What’s the best weapon to use during the Van Horn saloon brawl?

The Van Horn saloon brawl is one of the most chaotic and intense random encounters in Red Dead Redemption 2. This event occurs in the Van Horn saloon, located in the town of Van Horn, northeast of Saint Denis. The brawl is triggered when Arthur Morgan interacts with a group of hostile NPCs inside the saloon, leading to a massive fistfight. While fists are the primary weapon, choosing the right approach can make the encounter much easier to handle.\n\nFirst, it’s important to understand the game mechanics of brawls. During fistfights, Arthur’s stamina and health cores play a significant role. Stamina determines how long Arthur can throw punches and dodge attacks, while health determines how much damage he can take before being knocked out. To prepare for the brawl, ensure Arthur’s stamina and health cores are full. Consume items like cooked meat or tonics to boost these stats before entering the saloon.\n\nWhen the brawl begins, the best weapon to use is your fists. However, the environment can also be used to your advantage. The saloon is filled with breakable objects like bottles and chairs, which can be picked up and used as improvised weapons. To grab an object, approach it and press the appropriate button (e.g., Square on PlayStation or X on Xbox). These items deal more damage than punches and can quickly take down multiple opponents.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to use the saloon’s layout to your advantage. The confined space can make it difficult to avoid attacks, but it also limits the number of enemies that can surround you at once. Position yourself near walls or corners to reduce the number of attackers you face simultaneously. This allows you to focus on one or two enemies at a time, making the fight more manageable.\n\nIf you’re struggling with the brawl, consider using Dead Eye to slow down time and target specific enemies. While Dead Eye is typically used for shooting, it can also help you land precise punches or dodge incoming attacks. Activate Dead Eye by pressing the appropriate button (e.g., R3 on PlayStation or Right Stick on Xbox) and use it to plan your next move.\n\nFor players who prefer a more aggressive approach, using melee weapons like knives or brass knuckles can be effective. However, these weapons are not always available during the brawl, so relying on fists and environmental objects is often the best option. If you do have a melee weapon equipped, use it sparingly to conserve stamina and avoid accidentally killing an opponent, which can escalate the situation.\n\nFinally, after the brawl, be prepared for potential consequences. The Van Horn saloon is a lawless town, so there’s no law enforcement to intervene. However, surviving NPCs may become hostile, and you may need to fight your way out of the saloon. Use the same strategies mentioned above to handle any remaining threats.\n\nIn summary, the best weapon for the Van Horn saloon brawl is your fists, supplemented by environmental objects like bottles and chairs. Prepare by boosting your stamina and health cores, use the saloon’s layout to your advantage, and consider using Dead Eye for precision. With these tips, you’ll be able to dominate the brawl and emerge victorious.