What does the gold icon on the HUD represent during missions?

The gold icon on the HUD in Red Dead Redemption 2 represents optional mission objectives, also known as ''Gold Medal'' requirements. These objectives are specific tasks or conditions that, when completed, contribute to earning a Gold Medal for that mission. Gold Medals are a way to track your mastery of the game''s missions and are tied to the game''s progression and achievement system. Completing these optional objectives often requires precision, strategy, and sometimes replaying missions to meet all the criteria.\n\nTo identify the gold icon, look for a small golden circle with a checkmark inside it, usually located near the mission objective markers on your HUD or mini-map. When you see this icon, it means there are additional tasks you can complete to improve your performance in the mission. These tasks vary widely and can include things like finishing the mission within a certain time limit, achieving a specific accuracy percentage, using a particular weapon, or completing the mission without taking damage.\n\nFor example, in the mission ''Polite Society, Valentine Style,'' one of the optional objectives is to disarm three enemies. To achieve this, you need to carefully aim at their weapons during combat and shoot them out of their hands. This requires precise aiming and timing, as well as a good understanding of the game''s combat mechanics. Another example is the mission ''The First Shall Be Last,'' where you must complete the mission without taking any health items. This means you need to avoid damage or rely on your Dead Eye ability to survive.\n\nTo maximize your chances of completing these optional objectives, it''s important to pay close attention to the mission briefing and dialogue. Often, characters will hint at what you need to do to achieve the Gold Medal. Additionally, you can pause the game and check the ''Progress'' menu to see the specific requirements for the mission you''re currently playing. This menu provides a detailed breakdown of what you need to do, so you can plan your approach accordingly.\n\nOne common challenge players face is balancing the optional objectives with the main mission goals. For instance, trying to complete a mission within a tight time limit while also achieving high accuracy can be difficult. To overcome this, practice using Dead Eye to quickly eliminate enemies and focus on efficient movement. If you fail to meet the optional objectives, don''t worry—you can always replay the mission from the ''Progress'' menu to try again.\n\nPractical tips for tackling gold icon objectives include: 1) Familiarize yourself with the mission requirements before starting, 2) Use Dead Eye strategically to meet accuracy or disarm objectives, 3) Save your game before attempting challenging missions so you can reload if needed, and 4) Replay missions with upgraded weapons or abilities to make certain tasks easier. By following these steps, you can improve your chances of earning Gold Medals and mastering Red Dead Redemption 2''s missions.