What are the key tips to avoid failing missions with fragile NPCs?

Avoiding mission failures with fragile NPCs in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires careful planning, situational awareness, and understanding game mechanics. Fragile NPCs are often mission-critical characters who can die or become incapacitated if not protected properly. These missions typically involve escorting, defending, or rescuing NPCs, and failure occurs if they take too much damage or die. To succeed, you must prioritize their safety while managing threats like enemies, environmental hazards, or time constraints.\n\nFirst, always stay close to the fragile NPC during missions. The game often penalizes you for straying too far, as enemies can quickly overwhelm or kill the NPC if you''re not nearby. For example, in the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil IV,'' you must protect John Marston from waves of enemies. Stay within a reasonable distance to intercept threats before they reach him. Use Dead Eye to target multiple enemies quickly, ensuring they don’t get close enough to harm John.\n\nSecond, use cover effectively to shield both yourself and the NPC. Many missions take place in areas with ample cover, such as rocks, trees, or buildings. Position yourself between the NPC and incoming enemies to act as a buffer. For instance, in ''The Sheep and the Goats,'' you must protect the herd and the rancher from wolves and bandits. Use the environment to your advantage by staying near the rancher and taking out threats before they close in.\n\nThird, prioritize healing items and tonics. Fragile NPCs can take damage over time, and some missions allow you to heal them. Always carry Health Cures, Potent Health Tonics, and Snake Oil to restore your health and Dead Eye during intense fights. In missions like ''Sodom? Back to Gomorrah,'' where you must protect Sadie Adler, use tonics to stay in peak condition and keep her alive. Additionally, loot enemies for extra supplies if you run low.\n\nFourth, manage your weapons and ammunition. Use weapons suited for the mission''s requirements. For example, a repeater or rifle is ideal for long-range combat, while a shotgun works well for close-quarters defense. In ''The Battle of Shady Belle,'' you must protect the gang from Pinkertons. Equip a Lancaster Repeater for precision and a Pump-Action Shotgun for close-range threats. Always ensure you have enough ammo before starting the mission.\n\nFinally, practice situational awareness. Pay attention to mission objectives, enemy spawn points, and environmental cues. For example, in ''The Fine Joys of Tobacco,'' you must protect Jack Marston from bounty hunters. Listen for enemy dialogue and watch for movement in the distance to anticipate attacks. Use Dead Eye to mark and eliminate threats before they become a problem.\n\nBy following these tips, you can avoid mission failures with fragile NPCs and progress smoothly through Red Dead Redemption 2. Remember to stay close, use cover, prioritize healing, manage your weapons, and maintain situational awareness to ensure success.