Can I save my game during a poker game?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, saving your game during a poker game is not directly possible due to the game''s mechanics. Poker games are considered active missions or activities, and the game restricts manual saving during such sequences to maintain immersion and prevent save-scumming (reloading to undo bad outcomes). However, there are workarounds and strategies to ensure your progress is preserved while enjoying poker.\n\nTo save your game before or after a poker game, you must exit the activity. Open the pause menu and navigate to the Story tab. From there, select Save Game to create a manual save. This is particularly useful if you want to ensure your progress is saved before entering a high-stakes poker game, such as those in Saint Denis or Blackwater. These locations often have higher buy-ins and more skilled opponents, so saving beforehand can prevent frustration.\n\nIf you are mid-game and want to save, you will need to fold your hand and leave the table. Once you step away, the game will allow you to save manually. Keep in mind that leaving a poker game will reset the table, and you will need to rejoin and rebuy if you wish to continue playing. This can be inconvenient, but it is the only way to save your progress during a poker session.\n\nFor players who want to minimize risk, consider saving before entering any poker game. This way, if you lose a significant amount of money, you can reload your save and try again. This strategy is especially helpful for players aiming to complete challenges like Gambler 8, which requires winning three hands of poker with three or more raises. Losing progress on such challenges can be frustrating, so saving beforehand is a smart move.\n\nAnother tip is to use the autosave feature strategically. While autosave cannot be manually triggered, it often activates after completing missions or significant events. If you plan to play poker, consider completing a small task or mission beforehand to trigger an autosave. This way, if something goes wrong during the poker game, you can reload the autosave instead of losing hours of progress.\n\nFinally, remember that poker in Red Dead Redemption 2 is meant to be a fun and immersive experience. While saving mid-game is not possible, the game''s design encourages players to embrace the unpredictability of gambling. If you find yourself losing frequently, take a break and focus on other activities like hunting, fishing, or exploring the open world. This will help you earn money and return to poker with a fresh perspective.\n\nIn summary, while you cannot save during a poker game, you can save before or after by exiting the activity. Use manual saves strategically, especially before high-stakes games, and leverage autosaves to minimize risk. By understanding these mechanics, you can enjoy poker in Red Dead Redemption 2 without worrying about losing progress.