How do I counter explosive ammo in PvP?

Explosive ammo in Red Dead Redemption 2 PvP can be devastating due to its high damage and area-of-effect impact. To counter it effectively, you need to understand its mechanics and adapt your gameplay strategy. Explosive ammo is crafted using regular ammo combined with animal fat, which can be obtained by hunting animals like ducks, boars, or bears. This ammo is rare and expensive to produce, so players using it often rely on it for quick kills. However, with the right tactics, you can minimize its effectiveness.\n\nFirst, prioritize maintaining distance from opponents using explosive ammo. Explosive rounds have a limited range compared to other ammo types, so staying at medium to long range reduces your chances of being hit. Use scoped rifles like the Rolling Block Rifle or Carcano Rifle to engage from a safe distance. These weapons allow you to deal significant damage while keeping you out of the explosive ammo''s effective range. If you''re forced into close-quarters combat, use cover wisely to avoid direct hits.\n\nNext, invest in defensive ability cards to mitigate explosive ammo damage. Cards like ''Iron Lung'' and ''Fool Me Once'' are excellent choices. ''Iron Lung'' increases your health regeneration and reduces damage taken when your stamina is high, while ''Fool Me Once'' reduces damage from subsequent shots. Pair these with ''Slow and Steady,'' which prevents you from being killed in one shot while in Dead Eye. This combination makes you significantly more durable against explosive rounds.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to use terrain and environmental objects to your advantage. Explosive ammo can destroy cover, but it takes time for the explosion to trigger. Use this delay to reposition yourself. For example, if you''re near a rock or building, move behind it when you see your opponent aiming at you. This forces them to waste their explosive ammo or switch to regular rounds, giving you an opportunity to counterattack.\n\nIf you''re facing a player who consistently uses explosive ammo, consider using the ''Slippery Bastard'' ability card. This card makes you harder to hit while active, forcing your opponent to either waste their explosive rounds or switch to melee combat. Pair this with a shotgun or melee weapon to close the gap and take them down quickly. Remember, explosive ammo users often rely on their ammo''s power, so catching them off guard can turn the tide in your favor.\n\nFinally, always be prepared with your own explosive ammo or alternative high-damage weapons. While it''s not ideal to rely on the same tactics as your opponent, having a few explosive rounds in your inventory can give you an edge in critical moments. Alternatively, use incendiary or high-velocity ammo to deal consistent damage without relying on rare resources. These ammo types are easier to craft and can still be effective in PvP scenarios.\n\nIn summary, countering explosive ammo in Red Dead Redemption 2 PvP requires a combination of strategic positioning, defensive ability cards, and smart use of terrain. By maintaining distance, investing in defensive abilities, and using the environment to your advantage, you can neutralize the threat of explosive ammo and gain the upper hand in combat. Practice these strategies in free roam or showdowns to refine your skills and become a more formidable opponent.