How do I keep John alive during "My Last Boy"?

Keeping John Marston alive during the mission ''My Last Boy'' in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial for the story and requires careful planning and execution. This mission involves a large-scale battle at Beaver Hollow, where you must protect John while fighting off the Pinkertons and other enemies. The key to success lies in understanding the game mechanics, positioning, and using the right tools.\n\nFirst, ensure you are well-prepared before starting the mission. Stock up on health tonics, potent healing items like the Special Health Cure, and Dead Eye tonics. Equip a reliable rifle, such as the Bolt Action Rifle or Springfield Rifle, for long-range combat, and a repeater like the Lancaster Repeater for mid-range engagements. Shotguns can also be useful for close-quarters combat. Ammo should be fully stocked, and consider carrying explosive rounds for tougher enemies.\n\nDuring the mission, you will be tasked with defending the camp alongside Dutch and the gang. The Pinkertons will attack from multiple directions, and John will be vulnerable if left unprotected. Stay close to John and prioritize enemies who are targeting him. Use Dead Eye frequently to mark and eliminate threats quickly. Dead Eye is especially useful for taking out multiple enemies in rapid succession, reducing the chances of John taking damage.\n\nPositioning is critical in this mission. Stay in cover as much as possible, using rocks, trees, and other environmental objects to shield yourself from enemy fire. Avoid standing in open areas where you can be easily targeted. When moving, use the terrain to your advantage, staying behind natural barriers while advancing toward objectives. Keep an eye on John''s position and adjust your own to stay between him and incoming enemies.\n\nOne common challenge is the sheer number of enemies during the final assault. To manage this, focus on thinning out the enemy ranks before they get too close. Use Dead Eye to target enemies with headshots, which will instantly kill most foes. If you are overwhelmed, fall back to a safer position and use health tonics to recover. Do not hesitate to use explosive rounds or dynamite to clear groups of enemies quickly.\n\nAnother tip is to use the environment strategically. For example, during the final push, you can use the high ground to your advantage. Climb onto elevated positions to gain a better view of the battlefield and pick off enemies from a distance. This will also make it harder for enemies to flank you or John.\n\nFinally, communication with your gang members can help. While you cannot directly control them, staying near Dutch and other allies can draw some enemy fire away from John. However, do not rely solely on them, as their AI can be unpredictable. Your primary focus should always be on protecting John and eliminating threats as they appear.\n\nIn summary, keeping John alive during ''My Last Boy'' requires preparation, strategic positioning, and effective use of Dead Eye and cover. Prioritize enemies targeting John, stay in cover, and use the environment to your advantage. With these tactics, you can successfully complete the mission and ensure John''s survival.