Can I save during missions in Red Dead Redemption 2?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, saving during missions is generally restricted to maintain the flow and immersion of the game. The game does not allow manual saves during active missions, as missions are designed to be completed in one continuous sequence. This ensures that players experience the narrative and gameplay as intended by the developers. However, there are some exceptions and workarounds to this rule that can help you manage your progress effectively.\n\nDuring most story missions, the game will autosave at key checkpoints. These checkpoints are triggered after completing specific objectives within the mission. If you fail or restart a mission, the game will typically reload from the last checkpoint, allowing you to continue without losing too much progress. This system is designed to prevent frustration while maintaining the challenge of the game. However, it also means that you cannot manually save mid-mission to create a custom save point.\n\nFor players who want to save their progress more frequently, there are a few strategies to consider. First, you can manually save your game before starting a mission. This is especially useful for difficult or lengthy missions where you might want to retry from the beginning. To do this, open the pause menu, navigate to the Story tab, and select Save Game. Choose an empty slot or overwrite an existing save file. This ensures that you have a backup point to return to if needed.\n\nAnother option is to use the game’s autosave feature strategically. While you cannot manually save during a mission, the game will autosave at certain points, such as when you complete a mission objective or transition to a new area. Pay attention to these moments, as they can serve as natural save points. If you need to stop playing mid-mission, you can exit the game and rely on the autosave to resume later. However, this method is less reliable than manual saves, as you cannot control when the autosave occurs.\n\nFor players who want more control over their progress, consider breaking up your gameplay sessions around missions. Instead of starting a mission when you have limited time, focus on free-roam activities like hunting, exploring, or completing side quests. These activities allow you to save manually at any time, giving you more flexibility. Once you have a dedicated block of time, you can then tackle story missions without worrying about interruptions.\n\nIn some cases, you may encounter missions that allow for more flexibility. For example, certain open-world missions or side quests may not restrict saving as strictly as main story missions. Pay attention to the mission description and objectives to determine whether saving is possible. Additionally, some missions may have multiple stages or optional objectives that can be completed separately, allowing you to save progress between stages.\n\nFinally, it’s important to note that the game’s save system is tied to your console or PC. If you are playing on a console, ensure that your save data is backed up to the cloud or an external storage device. On PC, you can manually back up your save files by locating them in the game’s directory. This provides an extra layer of security in case of data loss or corruption.\n\nIn summary, while Red Dead Redemption 2 restricts manual saving during most missions, you can use autosaves, pre-mission saves, and strategic gameplay planning to manage your progress effectively. By understanding the game’s mechanics and planning ahead, you can minimize frustration and enjoy the immersive experience that RDR2 offers.