What’s the best way to save before a timed mission?

Saving before a timed mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial to avoid losing progress or failing due to unexpected challenges. Timed missions often require quick decision-making and precise execution, so having a recent save ensures you can retry without starting over. The game allows manual saves at almost any point outside of missions, but understanding the mechanics and limitations is key to using this feature effectively.\n\nTo manually save your game, open the pause menu and navigate to the ''Story'' tab. From there, select ''Save Game'' and choose an empty slot or overwrite an existing save. It’s a good idea to create multiple save files, especially before critical missions, to avoid overwriting important progress. Manual saves are disabled during missions, so you must save before initiating the mission or during specific moments when the game allows it.\n\nFor timed missions, such as ''A Fine Night of Debauchery'' or ''The Sheep and the Goats,'' it’s best to save as close to the mission start as possible. For example, in Valentine, you can save near the saloon before starting ''A Fine Night of Debauchery.'' This ensures you’re prepared for the mission’s time-sensitive objectives, like escorting a drunk Lenny or chasing a thief. If you fail, you can reload the save and try again without losing progress.\n\nAnother practical tip is to use the game’s autosave feature strategically. Autosaves occur at key moments, such as completing a mission or entering a new area. However, relying solely on autosaves can be risky, as they may not always capture your preferred state. To maximize control, disable autosave in the settings and rely on manual saves. This way, you can ensure your progress is saved exactly where you want it.\n\nIf you’re caught in a timed mission without a recent save, don’t panic. Many timed missions allow for multiple attempts, and failing often provides valuable insight into the mission’s mechanics. For example, in ''The Sheep and the Goats,'' failing to catch the thief teaches you the best routes and strategies for success. Use these failures as learning opportunities to improve your approach.\n\nFinally, consider your character’s condition before saving. Ensure Arthur is well-rested, fed, and equipped with the necessary weapons and items. For example, in ''Pouring Forth Oil,'' having a fast horse and a good rifle can make a significant difference. Preparing beforehand ensures you’re ready for the mission’s challenges and reduces the likelihood of needing to reload.\n\nIn summary, saving before a timed mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 involves understanding the game’s save mechanics, creating multiple manual saves, and preparing your character for the mission’s demands. By following these steps, you can tackle timed missions with confidence and minimize frustration.