Old Friends Guide – Red Dead Redemption 2

The Old Friends mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 follows Arthur and the Van der Linde gang as they raid an O’Driscoll camp. This action-packed mission requires strategy, speed, and accuracy to achieve a Gold Medal rating.

Below, you’ll find a step-by-step walkthrough, Gold Medal objectives, combat tips, and strategies to help you complete the mission efficiently.

Old Friends Challenges (5)

1. Catch and hogties Kieran within 45 seconds.
2. Kill 3 O’Driscolls in the same Dead Eye use.
3. Complete within 15 minutes 30 seconds.
4. Get 15 headshots.
5. Complete the mission without taking any heath items.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Starting the Mission

• Speak with Bill Williamson at camp in Colter to start the mission.
• After the cutscene, mount your horse and follow Dutch and the gang toward the O’Driscoll camp.

2. Reaching the O’Driscoll Camp

• As you ride, Dutch will spot smoke rising in the distance, signaling the O’Driscoll hideout.
• Dismount your horse and follow Dutch to a cliffside vantage point.
• A short cutscene will trigger, showing the O’Driscolls at their camp.

3. Preparing for the Raid

• Approach your horse and equip your weapons by holding L1/LB:
  • Primary: Carbine Repeater (for accurate headshots).
  • Sidearm: Revolver (for close-range combat).
  • Melee: Knife (not required but useful).

Tip: Make sure you equip both weapons before moving forward, as you won’t be able to access your horse once the fight starts!

4. Attacking the Camp

• Follow Dutch down the hill and take cover before opening fire.
• When Dutch signals, attack the O’Driscolls.
• Prioritize headshots (you need 15 for the Gold Medal).
• Use Dead Eye to mark and kill 3 enemies at once to complete another Gold Medal objective.

Tip: Dead Eye refills automatically during this mission, so use it frequently!

5. Clearing Out Reinforcements

• After taking out the initial group, loot the bodies quickly for ammo and supplies.
• More O’Driscolls will arrive from the forest. Stay behind cover and eliminate them swiftly.

Tip: Since you can’t use health items, avoid unnecessary damage by moving between cover points.

6. Searching for Dynamite

• After clearing out the enemies, Dutch will instruct you to search the cabins.
• Head to the central building and interact with the crate marked “Dynamite.”
• This triggers another cutscene where the gang discovers explosives.

7. Capturing Kieran

• As the gang prepares to leave, you spot a lone O’Driscoll trying to escape.
• Quickly equip your lasso from the weapon wheel.
• Chase Kieran down on horseback and hogtie him within 45 seconds for the Gold Medal.
• Pick him up, place him on your horse, and ride back to camp.

8. Returning to Camp

• Follow the yellow route on your minimap back to Colter.
• Once at camp, remove Kieran from the horse and bring him to Dutch.
• A cutscene will play, ending the mission.

Mission Complete! If you met all objectives, you will earn a Gold Medal for Old Friends!

Tips for Gold Medal Completion

• Maximize Dead Eye Usage: Use Dead Eye as often as possible to secure headshots and get the 3-kill streak requirement.
• Skip Cutscenes: This will save valuable time and help complete the mission in under 15 minutes 30 seconds.
• Don’t Use Health Items: If you take damage, use cover and move strategically instead of healing.
• Capture Kieran Fast: The 45-second limit is tight, so equip the lasso immediately after spotting him.
• Bonus Tip: Loot bodies quickly during quiet moments for extra ammo and supplies.

With Old Friends completed, your next challenge is just ahead. In Honor Among Horse Thieves, Arthur helps a newcomer earn his place in the gang by stealing horses. It’s a stealth-focused mission that introduces you to horse fencing and the importance of honor in Red Dead Redemption 2.

Thoughts on our Red Dead Redemption 2 Old Friends guide? Drop them in the comments below.