What’s the best way to use throwing knives in combat?

Throwing knives in Red Dead Redemption 2 are a versatile and deadly tool in combat, offering a silent and effective way to take down enemies without alerting others. They are particularly useful for stealth missions or when you want to conserve ammunition. To use throwing knives effectively, you need to understand their mechanics, how to aim, and when to deploy them.\n\nFirst, equip a throwing knife from your weapon wheel. Press the appropriate button to open the weapon wheel (L1/LB on consoles or Tab on PC), then select the throwing knife from the melee section. Once equipped, you can hold the aim button (L2/LT or right-click) to prepare a throw. The longer you hold, the farther and more accurately the knife will travel. Release the button to throw the knife at your target.\n\nAiming is crucial for successful throws. Use Dead Eye (R3/RS or middle mouse button) to slow down time and mark your target. This is especially helpful when dealing with moving enemies or when precision is required. Dead Eye ensures your knife hits its mark, even at longer distances. For example, during the mission ''Blessed Are the Meek?'' in Chapter 2, you can use throwing knives to silently eliminate guards without alerting others.\n\nThrowing knives are ideal for stealth situations. When infiltrating enemy camps or hunting animals, a well-placed knife can eliminate targets without drawing attention. For instance, in the gang hideout at Hanging Dog Ranch, you can use throwing knives to silently take out guards patrolling the perimeter. This allows you to thin their numbers before engaging in open combat.\n\nOne common challenge is managing the limited number of knives you can carry. You can hold up to 10 throwing knives at a time, so make each throw count. To replenish your supply, loot enemies or purchase them from fences like the one in Rhodes or Saint Denis. Additionally, crafting improved throwing knives using a knife, flight feathers, and animal fat increases their damage and effectiveness.\n\nThrowing knives are also effective against animals. When hunting, they can be used to kill small game like rabbits or birds without damaging the pelt. For example, in the forests near Valentine, you can use throwing knives to hunt perfect rabbit pelts for crafting upgrades at the Trapper.\n\nIn open combat, throwing knives can be a backup weapon when your firearms are empty or reloading. They deal significant damage and can instantly kill enemies if aimed at the head or vital areas. For example, during the mission ''A Short Walk in a Pretty Town,'' you can use throwing knives to quickly dispatch enemies in close quarters.\n\nTo master throwing knives, practice in less dangerous environments like hunting or clearing out small enemy groups. This will help you get a feel for their range and accuracy. Over time, you''ll learn to judge distances and angles, making them a reliable tool in your arsenal.\n\nIn summary, throwing knives are a silent, deadly, and versatile weapon in Red Dead Redemption 2. Use them for stealth, hunting, or as a backup in combat. Equip them from the weapon wheel, aim carefully, and utilize Dead Eye for precision. Replenish your supply by looting or purchasing from fences, and consider crafting improved versions for added power. With practice, throwing knives can become an essential part of your gameplay strategy.