What are the best Ability Cards for a sniper build?

In Red Dead Online, creating a sniper build requires careful selection of Ability Cards to maximize your effectiveness at long-range combat. A sniper build focuses on precision, damage output, and survivability, making it essential to choose cards that complement these strengths. Below is a detailed breakdown of the best Ability Cards for a sniper build, along with explanations of their mechanics and practical tips for using them effectively.\n\nFirst, the **Paint It Black** Dead Eye card is a must-have for any sniper build. This card allows you to mark targets while in Dead Eye, ensuring your shots land with pinpoint accuracy. For snipers, this is invaluable when engaging moving targets or enemies at extreme distances. To use Paint It Black effectively, activate Dead Eye, mark your target, and fire. This card is particularly useful in PvP scenarios where enemies are constantly moving or taking cover.\n\nNext, the **Sharpshooter** card is essential for increasing your damage output and reducing damage taken while aiming. This card provides a 20% damage boost and 20% damage reduction when aiming with a scoped weapon, making it perfect for snipers. To maximize its effectiveness, always aim down your scope when engaging enemies, even if they are close. This card also pairs well with the Rolling Block Rifle or Carcano Rifle, which are the best sniper rifles in the game.\n\nThe **Peak Condition** card is another excellent choice for snipers. It increases your damage output based on your stamina level, rewarding players who maintain high stamina. Since snipers often engage in prolonged firefights, keeping your stamina high is crucial. Use tonics like Bitters or Minty Big Game Meat to maintain stamina levels during combat. This card works particularly well in Free Roam events or long-range PvP battles where sustained damage is key.\n\nFinally, the **Iron Lung** card complements a sniper build by reducing damage taken based on your stamina level. This card synergizes well with Peak Condition, as both rely on maintaining high stamina. To make the most of Iron Lung, avoid sprinting unnecessarily and use stamina-boosting items regularly. This card is especially useful when facing multiple enemies or when under fire from other snipers.\n\nWhen using these Ability Cards, it''s important to consider your playstyle and the specific challenges you face. For example, if you frequently engage in close-quarters combat, consider swapping Iron Lung for **Never Without One**, which protects you from headshots at the cost of your hat. However, for pure sniping, the combination of Paint It Black, Sharpshooter, Peak Condition, and Iron Lung is hard to beat.\n\nTo optimize your sniper build, always carry the right weapons and equipment. The Rolling Block Rifle and Carcano Rifle are the best choices for snipers due to their high damage and accuracy. Equip a scope on your rifle for maximum effectiveness, and carry plenty of ammo and tonics to sustain yourself during long engagements. Additionally, position yourself on high ground or in areas with clear sightlines, such as the cliffs near Valentine or the rooftops in Saint Denis.\n\nIn summary, the best Ability Cards for a sniper build in Red Dead Online are Paint It Black, Sharpshooter, Peak Condition, and Iron Lung. These cards enhance your accuracy, damage output, and survivability, making you a formidable opponent at long range. By maintaining high stamina, positioning yourself strategically, and using the right weapons, you can dominate the battlefield as a sniper. Practice your aim and experiment with different card combinations to find what works best for you.