Red Dead Redemption 2: Mastering “A Kind and Benevolent Despot” – Getting Javier to Safety in Under 2 Minutes

The “A Kind and Benevolent Despot” mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 presents a significant challenge for completionists aiming for that coveted Gold Medal. The key to getting Javier to safety in under 2 minutes lies in aggressive tactics, precise shooting, and efficient use of Dead Eye. Immediately after freeing Javier, prioritize eliminating guards with headshots, utilize cover effectively but don’t remain stationary for too long, and maintain a swift pace to reach the designated safe zone before the timer expires. Remember that practice and efficient planning are crucial to achieving this challenging objective.

Strategies for Gold: A Deep Dive

The “A Kind and Benevolent Despot” mission requires a combination of speed, accuracy, and tactical awareness. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to achieve a Gold Medal:

• Preparation is Key: Before starting the mission, ensure you have a reliable weapon with a decent rate of fire and adequate ammunition. A repeater or a shotgun with slugs is ideal. Refill your Dead Eye supplies with tonics. Consider equipping clothing that improves your Dead Eye regeneration.

• Headshot Prioritization: The mission demands 10 headshots. Focus exclusively on aiming for the head. Dead Eye is your best friend here. Use it strategically to line up multiple headshots quickly. Don’t waste bullets on body shots.

• Aggressive Cover: Utilize cover wisely, but avoid lingering behind it for too long. Pop out, take a shot, and immediately reposition. Keeping moving makes you a harder target and allows you to advance toward the extraction point more quickly.

• Effective Dead Eye Management: Conserve Dead Eye during the initial phases of the mission, saving it for the intense firefight after freeing Javier. Use Dead Eye sparingly and maximize its efficiency by tagging multiple targets for simultaneous headshots. Upgrade Dead Eye to allow tagging for even faster target acquisition.

• Prioritize Speed: Every second counts. Don’t waste time looting bodies or exploring. Focus solely on eliminating threats and moving Javier to safety.

• Memorize Enemy Placement: Replaying the mission allows you to memorize enemy spawn locations. This allows you to anticipate their movements and quickly eliminate them before they become a threat.

• Strategic Pathing: Plan your route to the extraction point beforehand. Identify potential cover locations and anticipate enemy encounters along the way. Stick to the path that allows for the most efficient traversal while minimizing exposure to enemy fire.

• Use of Throwables (Optional): Consider using throwing knives for quick, silent takedowns, especially at the start. However, during the main firefight, focus on the repeater/shotgun for maximum efficiency.

• Weapon Selection: A repeater like the Lancaster is ideal due to its high fire rate and accuracy. Alternatively, a shotgun with slugs provides devastating stopping power for close-quarters combat.

• Don’t Panic: Remain calm and focused under pressure. The timer can be daunting, but panicking will only lead to mistakes. Take deep breaths, concentrate on your aim, and execute your plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What weapons are best for this mission?

A repeater like the Lancaster is excellent for its high fire rate and accuracy, making headshots easier. Alternatively, a shotgun loaded with slugs is a powerful choice for close-range encounters.

2. How important is Dead Eye in getting the Gold Medal?

Dead Eye is crucial. It allows you to line up headshots quickly and efficiently, which is essential for meeting the headshot requirement and clearing enemies swiftly. Invest in Dead Eye tonics to keep it replenished.

3. Can I still get the Gold Medal if Javier takes damage?

While it’s best to protect Javier, the Gold Medal criteria focus on headshots and time. Prioritize eliminating threats, and Javier should be relatively safe if you clear the area quickly.

4. What happens if I fail the mission?

You can immediately retry the mission from the last checkpoint. Use this opportunity to refine your strategy and improve your execution. Remember the enemy placements!

5. How many times can I replay a mission?

You can replay missions as many times as you need to achieve the Gold Medal. This is vital for mastering the timing and achieving all the objectives.

6. Do I need a perfect honor rating to get the Gold Medal?

No, your honor rating does not affect your ability to earn Gold Medals. The criteria are based solely on the mission objectives.

7. What are the rewards for getting Gold Medals in Red Dead Redemption 2?

Earning 70 Gold Medals is necessary to unlock the “Gold Rush” trophy or achievement. Aside from that, you get bragging rights!

8. How many missions are there in Red Dead Redemption 2?

There are 104 story missions in Red Dead Redemption 2.

9. How many missions can I skip the Gold Medal requirements on and still achieve the “Gold Rush” trophy?

You can skip Gold Medal requirements on up to 34 missions and still unlock the “Gold Rush” trophy, as you only need 70 Gold Medals in total.

10. Where can I sell the gold bars I find?

You can sell gold bars to a fence. The first fence is unlocked after completing “The Spines of America” mission. Each gold bar is worth $500.

11. Does getting all Gold Medals count towards 100% completion of the game?

No, thankfully you don’t need to get all gold medals for 100%.

12. How does the honor system in Red Dead Redemption 2 work?

The honor system in Red Dead Redemption 2 reflects Arthur’s morality based on your choices and actions. High honor leads to positive interactions and discounts, while low honor results in negative interactions and increased bounty prices.

13. Who is Javier Escuella?

Javier Escuella is a member of the Van der Linde gang. He is loyal to Dutch and often clashes with Arthur and John as the gang begins to crumble. He’s also a major character in Red Dead Redemption, where he is one of the villains.

14. What happens to Javier after the events of Red Dead Redemption 2?

After the Van der Linde gang disbands, Javier returns to Mexico. By 1907, he is reported to be living in the mountains.

15. Where can I learn more about the narrative and themes within video games like Red Dead Redemption 2?

You can explore scholarly research and discussions on video game narratives and themes at websites like the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/), which promotes understanding of learning and engagement in games.

Achieving a Gold Medal in “A Kind and Benevolent Despot” demands patience and practice. By implementing these strategies and understanding the mission’s nuances, you’ll significantly increase your chances of success. Don’t get discouraged by initial failures; each attempt provides valuable learning experience. Good luck, and happy gaming!