What’s the best strategy for surviving the ambush in "The First Shall Be Last"?

The ambush in ''The First Shall Be Last'' is one of the most intense moments in Red Dead Redemption 2, requiring quick thinking and strategic gameplay. This mission involves Arthur and the gang being ambushed by the O''Driscolls after rescuing Sean. To survive, you need to focus on positioning, weapon choice, and effective use of Dead Eye.\n\nFirst, prioritize your positioning. As soon as the ambush begins, take cover behind the large rocks or trees scattered around the area. These provide excellent protection from enemy fire. Avoid standing in the open, as the O''Driscolls will quickly overwhelm you with their numbers. Use the environment to your advantage by moving from cover to cover, ensuring you always have a safe spot to retreat to if needed.\n\nNext, choose the right weapons. A repeater, such as the Lancaster or Carbine Repeater, is ideal for this fight due to its high rate of fire and accuracy. Pair it with a revolver or pistol for close-range encounters. Make sure your weapons are fully loaded before the ambush begins, as you won’t have much time to reload during the chaos. If you have access to Dead Eye, use it strategically to take out multiple enemies quickly.\n\nDead Eye is your best friend in this mission. Activate it by pressing the appropriate button (R3 on PlayStation, RS on Xbox) and mark multiple enemies for quick elimination. This is especially useful when dealing with groups of O''Driscolls advancing on your position. Focus on taking out enemies with rifles first, as they pose the greatest threat from a distance.\n\nPay attention to your health and stamina. Keep an eye on your cores and use tonics or food to replenish them if necessary. Health tonics, such as Potent Health Cure, can be a lifesaver if you’re taking heavy damage. Similarly, stamina tonics will help you sprint to cover or dodge incoming fire. Always have a few of these items in your inventory before starting the mission.\n\nOne common challenge is the sheer number of enemies. To manage this, focus on thinning their ranks by targeting enemies on higher ground first. These enemies often have better vantage points and can deal significant damage if left unchecked. Use your Dead Eye to quickly eliminate them before they become a problem.\n\nFinally, stay calm and methodical. The ambush can feel overwhelming, but by staying in cover, using Dead Eye, and managing your resources, you can survive. After the initial wave, reinforcements will arrive, so be prepared for a prolonged fight. Stick to your strategy, and you’ll make it through.\n\nIn summary, the key to surviving the ambush in ''The First Shall Be Last'' is positioning, weapon choice, and effective use of Dead Eye. Take cover, prioritize high-threat enemies, and manage your health and stamina. With these strategies, you’ll overcome the O''Driscolls and complete the mission successfully.