist you in fighting off the guards. Once the area is clear, escape with the ledger to complete the mission.\n\nFor new players, the key to success is patience. Take your time to observe guard patterns and move carefully. Experienced players can experiment with different approaches, such as using throwing knives for silent takedowns or creating distractions to bypass guards entirely. Remember to save your game before starting the mission, as this allows you to retry if things go wrong.\n\nIn summary, The Gilded Cage requires a mix of stealth, combat, and strategy. Dress appropriately, listen carefully, and use Dead Eye to your advantage. With these tips, you’ll complete the mission efficiently and enjoy one of the most memorable moments in Red Dead Redemption 2.