What’s the best way to manage Arthur’s cores during long missions?

Managing Arthur’s cores during long missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial for maintaining his health, stamina, and Dead Eye efficiency. Arthur’s cores are divided into three categories: Health, Stamina, and Dead Eye. Each core depletes over time due to activities like running, fighting, or taking damage. To keep Arthur in peak condition, you need to monitor and replenish these cores regularly.\n\nFirst, always carry a variety of consumables to restore cores. Items like cooked meat, tonics, and canned foods are essential. Cooked meat, such as venison or big game meat, is particularly effective as it not only restores cores but also provides golden cores, which slow down depletion. You can hunt animals like deer or boar in the wilderness and cook their meat at campfires. Tonics like Bitters and Snake Oil are great for Dead Eye and Stamina, respectively, and can be crafted or purchased from general stores.\n\nSecond, prioritize maintaining your camp’s provisions. Upgrading the camp through the Ledger at Dutch’s tent unlocks better food and supplies, which can help Arthur recover cores faster. For example, upgrading Pearson’s cooking station allows him to prepare stews that provide golden cores. This is especially useful before embarking on long missions, as golden cores give Arthur a significant advantage.\n\nThird, take advantage of rest opportunities during missions. Many missions have moments where Arthur can rest, eat, or drink. For instance, during campfire scenes, you can interact with the fire to cook food or brew coffee, which restores Stamina. Similarly, when riding with companions, you can often stop to eat or drink from your inventory. Always check your surroundings for these opportunities.\n\nFourth, manage Arthur’s weight. Arthur’s weight affects his core depletion rates. If he’s underweight, his Stamina depletes faster, while being overweight slows his movement. Maintain a balanced diet by eating regularly but not excessively. You can check Arthur’s weight in the Player menu under the Character section. Eating a mix of proteins, vegetables, and canned goods helps maintain an average weight.\n\nFinally, use Dead Eye strategically. Dead Eye is invaluable in combat, but it depletes quickly. To conserve it, avoid using it for minor encounters and save it for tougher fights. You can replenish Dead Eye by consuming items like chewing tobacco or Snake Oil. Additionally, upgrading Dead Eye through the story and challenges increases its efficiency, making it last longer.\n\nPractical examples include preparing for missions like ‘The Sheep and the Goats,’ where you’ll need to herd livestock. Before starting, cook several pieces of meat and stock up on tonics. During the mission, take breaks to eat and drink, especially after running or fighting. Another example is the ‘Pouring Forth Oil’ mission, where you’ll face multiple enemies. Use Dead Eye sparingly and replenish it with Snake Oil when necessary.\n\nIn summary, managing Arthur’s cores involves preparation, resource management, and strategic use of abilities. Always carry consumables, upgrade your camp, take rest opportunities, maintain Arthur’s weight, and use Dead Eye wisely. By following these steps, you’ll ensure Arthur stays in top condition throughout even the longest missions.