What causes my weapons to degrade too quickly, and how can I fix it?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, weapon degradation is a core mechanic that simulates the wear and tear of firearms over time. Weapons degrade due to frequent use, exposure to harsh weather conditions like rain or mud, and improper maintenance. When a weapon degrades, its accuracy, damage, and reload speed decrease, making it less effective in combat. Understanding the causes and solutions for rapid degradation is essential for maintaining your arsenal and ensuring peak performance during missions and encounters.\n\nOne of the primary reasons weapons degrade quickly is environmental exposure. For example, if you ride through a swamp or get caught in a rainstorm, your weapons will accumulate dirt and moisture, accelerating their deterioration. To prevent this, avoid exposing your weapons to water or mud whenever possible. If you must traverse such areas, consider storing your weapons on your horse until you reach a safe location. Additionally, always clean your weapons after exposure to harsh conditions to restore their condition.\n\nAnother factor contributing to rapid degradation is frequent use without proper maintenance. Every time you fire a weapon, its condition deteriorates slightly. Over time, this adds up, especially if you neglect cleaning. To fix this, regularly clean your weapons using Gun Oil, which can be purchased from gunsmiths or found in loot. Open your weapon wheel, select the weapon you want to clean, and choose the ''Clean'' option. This will restore its condition and improve its performance.\n\nImproper storage also plays a role in weapon degradation. If you leave weapons on your horse for extended periods without cleaning them, they will degrade faster. Always clean your weapons before storing them, and make it a habit to check their condition regularly. You can inspect a weapon''s condition by opening the weapon wheel and hovering over it. The condition bar will show how degraded it is, allowing you to prioritize maintenance.\n\nTo further slow down degradation, consider upgrading your weapons at a gunsmith. For example, purchasing improved components like rifling or barrels can enhance durability. These upgrades are available at gunsmiths in towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, and Rhodes. While they require a financial investment, they significantly extend the lifespan of your weapons and improve their overall performance.\n\nFinally, always carry spare Gun Oil and cleaning kits. These items are essential for maintaining your weapons during long journeys or intense combat situations. You can purchase Gun Oil from general stores or find it in loot. Additionally, looting enemies and exploring abandoned buildings often yields cleaning supplies. By staying prepared, you can ensure your weapons remain in top condition, even during extended gameplay sessions.\n\nIn summary, weapon degradation in Red Dead Redemption 2 is influenced by environmental exposure, frequent use, and improper maintenance. To fix this issue, avoid exposing your weapons to harsh conditions, clean them regularly with Gun Oil, and store them properly. Upgrade your weapons at gunsmiths for added durability, and always carry cleaning supplies. By following these steps, you can keep your arsenal in pristine condition and maintain a competitive edge in the game.