What’s the best strategy for surviving the “American Venom” mission?
The ''American Venom'' mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 is the final story mission and one of the most intense sequences in the game. It involves a climactic showdown at Mount Hagen, where you confront Micah Bell and his gang. To survive and succeed, you need a solid strategy that combines combat readiness, resource management, and situational awareness.\n\nFirst, ensure you are fully prepared before starting the mission. Stock up on health tonics, potent snake oil, and other restorative items. Equip your best weapons, such as the Lancaster Repeater, Bolt-Action Rifle, and a reliable sidearm like the Schofield Revolver. These weapons offer a balance of accuracy, damage, and fire rate, which are crucial for the mission''s combat-heavy sections. Additionally, craft or purchase explosive ammunition if possible, as it can be a game-changer during intense firefights.\n\nDuring the initial phase of the mission, you will face waves of enemies as you ascend Mount Hagen. Use cover effectively to avoid taking unnecessary damage. The terrain is rocky and uneven, so position yourself behind large boulders or natural barriers to minimize exposure. Aim for headshots to conserve ammunition and eliminate enemies quickly. If you are overwhelmed, use Dead Eye to slow time and target multiple enemies efficiently.\n\nAs you progress, you will encounter a Gatling gun-wielding enemy. This is a critical moment where you must act swiftly. Use Dead Eye to target the Gatling gun operator and take them out before they can unleash devastating firepower. Alternatively, use explosive ammunition or dynamite to neutralize the threat quickly. Be mindful of your surroundings, as enemies will flank you from multiple directions.\n\nWhen you reach the final confrontation with Micah Bell, the fight is divided into two phases. In the first phase, Micah will engage you in a gunfight. Use cover to your advantage and aim for his head to deal maximum damage. Micah is a skilled shooter, so avoid staying in one spot for too long. Move between cover points to keep him guessing and reduce his accuracy.\n\nIn the second phase, Micah will close the distance and engage in a knife fight. This is a test of timing and reflexes. Block his attacks by pressing the appropriate button prompt and counterattack when you see an opening. Stay calm and focus on the timing of your blocks and strikes. If you have health tonics, use them to recover if you take significant damage.\n\nFinally, after defeating Micah, you will have a choice to make regarding his fate. This decision is purely narrative and does not affect gameplay, so choose based on your personal preference. Once the mission concludes, take a moment to reflect on your journey and enjoy the game''s epilogue.\n\nPractical tips for success: Always keep an eye on your health and stamina cores. Use Dead Eye strategically to conserve ammunition and eliminate high-priority targets. Stay mobile during combat to avoid being pinned down. And most importantly, stay patient and focused, as the mission requires both skill and perseverance to complete.