What are the best Ability Cards for close-quarters combat?

Close-quarters combat in Red Dead Online requires a strategic approach to Ability Cards, as they can significantly enhance your survivability and damage output in tight, fast-paced situations. The best Ability Cards for close-quarters combat focus on increasing damage, reducing incoming damage, and improving mobility. Below is a detailed breakdown of the top Ability Cards and how to use them effectively.\n\nFirst, consider the **Paint It Black** Dead Eye card. This card is excellent for close-quarters combat because it allows you to mark targets quickly, ensuring your shots land accurately even in chaotic situations. When enemies are rushing you, Paint It Black lets you lock onto multiple targets in rapid succession, making it ideal for clearing out groups. Pair this with a shotgun or dual-wielded pistols for maximum effectiveness. For example, when defending a hideout or engaging in PvP, Paint It Black can help you eliminate threats before they overwhelm you.\n\nNext, the **Slippery Bastard** Dead Eye card is a game-changer for close-quarters combat. This card makes you harder to hit while active, giving you the upper hand in chaotic melee or shotgun fights. When enemies are trying to close the distance, activate Slippery Bastard to dodge their shots and reposition yourself. This card is particularly useful in PvP modes like Showdowns, where players often rely on aim-assisted weapons. Combine Slippery Bastard with a melee weapon or sawed-off shotgun to dominate close-range encounters.\n\nFor survivability, the **Iron Lung** passive card is a must-have. This card reduces damage taken based on your stamina level, making it invaluable in close-quarters combat where you’re likely to take hits. Keep your stamina high by using tonics or sprinting strategically, and you’ll notice a significant reduction in incoming damage. This is especially useful when fighting in tight spaces like saloons or caves, where enemies can quickly surround you.\n\nAnother essential card is **Fool Me Once**, which reduces damage from consecutive shots. In close-quarters combat, enemies often fire rapidly, and this card mitigates the damage from follow-up shots. For example, if you’re caught in a shotgun duel, Fool Me Once can give you the edge by allowing you to survive longer and retaliate effectively. Pair this with a high-damage weapon like the Repeating Shotgun to maximize your chances of winning.\n\nFinally, the **Winning Streak** card is perfect for increasing your damage output in close-quarters combat. This card boosts damage with each consecutive hit on the same target, making it ideal for rapid-fire weapons like dual-wielded pistols or the Semi-Auto Shotgun. When facing a tough opponent, Winning Streak ensures that your damage increases as the fight progresses, giving you a decisive advantage.\n\nTo optimize your loadout, combine these cards with the right weapons and tactics. For example, use Paint It Black with dual-wielded Schofield Revolvers for quick, accurate shots, or pair Slippery Bastard with a melee weapon like the Machete for close-range dominance. Always carry health tonics and stamina tonics to keep your stats high, and practice your aim in tight spaces to improve your reaction time.\n\nIn summary, the best Ability Cards for close-quarters combat in Red Dead Online are Paint It Black, Slippery Bastard, Iron Lung, Fool Me Once, and Winning Streak. These cards enhance your damage, survivability, and mobility, making them essential for close-range encounters. Experiment with different combinations to find the loadout that suits your playstyle, and always be prepared for the chaos of close-quarters combat.