What’s the best way to approach missions with environmental hazards?

Approaching missions with environmental hazards in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires careful planning, awareness of game mechanics, and strategic use of tools and abilities. Environmental hazards such as fire, toxic gas, falling rocks, or extreme weather can significantly impact your performance and ability to achieve Gold Medals. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate these challenges effectively.\n\nFirst, always scout the mission area before engaging. Use Eagle Eye to identify potential hazards like flammable barrels, unstable structures, or areas prone to avalanches. For example, in the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil IV,'' the oil fields are filled with explosive barrels. Mark these hazards on your mini-map to avoid accidental explosions during combat. This preparation ensures you can plan your movements and avoid unnecessary damage.\n\nNext, equip the right gear and consumables. Items like health tonics, snake oil, and fire-resistant outfits can mitigate environmental damage. For missions involving fire, such as ''The King’s Son,'' where you face a burning building, wearing the Legendary Ram Shotgun Coat or other fire-resistant clothing can reduce burn damage. Always carry potent health tonics to recover quickly if you take damage from hazards.\n\nUnderstanding the game’s physics and AI behavior is crucial. For example, in missions with falling rocks or avalanches, like ''The Delights of Van Horn,'' enemies often take cover in hazardous areas. Use this to your advantage by luring them into danger zones. Throw dynamite or fire bottles to trigger environmental hazards, eliminating enemies without direct confrontation. This tactic saves time and ammo, which are critical for Gold Medal requirements.\n\nTiming and positioning are key in missions with dynamic hazards. In ''The Fine Joys of Tobacco,'' you must navigate a burning tobacco field. Stay on the edges of the fire and use Dead Eye to quickly eliminate enemies before the flames spread. Avoid running through the fire, as it drains health rapidly. Instead, use cover and move methodically to minimize exposure.\n\nFor missions involving extreme weather, such as blizzards or thunderstorms, prioritize survival. In ''The Veteran - III,'' you face a blizzard while hunting a legendary animal. Equip warm clothing like the Legendary Bear Coat and consume provisions like canned food or cooked meat to maintain your health core. Use the minimap and waypoints to navigate, as visibility is often reduced in harsh weather.\n\nFinally, practice patience and adaptability. Environmental hazards often require trial and error to master. Save your game before starting a mission to retry if things go wrong. For example, in ''The Battle of Shady Belle,'' the swampy terrain and alligators pose significant threats. Use a sniper rifle to take out enemies from a distance, avoiding close-quarters combat in hazardous areas.\n\nIn summary, approach missions with environmental hazards by scouting the area, equipping the right gear, leveraging game mechanics, and adapting to dynamic conditions. These strategies will help you achieve Gold Medals while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency.