What are the best upgrades to avoid mission failures in combat-heavy missions?

To avoid mission failures in combat-heavy missions in Red Dead Redemption 2, upgrading your weapons, improving your Dead Eye ability, and stocking up on essential supplies are critical. Combat-heavy missions often involve intense gunfights, ambushes, and large groups of enemies, so preparation is key to survival. Start by upgrading your weapons at gunsmiths in towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, or Rhodes. Prioritize purchasing better firearms such as the Lancaster Repeater or the Bolt Action Rifle, as they offer higher damage and accuracy compared to starter weapons.\n\nNext, focus on upgrading your Dead Eye ability. Dead Eye allows you to slow down time and target multiple enemies, which is invaluable in chaotic combat situations. To improve Dead Eye, complete story missions and challenges that increase your Dead Eye experience. Additionally, consume items like chewing tobacco or potent tonics to refill your Dead Eye meter during missions. This ability is especially useful when facing waves of enemies or when you need to take out multiple targets quickly.\n\nStocking up on health items is another essential step. Purchase or craft items like Health Tonics, Bitters, and Potent Health Cures from general stores or through crafting. These items can be used to restore health during combat, preventing mission failures due to low health. Always carry a good supply of these items, as running out mid-mission can leave you vulnerable. Additionally, consider cooking and consuming seasoned meats at campfires to boost your health core, which provides a longer-lasting health buffer.\n\nArmor and clothing upgrades can also make a significant difference. While RDR2 doesn’t have traditional armor, wearing outfits with higher durability or weather resistance can help reduce damage. For example, the Legendary Buck Vest, crafted from the Legendary Buck pelt at a Trapper, provides a slight health boost. Similarly, equipping reinforced equipment like upgraded holsters or bandoliers can improve your overall combat efficiency.\n\nFinally, practice your combat skills in free roam before tackling difficult missions. Engage in random encounters, hunt animals, or clear out gang hideouts to get comfortable with aiming, shooting, and using cover. This will help you react faster during mission-critical moments. Pay attention to enemy patterns and use the environment to your advantage, such as taking cover behind rocks or walls to avoid taking unnecessary damage.\n\nBy following these steps—upgrading weapons, improving Dead Eye, stocking up on health items, and practicing combat—you’ll significantly reduce the risk of mission failures in combat-heavy scenarios. Preparation and adaptability are your best tools for surviving the toughest missions in Red Dead Redemption 2.