Conquering Etta Doyle & Red Ben Clempson 5-Star Bounties

Hey guys! So, I recently tackled the infamous 5-star bounties for both Etta Doyle and Red Ben Clempson in Red Dead Redemption 2 Online, and let me tell you, it was quite the adventure! These legendary bounty hunts are not for the faint of heart, but with the right strategy and a bit of luck, they can be incredibly rewarding. I wanted to share my experience, the challenges I faced, and the tactics I used to bring these outlaws to justice (or, you know, near justice – alive, mostly!). Whether you're a seasoned bounty hunter or just starting your journey in the Wild West, this guide should give you some valuable insights into conquering these formidable foes.

The Legend of Etta Doyle: Mastering Stealth and Subterfuge

Let's dive into the world of Etta Doyle, the cunning leader of a notorious gang known for their elaborate heists and daring escapes. Etta isn't your typical gunslinging outlaw; she's a master strategist, relying on stealth, deception, and the element of surprise to outwit her pursuers. Approaching her bounty requires a different mindset – forget the all-out assault; this is a game of cat and mouse, where patience and cunning are your greatest allies.

Preparing for the Hunt: Gear and Strategy

Before even thinking about riding out to Etta Doyle's hideout, preparation is key. First off, your horse needs to be reliable and fast. A good war horse or a speedy racehorse will make a huge difference in navigating the terrain and escaping ambushes. Next up, your weaponry: a good repeater (like the Lancaster or Litchfield) is essential for medium-range engagements, and a powerful shotgun (such as the pump-action or semi-automatic) will be your best friend in close-quarters combat. Don't forget a scoped rifle for picking off enemies from a distance.

As for strategy, stealth is your mantra. Etta's gang is numerous and well-armed, so going in guns blazing is a recipe for disaster. Instead, focus on flanking maneuvers, using cover effectively, and taking out enemies silently whenever possible. Dead Eye is your secret weapon here; use it to line up headshots and thin out the enemy ranks before they even know you're there. And most importantly, bring tonics! Health, stamina, and Dead Eye tonics will keep you in the fight when things get tough. Consider also using potent offensive tonics to give you that extra edge when you need to go loud.

The Art of Stealth: Infiltrating Etta's Hideout

Etta Doyle's hideout is usually located in a heavily guarded area, often a dilapidated fort or an abandoned mining camp. The terrain is usually complex, with multiple entry points and plenty of cover for both you and the enemy. Your goal is to infiltrate the hideout undetected, or at least with minimal resistance. Start by scouting the perimeter, identifying guard positions and patrol routes. Use your binoculars to tag enemies, making them easier to track.

Approach the hideout from an unexpected angle, perhaps using a less obvious path or climbing a hill to gain a vantage point. If possible, take out the guards on the perimeter silently, using your knife or a silenced weapon. If you're detected, don't panic; use cover and try to reposition yourself to regain the advantage. Smoke bombs can be incredibly useful for creating distractions and allowing you to move unseen.

Capturing Etta: The Final Showdown

Once you've cleared most of the guards, it's time to confront Etta Doyle herself. She's usually holed up in a central building or a fortified position, surrounded by her loyal henchmen. This is where things get tricky. Etta is a formidable opponent, quick on the draw and deadly with a revolver. She also has a knack for disappearing into the shadows, making her difficult to target. The key to capturing Etta is to use a combination of brute force and tactical maneuvering.

Flank her position, use cover to your advantage, and don't be afraid to use explosives to flush her out. Remember, Etta isn't alone; her gang will fight fiercely to protect her. Prioritize taking out her bodyguards first, then focus your attention on Etta. Once you've got her cornered, use your lasso to bring her down and hogtie her. Be careful though, Etta's gang will continue to attack, even after she's captured. Keep them at bay while you secure Etta and prepare for your escape. Now it's time to load her on your horse and ride, but not before fighting your way out. Clear out the remaining gang members before making your escape to avoid being ambushed on the way to the bounty wagon.

The Ruthless Red Ben Clempson: A Test of Grit and Firepower

Now, let's shift gears and talk about Red Ben Clempson, a name that strikes fear into the hearts of lawmen and civilians alike. Unlike Etta Doyle, Red Ben is a brute force outlaw, preferring a direct approach and overwhelming firepower. His gang is notorious for their ruthlessness and their willingness to engage in open gunfights. Hunting Red Ben is a different beast altogether – it's a test of your grit, your shooting skills, and your ability to survive in a chaotic, high-intensity environment.

Gearing Up for a Gunfight: Weapons and Tactics

When you're going after Red Ben Clempson, you need to be prepared for a full-blown shootout. Forget the stealth tactics; this is a war of attrition, where the last gunslinger standing wins. Your weapon of choice should be a high-capacity, hard-hitting firearm, like the Litchfield Repeater or the Mauser Pistol. A powerful shotgun is also essential for close-quarters combat, and a scoped rifle will allow you to pick off enemies at longer ranges. But for this bounty, it is best to use your repeaters and pistols, as you may need to shoot while on horseback.

As for tactics, you need to be aggressive and decisive. Red Ben's gang will come at you in waves, so you need to be able to hold your ground and dish out some serious damage. Cover is crucial, but don't get bogged down; you need to keep moving, flanking the enemy, and disrupting their formations. Dead Eye is your best friend here; use it to line up headshots and take down multiple enemies in quick succession. Also, don't forget your healing items; you're going to take a lot of damage in this fight, so you need to be able to heal quickly and efficiently.

The Chase Begins: Tracking Red Ben's Train

Red Ben Clempson is often found aboard a moving train, making the bounty hunt a thrilling and dynamic chase. The train is heavily guarded, with armed men stationed on the rooftops and inside the carriages. Your first challenge is to catch up to the train. This usually involves a high-speed horseback ride across the plains, dodging obstacles and avoiding ambushes. Once you're close enough, you can try to jump onto the train, or you can try to fight your way through the carriages one by one. It is important to take out the guards on top of the train first to avoid being gunned down easily. A good sniper rifle will help in this area.

Confronting Red Ben: The Ultimate Showdown

The final confrontation with Red Ben Clempson is a chaotic and intense affair. He's a tough opponent, armed with a powerful weapon and surrounded by his loyal henchmen. The fight usually takes place on the train itself, with limited cover and plenty of opportunities for close-quarters combat. Your best bet is to use a combination of cover, firepower, and tactical maneuvering to wear him down. Keep moving, flank his position, and don't be afraid to use explosives to disrupt his cover.

Red Ben is a bullet sponge, so you're going to need to land a lot of shots to bring him down. Aim for the head, use Dead Eye to line up your shots, and don't be afraid to use your special ammo (like explosive rounds) to deal extra damage. Once you've finally taken him down, hogtie him and prepare for your escape. The train will likely be stopped by now, and the remaining gang members will be trying to free their leader. Fight your way clear, load Red Ben onto your horse, and ride like the wind to the nearest bounty wagon.

Final Thoughts: Triumph in the Wild West

So, there you have it, guys! My experience tackling the 5-star bounties for Etta Doyle and Red Ben Clempson. These are two of the most challenging and rewarding bounty hunts in Red Dead Redemption 2 Online, and they require a different approach and skillset. Whether you prefer stealth and subterfuge or brute force and firepower, there's a bounty hunt out there for you. Remember, preparation is key, and with the right strategy and a bit of luck, you can conquer any challenge the Wild West throws your way. Happy hunting, and may your bounty wagon always be full!