In the thrilling world of Red Dead Redemption 2, the mission “Icarus and Friends” takes players on a high-stakes adventure, literally soaring above the law in a hot air balloon. As Arthur Morgan joins forces with Sadie Adler to scout out Sisika Penitentiary, the journey becomes a heart-pounding battle against time and the relentless O’Driscolls. With precise balloon control and sharp shooting skills required, this mission is a true test of survival and strategy. Dive into our comprehensive walkthrough to master the challenges and secure that coveted Gold Medal.
Walkthrough: Meet with Sadie, and go to Mr. Bullard. The man tells Arthur to board the balloon. Your task is to control the altitude – you can do that by holding and releasing R2/RT. Try to fill the bar to about its 3/4th. Don’t go higher when your companion tells you that the altitude is fine.
Soon, you will reach the place marked by the game. Take out your binoculars and look for John. Find three groups of prisoners and take a closer look at them. After that, the guards will raise the alarm. Increase your altitude. Watch the cut-scene.
Sadie is being chased by O’Driscolls. Cover her – kill the bandits. Soon, Arthur will be left alone in the balloon – avoid the bridge by increasing the altitude.
Then, you must decrease the altitude – you have to allow Sadie to catch the rope and board the balloon. The last part of the mission requires you to defend yourself from the bandits. After that, the mission will be over.
How to get a gold medal in Icarus and Friends?
- Keep the balloon at the correct altitude for the entire journey – Follow your companion’s orders – when he says that this altitude is correct, remember how much the bar was filled and try to keep it at this level.
- Get 5 headshots from the balloon – Use the Dead Eye to score headshots.
- Complete with at least 70% accuracy – A typical challenge found in many missions in RDR2.
- Complete the mission without taking any health items.
What are the key challenges in the Icarus and Friends mission
The “Icarus and Friends” mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 presents several key challenges:
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Balloon Control: Players must maintain the hot air balloon at the correct altitude throughout the journey. This requires precise control, as the balloon’s altitude affects the mission’s progression and safety.
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Combat Accuracy: Achieving at least 70% accuracy in shooting is crucial. This becomes particularly challenging during the intense fight against the O’Driscolls, where maintaining accuracy is essential for success.
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Headshots: Obtaining 5 headshots from the balloon is a specific objective. Using Dead Eye can significantly aid in achieving this goal by slowing down time and improving aim.
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Survival: Completing the mission without using any health items adds an extra layer of difficulty. Players must manage Arthur’s health carefully to avoid needing medical supplies.
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Rescue and Escape: The mission involves rescuing Sadie Adler from O’Driscolls by lowering a rope from the balloon and pulling her to safety. This requires precise timing and control to avoid obstacles like bridges.
What happens if I fail to keep the balloon at the correct altitude
If you fail to keep the balloon at the correct altitude during the “Icarus and Friends” mission in Red Dead Redemption 2, several challenges can arise:
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Mission Progression Issues: The balloon’s altitude affects the mission’s progression. If it’s too high or too low, you might miss key objectives or encounter obstacles prematurely, which could lead to mission failure or difficulty in achieving the Gold Medal.
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Increased Difficulty in Combat: Maintaining the correct altitude is crucial for effective combat. If the balloon is at an incorrect height, it can be harder to target enemies accurately, which is necessary for achieving the required headshots and accuracy.
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Reduced Visibility and Control: Incorrect altitude can also affect visibility and control, making it harder to navigate through obstacles or spot enemies, which can lead to increased risk of damage or failure.
In real-world balloon flights, failing to maintain the correct altitude can lead to issues like losing control of the balloon’s trajectory or experiencing unexpected changes in wind patterns, which can complicate navigation and landing. However, in the context of the game, the primary concern is completing the mission objectives efficiently.
