How do you complete missions without using health items for gold?

Completing missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 without using health items for gold medals requires careful planning, understanding of game mechanics, and strategic gameplay. The gold medal requirement often demands players to avoid using health-restoring items like tonics, food, or medicine during the mission. This can be challenging, especially in combat-heavy missions, but with the right approach, it is achievable.\n\nFirst, prioritize upgrading your health core and health bar. A higher health stat reduces the likelihood of dying or needing health items. You can increase your health by engaging in activities like fishing, swimming, or fistfighting. Additionally, ensure your health core is always full before starting a mission. Consume cooked meat or other core-boosting items to maintain a strong health core, as this provides passive health regeneration during combat.\n\nNext, focus on positioning and cover during missions. Red Dead Redemption 2 emphasizes realism, so staying behind cover and using the environment to your advantage is crucial. Avoid running into open areas where enemies can easily target you. Use rocks, walls, or other objects to shield yourself from gunfire. When engaging enemies, aim for headshots to eliminate them quickly and reduce the time you spend exposed to damage.\n\nAnother key strategy is to use Dead Eye effectively. Dead Eye allows you to slow down time and target multiple enemies with precision. Upgrading your Dead Eye ability through story progression or challenges will make it even more powerful. Use Dead Eye to take out enemies before they can react, minimizing the damage you take. For example, in missions like ''Pouring Forth Oil IV,'' Dead Eye can help you clear out enemies on the train without taking significant damage.\n\nPreparation is also essential. Before starting a mission, equip the best weapons and ammunition available. High-damage weapons like the Bolt Action Rifle or Pump-Action Shotgun can eliminate enemies quickly, reducing the chances of prolonged firefights. Additionally, stock up on items that boost your health core, such as seasoned big game meat, which provides golden cores for extended periods.\n\nIn missions with stealth elements, take advantage of stealth mechanics to avoid unnecessary combat. For example, in ''The Sheep and the Goats,'' you can sneak past guards or silently take them out with a bow or throwing knives. Avoiding direct confrontation reduces the risk of taking damage and needing health items.\n\nFinally, practice patience and awareness. Rushing through missions often leads to mistakes and unnecessary damage. Take your time to assess enemy positions, plan your moves, and execute them carefully. If you do take damage, rely on your health core''s passive regeneration rather than using health items.\n\nBy following these strategies, you can complete missions without using health items and earn gold medals. Remember to upgrade your stats, use cover, leverage Dead Eye, and prepare thoroughly before each mission. With practice and persistence, you''ll master the art of surviving without health items in Red Dead Redemption 2.