The humid air of Lemoyne hangs thick as Arthur Morgan and Sean MacGuire prepare for one of their riskiest endeavors yet—burning the Gray family's tobacco fields under cover of darkness. This pivotal Chapter 3 mission, "The Fine Joys of Tobacco," remains a standout challenge for players even in 2025, demanding precision in stealth, speed, and survival. Set against a drought-stricken landscape, the operation's success hinges on executing Catherine Braithwaite's scheme flawlessly while navigating patrolling guards and timed objectives. But what separates triumphant gunslingers from those who watch their gold medal hopes go up in smoke?

🏅 Gold Medal Requirements Unveiled

Four specific challenges stand between players and perfection:

1. Eliminate the wagon guard (Hamish) during Sean's distraction

2. Douse fields within 2:20 minutes - a razor-thin window

3. Kill 5 Grays personally during the horseback escape

4. Complete without health items - no tonics or food allowed

The no-health-item rule proves less daunting than anticipated—seasoned outlaws simply avoid the item wheel entirely. Yet this mission’s true test lies in balancing speed with calculated violence. Could rushing through jeopardize the stealth phase?

🐎 Infiltration: From Manor to Ambush

Arthur’s refusal to let Sean drive the wagon grants players full control over pacing during the initial ride. While dialogue about disappointing heists unfolds, there’s no timer—gallop recklessly or savor the scenery. Upon arrival, Sean’s unexpected competence shines as he distracts Hamish with moonshine and Irish banter.

Critical tip: Equip your knife before ambushing Hamish. Fists risk non-lethal takedowns, and hesitation allows Sean to kill him—voiding the first gold requirement. Why trust luck when a blade guarantees results?

⏱️ Dousing Fields: Speedrun Secrets

The cover of night brings the mission’s most intense pressure cooker: dousing fields in under 140 seconds. An ingenious exploit gives players an edge: sprint to the nearest field the instant the payroll wagon passes, ignoring Sean’s scripted guard kill. This head-start proves invaluable.

Guard AI behaves surprisingly predictably—they only detect Arthur at close range and ignore footsteps. Still, optimal pathing requires trial runs. After igniting the barn and fields, the Grays descend like hornets. Is the player truly prepared for the chaos ahead?

🔥 Firefight & Escape Tactics

The ensuing shootout offers rare freedom: no accuracy mandates. Spray bullets wildly, but prioritize cover—both Arthur and Sean must survive. Sean holds his own, yet recklessness risks failure. When escape horses bolt, target the payroll wagon’s right-side horse (left is scripted for Sean).

Here lies the final hurdle: exactly 5 Grays pursue during the getaway. Letting Sean kill any invalidates the challenge. Deadeye becomes essential—does the player conserve it earlier for this climax?

❓ People Also Ask

• Can you complete this mission non-lethally?

Impossible—firefights and Hamish’s death are unavoidable.

• What happens if you drink alcohol during the mission?

Any consumable fails the no-health-item requirement.

• Why does Sean sometimes die prematurely?

Poor positioning during firefights leaves him exposed.

• Are there missable collectibles here?

No, but nearby dinosaur bones/masks require backtracking.

Seven years after release, this mission exemplifies Red Dead Redemption 2’s brilliance—blending narrative weight with white-knuckle gameplay. Gold medalists emerge not through brute force, but by mastering the dance between shadow and flame. Will your next attempt join the legends?