What’s the best way to defend against griefers in free roam?

Defending against griefers in Red Dead Online can be challenging, but with the right strategies and game mechanics, you can protect yourself and enjoy free roam without constant interruptions. Griefers are players who intentionally disrupt others'' gameplay, often by attacking unprovoked or sabotaging missions. To counter them effectively, you need to understand the game''s defensive systems, utilize tools, and adopt smart tactics.\n\nFirst, activate Defensive Mode. This is a crucial feature that reduces the damage you take from other players and prevents them from locking onto you with auto-aim. To enable Defensive Mode, open the Player Menu (left on the D-pad), navigate to Online Options, and toggle it on. While in Defensive Mode, you cannot be lassoed or executed instantly, making it harder for griefers to harass you. However, be aware that attacking another player will disable Defensive Mode temporarily, so use it wisely.\n\nNext, invest in ability cards that enhance your survivability. Cards like ''Slow and Steady'' (Dead Eye ability) make you immune to headshots and reduce damage while in Dead Eye. ''Iron Lung'' increases your health regeneration and reduces damage taken when your stamina is high. Pair these with ''Fool Me Once,'' which reduces damage from consecutive shots, and ''Never Without One,'' which prevents a single headshot from killing you if you''re wearing a hat. These cards make you significantly harder to kill, giving you an edge in combat.\n\nUse the environment to your advantage. If you''re being pursued, head to areas with natural cover, such as forests, cliffs, or buildings. For example, the town of Valentine has plenty of buildings to duck into, while the dense forests of Tall Trees provide ample hiding spots. Griefers often rely on open spaces to track and attack, so breaking line of sight can force them to give up or make mistakes. Additionally, use your horse''s speed and agility to outmaneuver pursuers. The Arabian or Missouri Fox Trotter breeds are excellent for escaping quickly.\n\nCarry the right weapons and consumables. Always have a shotgun or rifle equipped for close-quarters combat, as these weapons deal high damage and can quickly eliminate threats. The Bolt Action Rifle is a versatile choice for medium-range engagements. Stock up on health tonics, such as Potent Health Cure or Special Health Cure, to heal quickly during fights. Snake Oil and other Dead Eye tonics can also give you an edge in prolonged battles. Keep these items in your satchel and assign them to quick-access slots for faster use.\n\nIf you''re overwhelmed, consider using the game''s Parley or Feud systems. After being killed by another player, you can choose to Parley, which prevents them from attacking you for 10 minutes. This is ideal for avoiding persistent griefers. Alternatively, if you''re up for a challenge, initiate a Feud to turn the encounter into a structured PvP match. This can deter griefers who prefer easy targets over fair fights.\n\nFinally, play with a posse. Griefers are less likely to attack a group of players, as the odds are stacked against them. Forming or joining a posse not only provides safety in numbers but also makes activities like hunting, trading, and missions more enjoyable. Use the Posse Up feature in the main menu to find like-minded players or invite friends to your own posse.\n\nIn summary, defending against griefers in Red Dead Online requires a combination of defensive tools, smart tactics, and situational awareness. Activate Defensive Mode, equip the right ability cards, use the environment to your advantage, and carry powerful weapons and consumables. When necessary, utilize Parley or Feud systems, and consider playing with a posse for added protection. By following these steps, you can minimize disruptions and focus on enjoying the game.