What’s the best way to prepare for the mission "Fleeting Joy"?

The mission ''Fleeting Joy'' in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a pivotal story moment that requires careful preparation due to its intense combat and emotional stakes. This mission involves a major confrontation with the O''Driscoll gang, and players must ensure they are well-equipped and ready for a prolonged fight. To prepare effectively, focus on stocking up on ammunition, health items, and ensuring your weapons are in top condition. Additionally, understanding the mission''s structure and potential challenges will help you navigate it smoothly.\n\nFirst, ensure you have a full stock of ammunition for your preferred weapons. The mission involves multiple waves of enemies, so having enough bullets is crucial. Visit a gunsmith in Valentine, Rhodes, or Saint Denis to purchase rifle, revolver, and shotgun ammo. High-powered weapons like the Lancaster Repeater or Bolt-Action Rifle are ideal for this mission due to their accuracy and damage output. If you prefer close-quarters combat, consider upgrading your shotgun with slugs or express rounds for maximum impact.\n\nNext, stock up on health items such as Potent Health Cures, Bitters, and Food. These items will help you recover quickly during the mission''s intense firefights. You can craft Potent Health Cures using Yarrow and Ginseng, or purchase them from general stores. Additionally, carry a few Snake Oils or Cocaine Gums to replenish your Dead Eye meter, which will be invaluable for targeting enemies efficiently. Cooking seasoned big game meat at your campfire is another great way to boost your health and stamina cores before the mission.\n\nBefore starting the mission, ensure your horse is well-fed and equipped with a saddle that boosts stamina or health. A fast and reliable horse, such as the Arabian or Turkoman, can help you maneuver quickly during the mission. If your horse is injured or low on stamina, use Horse Stimulants or Horse Ointments to keep it in peak condition. Additionally, store any valuables or unnecessary items in your satchel to free up space for mission-specific loot.\n\nDuring the mission, you will face waves of O''Driscolls in a confined area. Use cover effectively to avoid taking unnecessary damage. The environment provides plenty of walls, crates, and barrels to hide behind. Peek out to take shots and retreat to reload or heal. Dead Eye is particularly useful here for targeting multiple enemies quickly. If you run low on ammo, scavenge weapons and bullets from fallen enemies to keep yourself stocked.\n\nOne common challenge in this mission is managing the sheer number of enemies. To handle this, prioritize taking out enemies with long-range weapons first, as they can deal significant damage from a distance. Use dynamite or Molotov cocktails to clear groups of enemies quickly. If you find yourself overwhelmed, retreat to a safer position and use health items to recover before re-engaging.\n\nFinally, after the mission, take time to restock your supplies and repair any damaged weapons. This mission is emotionally taxing and sets the stage for future events, so ensure you are prepared for what comes next. By following these steps, you can approach ''Fleeting Joy'' with confidence and successfully navigate its challenges.\n\nPractical tips: Always save your game before starting the mission in case you need to retry. Use Dead Eye strategically to conserve ammo and eliminate threats quickly. Keep an eye on your health and stamina cores, and don''t hesitate to use items to replenish them. With proper preparation and a calm approach, you can overcome the challenges of ''Fleeting Joy'' and progress smoothly through the story.