What’s the best way to save before a legendary fish catch?

Saving your progress before attempting to catch a legendary fish in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial, as these fish are unique and challenging to catch. Legendary fish are one-of-a-kind, meaning if you fail to catch one, you cannot try again unless you reload a previous save. To ensure you don’t lose progress or waste time, follow these detailed steps to save your game effectively before attempting the catch.\n\nFirst, understand the game’s save mechanics. Red Dead Redemption 2 offers two primary ways to save your progress: manual saves and autosaves. Manual saves allow you to create a specific checkpoint at any time, while autosaves occur automatically after completing missions or significant events. For legendary fish, relying on autosaves is risky, as they may overwrite your progress if something goes wrong. Therefore, always use manual saves before attempting to catch a legendary fish.\n\nTo manually save your game, open the pause menu and navigate to the ''Story'' tab. Select ''Save Game'' and choose an empty slot or overwrite an existing save. It’s a good idea to create multiple save files in case you need to revert to an earlier point. For example, if you accidentally scare away the fish or fail to catch it, you can reload your save and try again without losing progress.\n\nBefore saving, ensure you are fully prepared for the fishing attempt. Legendary fish require specific bait, which can be purchased from general stores or obtained through exploration. For example, the Legendary Bluegill requires Special Lake Lure, while the Legendary Muskie requires Special Swamp Lure. Equip the correct bait and ensure your fishing rod is in good condition. Additionally, stock up on health items and stamina tonics, as fishing can be physically demanding for your character.\n\nOnce you’re ready, travel to the location of the legendary fish. Each legendary fish has a specific spawn point, which can be found on your map once you’ve unlocked the Legendary Fish Map. For example, the Legendary Smallmouth Bass is located in Lake Owanjila, west of Strawberry. When you arrive at the location, save your game manually before casting your line. This ensures you can retry if the fish escapes or if you encounter any issues.\n\nDuring the fishing process, be patient and follow the on-screen prompts carefully. Legendary fish are stronger than regular fish, so you’ll need to use the reeling mechanics effectively. Hold the right stick down to keep tension on the line, and reel in when the fish stops struggling. Avoid reeling too quickly, as this can cause the line to break. If you fail to catch the fish, simply reload your manual save and try again.\n\nFinally, consider potential challenges and solutions. For example, if the fish isn’t spawning, ensure you’ve met all prerequisites, such as completing the ''A Fisher of Fish'' stranger mission. Additionally, avoid scaring the fish by keeping your distance and using stealth when approaching the water. If you encounter predators or hostile NPCs, deal with them before saving and attempting to fish.\n\nIn summary, saving before a legendary fish catch is essential for preserving your progress and ensuring a successful attempt. Use manual saves, prepare thoroughly, and follow the game’s mechanics carefully. By doing so, you’ll maximize your chances of catching these rare and valuable fish without unnecessary frustration.