What’s the best way to defend my Trader delivery from attackers?

Defending your Trader delivery in Red Dead Online requires preparation, strategy, and quick thinking. The Trader role involves hunting animals, delivering goods, and earning money, but other players can attack your delivery wagon to steal your cargo. To successfully defend your delivery, you need to understand the game mechanics, use the right tools, and coordinate with your posse.\n\nFirst, always prepare before starting a delivery. Ensure your weapons are clean, fully loaded, and upgraded. Equip a long-range rifle like the Carcano Rifle or Rolling Block Rifle for sniping attackers from a distance. Pair this with a reliable repeater, such as the Lancaster Repeater, for mid-range combat. Additionally, stock up on health tonics, snake oil, and explosive ammo. These items can give you an edge in prolonged fights. If you’re playing solo, consider recruiting a posse to help defend your wagon. A well-coordinated team can make all the difference.\n\nWhen starting a delivery, choose the right route. The game will mark your destination, but you can deviate slightly to avoid high-traffic areas like Valentine or Saint Denis. These towns are hotspots for player activity and increase the risk of ambushes. Stick to less populated areas like the Grizzlies or the Heartlands, where you can spot attackers from a distance. Use the terrain to your advantage by positioning your wagon near cover, such as rocks or trees, to block incoming fire.\n\nDuring the delivery, stay alert and use your mini-map to detect nearby players. Red dots indicate hostile players, so keep an eye on their movements. If you spot an attacker, dismount from your wagon and take cover. Use your sniper rifle to pick off enemies from a distance before they get too close. If they manage to close the gap, switch to your repeater or shotgun for close-quarters combat. Always prioritize protecting the wagon over chasing down attackers, as losing the wagon means losing your cargo.\n\nCommunication is key if you’re playing with a posse. Assign roles to each member, such as a sniper to cover long-range threats and a close-range defender to handle ambushes. Use voice chat or the in-game text chat to coordinate your efforts. For example, one player can drive the wagon while others scout ahead and clear the path. If your wagon is damaged, use the Repair Kit item to restore its health. Keep an eye on the wagon’s health bar and repair it as soon as it takes damage.\n\nIf you’re overwhelmed, consider using defensive abilities like the Slow and Steady Dead Eye card, which reduces damage taken while aiming. Pair this with the Iron Lung ability card to increase your stamina and health regeneration. These cards can help you survive prolonged fights and give you an edge against attackers. Additionally, use explosive ammo sparingly to take out groups of enemies or destroy their horses, slowing them down.\n\nFinally, always have a backup plan. If your wagon is destroyed, you can still salvage some of your cargo by loading it onto your horse. However, this is slower and riskier, so prioritize protecting the wagon. If you’re playing solo and feel outmatched, consider switching to a defensive mode or starting the delivery during off-peak hours when fewer players are online.\n\nIn summary, defending your Trader delivery requires preparation, strategy, and teamwork. Equip the right weapons, use the terrain to your advantage, and communicate with your posse to fend off attackers. Stay alert, prioritize the wagon’s safety, and use defensive abilities to survive. With these tips, you’ll increase your chances of completing your delivery successfully and earning a hefty profit.