What’s the best way to handle the O’Driscolls in the “The First Shall Be Last” mission?

The mission ''The First Shall Be Last'' in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a pivotal early story mission where Arthur Morgan and Javier Escuella infiltrate an O''Driscoll camp to rescue Sean MacGuire. This mission introduces players to stealth mechanics, combat strategies, and teamwork dynamics. To handle the O''Driscolls effectively, you need to balance stealth, precision, and resource management.\n\nFirst, prepare before starting the mission. Ensure your weapons are cleaned and loaded. A repeater like the Lancaster or a rifle like the Springfield is ideal for mid-range combat. Equip a sidearm such as the Schofield Revolver for close encounters. Stock up on health tonics, ammo, and Dead Eye tonics, as the mission involves multiple waves of enemies. These items can be purchased or crafted if you have the necessary materials.\n\nWhen the mission begins, follow Javier quietly through the forest. Use the cover system by pressing the appropriate button (e.g., R1 on PlayStation) to crouch behind trees and rocks. Avoid sprinting or making noise, as this can alert the O''Driscolls. Javier will guide you to a vantage point where you can survey the camp. Use your binoculars to mark enemies, which helps you plan your approach.\n\nOnce you reach the camp, Javier will suggest splitting up. This is where stealth becomes crucial. Move slowly and use the environment to your advantage. Tall grass and shadows provide excellent cover. Take out isolated enemies with your bow or throwing knives to avoid raising alarms. If you prefer a more aggressive approach, use Dead Eye to target multiple enemies quickly. However, this may alert the entire camp, so be prepared for a firefight.\n\nAfter rescuing Sean, the mission shifts to a chase sequence. Mount your horse and follow Javier as you escape the O''Driscolls. Use Dead Eye to pick off pursuers, focusing on riders first to reduce their numbers. Aim for their horses to dismount them, making them easier targets. Keep an eye on your stamina and health, as the chase can be intense. If your horse is injured, use a horse reviver or switch to a backup horse if available.\n\nCommon challenges in this mission include getting overwhelmed by enemies or failing stealth sections. To avoid this, take your time and prioritize stealth kills. If combat breaks out, use Dead Eye to thin the enemy ranks quickly. Always stay near cover and avoid standing in the open. If you die, the game will checkpoint you at the start of the combat phase, so don''t worry about losing progress.\n\nFinally, practical tips for success: Always save your game before starting the mission in case you need to retry. Use Dead Eye strategically, especially during the chase sequence. Keep your horse''s stamina in mind and use stimulants if necessary. Pay attention to Javier''s cues, as he provides valuable guidance throughout the mission. By following these steps, you''ll handle the O''Driscolls efficiently and complete the mission with minimal difficulty.