If the Hat Fits Guide – Red Dead Online
In Red Dead Online, you’ll be tasked with helping various sheriffs across the world. One sheriff you’ll assist is the Police Chief of Blackwater, who assigns you the “If the Hat Fits” mission. Located in Pike’s Basin just northwest of Macfarlane’s Ranch, this mission provides players with intense action and significant moral decisions that affect their honor. Whether you maintain your honor or take a dishonorable route will change the outcome of the mission, with both paths available for a single character by adjusting your honor.
Starting the Mission
To start the “If the Hat Fits” mission, you need to speak with Horley in Blackwater during the “A Land of Opportunities” storyline. Once you’ve completed this, look for the yellow scale icon on your map, which will lead you to Pike’s Basin.
- Location: Pike’s Basin, northwest of Macfarlane’s Ranch.
- Required Players: 2 – 4.
When you arrive, you’ll trigger a cutscene with the Police Chief, who explains that a conman and outlaw is on the loose. How you handle the situation depends on your honor.
1. Reach the Outlaw’s Camp
Your first objective is to head to the camp where the outlaw is hiding. The camp is located in Pike’s Basin, southwest of your starting point.
- Tip: It’s best to approach the camp from higher ground. This gives you a tactical advantage, allowing you to pick off enemies from a safe distance before moving in.
2. Take Out the Gang Protecting the Outlaw
Once you reach the camp, you’ll be tasked with eliminating the gang protecting the conman.
- Strategy: Use cover effectively and engage the gang members from the high ground. If you stay hidden, you can clear out enemies one by one without taking damage.
3. Capture the Outlaw
After clearing out the enemies, hogtie the outlaw and place him on your horse. At this point, a cutscene will trigger, and enemies will rush in to stop you.
- Tip: Be ready to fight as additional enemies rush into the valley. Take cover behind rocks or trees to minimize damage. Keep your wits about you as you progress through this segment.
4. Deliver the Outlaw to the Police Chief
Once you’ve dealt with the enemies, continue with the outlaw to the rendezvous point, where you’ll deliver him to the Police Chief. Along the way, you’ll encounter more enemies, and an explosion will incapacitate your horse.
- Foot Travel: After the explosion, you’ll need to proceed on foot. One member of your party should carry the conman to the Police Chief.
5. Moral Decision – Help or Kill the Outlaw?
When you reach the final campsite, you will be faced with a choice:
- Dishonorable Choice: Help the conman escape, and he will lead you to a hidden stash of cash before disappearing.
- Honorable Choice: Refuse to help him, keeping your honor intact.
Your decision will affect your character’s honor and impact the outcome of the mission.
Mission Conclusion
- Final Objective: Regardless of your choice, the mission ends once you deliver the outlaw (alive or dead) to the Police Chief.
- Reward: Completing the mission grants you a monetary reward, as well as progress toward your honor-based story strand.
Tips for Success
- Coordinating with Teammates:
- If playing with others, assign roles such as designated shooters and designated carriers to streamline the mission and ensure efficiency.
- Combat Strategy:
- Use the high ground to your advantage whenever possible. You can eliminate enemies more easily when they can’t shoot back effectively. Always check your surroundings for cover, especially during the intense shootout sequences.
- Honor Considerations:
- Keep in mind that your choice will impact your honor. If you want to complete both honorable and dishonorable paths, you can always alter your honor by making specific choices after completing the three sheriff missions.
- Explosions and Travel:
- The explosion that incapacitates your horse can catch you off guard. Prepare to proceed on foot when necessary and plan accordingly for the rest of the mission.
The “If the Hat Fits” mission in Red Dead Online provides players with a chance to dive into the moral complexities of justice. Whether you choose to maintain your honor or give in to dishonorable decisions, the mission offers intense action and a rewarding storyline experience. Completing this mission will not only further your journey in Red Dead Online, but it will also unlock different mission paths based on your honor decisions.
If you’re interested in exploring more about the moral choices and their impact on your journey in Red Dead Online, be sure to check out our Love and Honor guide.
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