What are the best tactics to avoid failing missions in close-quarters combat?

Close-quarters combat in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be challenging, especially during missions where failure conditions are strict. To avoid mission failures, it’s crucial to understand the game mechanics and employ effective tactics. First, always prioritize cover. The game’s cover system allows you to hide behind objects like walls, crates, or barrels, reducing your exposure to enemy fire. Use the left trigger (LT on consoles) to aim and the right trigger (RT) to shoot while in cover. This minimizes the risk of being overwhelmed by multiple enemies.\n\nSecond, utilize Dead Eye effectively. Dead Eye is a core mechanic that slows down time, allowing you to target multiple enemies or weak points with precision. To activate Dead Eye, press both thumbsticks simultaneously (L3 + R3 on PlayStation or LS + RS on Xbox). Upgrade your Dead Eye ability by completing story missions and challenges to unlock features like marking multiple targets. For example, during the mission ‘Blessed Are the Meek?’ in Chapter 2, Dead Eye can help you quickly eliminate enemies in the cramped space of the bar.\n\nThird, manage your health and stamina. Always carry health tonics, such as Potent Health Cure or Bitters, and stamina tonics like Potent Snake Oil. These can be crafted or purchased from general stores. Consume them before entering combat to ensure you’re at full strength. Additionally, equip the best weapons for close-quarters combat, such as the Sawed-Off Shotgun or Volcanic Pistol. These weapons deal high damage at short range, making them ideal for tight spaces like the Saint Denis saloon or the Braithwaite Manor raid.\n\nFourth, pay attention to mission objectives and enemy behavior. Some missions require you to protect NPCs or complete tasks within a time limit. For example, in the mission ‘A Short Walk in a Pretty Town,’ you must protect Dutch and Bill during a shootout. Focus on eliminating enemies quickly and stay close to your allies to prevent them from being overwhelmed. Use the environment to your advantage by funneling enemies into narrow spaces where you can pick them off one by one.\n\nFinally, practice situational awareness. Listen for audio cues like enemy footsteps or gunfire to anticipate attacks. Use the mini-map to track enemy positions and plan your movements. If you’re surrounded, consider using throwable items like dynamite or Molotov cocktails to clear groups of enemies. For example, during the mission ‘Banking, the Old American Art,’ dynamite can be used to create an escape route or eliminate multiple enemies in the confined bank interior.\n\nBy mastering these tactics, you can significantly reduce the risk of mission failure in close-quarters combat. Always prepare before missions, adapt to the situation, and use the tools at your disposal to gain the upper hand.