Mastering "The Sheep and the Goats" in RDR2: Strategies for Gold Medals

Greetings, fellow gamers! 🎮 If you're diving into the captivating world of Red Dead Redemption 2, then you might be looking for tips on completing the mission "The Sheep and the Goats." This mission not only advances the story but also presents a unique challenge with Gold Medal requirements. In this guide, we'll walk you through essential strategies and tips to ace this mission while securing that coveted Gold Medal.

Mission Overview 🐑🐐

“The Sheep and the Goats” is one of the main story missions in Red Dead Redemption 2, and it is crucial to manage effectively due to its Gold Medal objectives. Here’s a checklist of the Gold Medal requirements you should keep in mind:

- Herd all the sheep into the pen in Valentine.

- Get 25 headshots.

- Complete with at least 70% accuracy.

- Complete the mission without taking any health items.

Starting the Mission

To kick off “The Sheep and the Goats,” head to the southern part of Valentine and engage in conversation with John Marston, who needs your assistance in rustling some sheep. 🐑 After your chat, follow John to the gunsmith to purchase a sniper rifle. Opt for the Rolling Block Rifle; don’t fret - it’s free! If your budget allows, customize your rifle for an added edge.

Traveling to the Cliffside

Once you've armed yourself, follow John on horseback. Switch to cinematic mode (hold X/A) to maintain speed effortlessly. During the ride, engage with the environment while preparing for the mission ahead.

The Sniping Segment 🎯

Upon reaching the cliff, you’ll need to zoom in using your rifle scope. It’s crucial to follow John’s instructions carefully. You must shoot the ground, being cautious not to hit any ranch hands or the sheep, as this will scare them away.

Herding the Sheep

After the initial sniping, it’s time to herd the sheep. Ride down and help gather any stragglers back into the group. Proper herding techniques are essential:

1. Encourage Movement: Position yourself behind the sheep to guide them towards the pen.

2. Shout Commands: Hold L2 and press Circle/B to shout at the herd.

3. Use Your Gun Wisely: Press up on the D-pad to shoot into the air to make them move faster.

Watch the minimap - gray dots indicate stragglers, and their color will change to yellow when they have drifted too far from the main herd. Be patient and encourage them back, but avoid trampling any sheep! 🐏

Auction House Showdown

Once you’ve successfully brought all the sheep into the pen, you'll face the auctioneer's suspicions. John’s negotiation skills will shine here as he manages to settle on an 18% cut instead of 25% to keep things quiet.

Confronting Leviticus Cornwall 🔫

After the sheep have been sold, hop on your horse and follow John to a nearby saloon. Here, you’ll encounter Leviticus Cornwall, who has taken John and Strauss hostage.

To deal with this situation:

1. Hold L2 Gently: This gradually fills a meter, giving you a tactical advantage. Take your time!

2. Enter Dead Eye Mode: When prompted, this will allow you to target enemies efficiently.

3. Prioritize Targets: Focus on the enemies holding hostages first to ensure their safety.

Firefight and Gold Medal Requirements

Remember, the Gold Medal objectives are still on the line: 25 headshots, 70% accuracy, and no healing items. Utilize the free Dead Eye skill to secure early headshots. Afterward, take cover and line up your shots carefully. Your allies will cover you from the north, so prioritize eliminating threats from the south first.

After the initial firefight, protect the wagon carrying Strauss. Once you're far enough, move Strauss to the back of John’s horse and escape to safety. 🏇

Conclusion 🏕️

By following this guide for “The Sheep and the Goats,” you should be well on your way to achieving that elusive Gold Medal. Remember to utilize your environment, stay patient, and keep your aim steady. Enjoy this thrilling mission as you delve deeper into the world of Red Dead Redemption 2!

Feel free to drop your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Good luck, and happy gaming! 🌟