Spare the Rod, Spoil the Bandit

Follow our expert guide to complete the 'Spare the Rod, Spoil the Bandit' mission in Red Dead Redemption. Learn how to track down the gang and save the hostage.

Alright, partner, ready to wrangle up some trouble? This mission, 'Spare the Rod, Spoil the Bandit,' kicks off back at Marshal Leigh Johnson's jail in Armadillo. You'll be joining the Marshal and his deputies on horseback to track down a nasty posse that's been causing a ruckus.

Keep an eye out for vultures circling overhead – they're your cue to stop and investigate. Once you spot them, your radar will point you to the next clue. Follow that yellow marker, and it'll lead you to Ridgewood Farm. When you roll up, the place looks deserted, but don't let your guard down.

First, check the open shed – it's always empty, but better safe than sorry. Then, head over to the outhouse marked on your radar. Give it a blast to open it up. Nothing to worry about there, but your next stop is the barn. You'll need to shoot through the wooden planks blocking the doors to get inside.

After a rather grim scene unfolds inside the barn, it's time to get your weapon ready. The farmhouse is next, and you can bet your bottom dollar it's going to be a shootout. Clear out anyone lurking outside, and the Marshal will lead the charge into the front of the house.

Now, have your rifle or pistol ready. Take down anyone foolish enough to pop their head up. When you get upstairs, be extra careful. There's a room with a hostage and a bandit. This is where your Dead Eye skill comes in handy. Line up a shot and put a bullet right between his eyes.

The final room is pretty similar. As you open the door, activate Dead Eye again. You've got two options here: go for the easy headshot, or try the more stylish move of shooting the gun right out of his hand. Either way, get that hostage safe.

Once the dust settles, make sure to restock your ammo and loot any bodies for supplies. After the next cutscene wraps up, you'll follow the Marshal out into the wild to hunt down the rest of this gang. Stick close to him, and let's finish this!