What’s the best strategy for looting enemies quickly in missions?

Looting enemies quickly in Red Dead Redemption 2 missions is essential for maximizing resources and earning Gold Medals. To do this efficiently, you need to understand the game mechanics and optimize your approach. Looting is tied to the speed at which Arthur interacts with bodies, and certain strategies can help you save time while ensuring you don’t miss valuable items.\n\nFirst, prioritize looting during combat pauses or after clearing an area. Enemies often drop valuable items like ammo, tonics, and cash, which are crucial for mission success. Use Dead Eye to quickly eliminate enemies, then loot their bodies before moving forward. This prevents backtracking, which can waste time and increase the risk of being spotted by reinforcements.\n\nTo loot faster, position Arthur close to the body and hold the loot button (Square on PlayStation, X on Xbox, or E on PC). Arthur will automatically search the body, but you can speed this up by tapping the button repeatedly. This method reduces the animation time slightly, allowing you to loot multiple enemies in quick succession. Be mindful of your surroundings, as lingering too long can trigger enemy spawns or mission timers.\n\nIn missions with large enemy groups, such as ''Pouring Forth Oil'' or ''The Battle of Shady Belle,'' focus on looting enemies in clusters. After a firefight, quickly move from one body to the next, looting as you go. Use your horse to cover ground faster if the area is spread out. For example, in ''The Battle of Shady Belle,'' you can loot enemies near the plantation house before moving to the outer areas.\n\nSome missions require stealth, such as ''The Sheep and the Goats'' or ''The Fine Joys of Tobacco.'' In these cases, loot enemies immediately after silently taking them down. This ensures you don’t miss opportunities to collect items while maintaining stealth. Use throwing knives or a bow to avoid alerting others, then loot quietly before proceeding.\n\nCommon challenges include running out of time or missing loot due to mission constraints. To avoid this, plan your looting route in advance. For example, in ''The First Shall Be Last,'' loot the O’Driscolls near the cabin first, then move to the outer perimeter. This ensures you don’t miss any bodies before the mission progresses.\n\nFinally, equip the right gear to make looting easier. The Legend of the East Satchel, obtained by completing all satchel upgrades, allows you to carry more items, reducing the need to leave loot behind. Additionally, use tonics like Potent Snake Oil to refill Dead Eye quickly, enabling faster enemy takedowns and more efficient looting.\n\nIn summary, looting enemies quickly in RDR2 missions requires a combination of strategic positioning, efficient button inputs, and proper planning. By mastering these techniques, you can maximize your resources and improve your chances of earning Gold Medals.