How do you maximize honor points during gold medal missions?

Maximizing honor points during gold medal missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of strategic gameplay, understanding of game mechanics, and careful decision-making. Honor is a core mechanic in the game that reflects Arthur Morgan''s moral alignment, and it can significantly impact the story, interactions, and rewards. To earn gold medals while maintaining high honor, you need to focus on specific actions and avoid negative behaviors.\n\nFirst, prioritize helping NPCs during missions. Many missions present opportunities to assist strangers or make moral choices. For example, in the mission ''Who is Not Without Sin,'' you can choose to spare or kill the debtor. Sparing him increases your honor, while killing him decreases it. Always opt for the honorable choice, as it not only boosts your honor but also aligns with the gold medal requirements for certain missions.\n\nSecond, avoid unnecessary violence. Gold medal missions often have objectives like ''Do not kill anyone'' or ''Complete with high honor.'' To meet these, refrain from killing innocent NPCs, animals, or enemies unless absolutely required. For instance, in the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil,'' you can stealthily take out guards without killing them by using non-lethal methods like fists or the lasso. This ensures you maintain high honor while completing the mission efficiently.\n\nThird, engage in random encounters that boost honor. While not directly tied to missions, random encounters like helping stranded travelers or returning lost items can increase your honor. These actions contribute to your overall honor level, which can help you meet gold medal requirements in missions where honor is a factor. For example, helping a woman whose horse has died near Valentine will grant you honor points.\n\nFourth, pay attention to mission-specific objectives. Some missions have hidden honor-related tasks. For example, in ''The Sheep and the Goats,'' you can choose to return the stolen sheep to the farmer, which increases your honor. Always explore dialogue options and mission paths that reward honorable behavior. These choices often align with gold medal criteria.\n\nFifth, manage your Dead Eye and weapon usage. Using Dead Eye to target enemies non-lethally or to disarm them can help you avoid unnecessary kills. Additionally, equipping non-lethal weapons like the lasso or fists can prevent accidental deaths. For example, in ''An American Pastoral Scene,'' you can use the lasso to subdue the target instead of killing him, which preserves your honor.\n\nFinally, avoid negative actions outside of missions. While not directly tied to gold medals, maintaining high honor throughout the game makes it easier to meet honor-related objectives in missions. Avoid robbing innocent people, antagonizing NPCs, or committing crimes in towns. Instead, focus on positive actions like donating to camp, greeting strangers, and helping those in need.\n\nIn summary, maximizing honor points during gold medal missions involves making moral choices, avoiding unnecessary violence, and engaging in positive actions both during and outside of missions. By following these strategies, you can achieve high honor and earn gold medals consistently.