What’s the best way to save before a high-stakes mission?

Saving your progress before a high-stakes mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial to avoid losing hours of gameplay if things go wrong. The game features an autosave system, but relying on it can be risky, especially during critical missions. To ensure you have a reliable save point, you must manually save your game. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, explain the mechanics, and provide tips for optimal saving strategies.\n\nFirst, understand the game''s save mechanics. Red Dead Redemption 2 allows you to save manually at any time, except during missions, combat, or other restricted scenarios. To save manually, open the pause menu by pressing the Options button on PlayStation or the Menu button on Xbox. Navigate to the ''Story'' tab and select ''Save Game.'' You can create a new save file or overwrite an existing one. Always create a new save file before a high-stakes mission to avoid overwriting a critical checkpoint.\n\nBefore starting a mission, ensure you are in a safe location. Campfires are ideal for saving because they are scattered throughout the world and often located near mission start points. For example, if you''re about to start a mission in Valentine, head to the campfire near the saloon or the one at your gang''s camp. Interact with the campfire to rest, and then save your game. This ensures you have a safe starting point if the mission goes awry.\n\nAnother important tip is to prepare your character before saving. Stock up on ammunition, health tonics, and other supplies. Visit a gunsmith to clean and upgrade your weapons, and ensure your horse is well-fed and rested. For example, before the mission ''Blessed Are the Meek?'' in Chapter 2, visit the Valentine gunsmith to upgrade your revolver and stock up on Dead Eye tonics. This preparation can make a significant difference in mission success.\n\nIf you''re playing on PC, consider using multiple save slots. Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC allows you to create numerous save files, which can be a lifesaver if you encounter a bug or make a critical mistake. For example, before the mission ''American Venom'' in the Epilogue, create a separate save file labeled ''Final Mission Backup.'' This way, you can revisit the mission without losing progress in other parts of the game.\n\nFinally, always test your save file before committing to the mission. After saving, reload the file to ensure it works correctly. This step is especially important for high-stakes missions like ''Red Dead Redemption'' in Chapter 6, where failure can result in significant consequences. By following these steps, you can approach any mission with confidence, knowing you have a reliable save point to fall back on.\n\nIn summary, saving before a high-stakes mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires careful planning and execution. Use manual saves, prepare your character, and test your save files to avoid frustration. By mastering these techniques, you can enjoy the game''s immersive story without worrying about losing progress.