What’s the best way to handle the Pinkertons in the “Fleeting Joy” mission?

The ''Fleeting Joy'' mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a pivotal moment in the story where Arthur Morgan and the gang face off against the Pinkertons in a tense shootout. This mission requires careful planning, quick reflexes, and strategic use of cover to survive. Here’s a detailed guide on how to handle the Pinkertons effectively.\n\nFirst, ensure you are well-prepared before starting the mission. Stock up on health tonics, ammunition, and weapons. The mission takes place in Saint Denis, so visit a gunsmith to purchase or upgrade your weapons. A repeater like the Lancaster or a rifle like the Bolt Action Rifle is ideal for mid-to-long-range combat. Equip a sidearm like the Schofield Revolver for close-quarters encounters. Additionally, craft or buy potent health tonics such as Potent Health Cure or Bitters to keep your health topped up during the fight.\n\nOnce the mission begins, you’ll find yourself in a shootout with the Pinkertons in the streets of Saint Denis. Use the environment to your advantage by taking cover behind walls, crates, and other obstacles. The game’s cover system is crucial here—press the appropriate button to snap to cover and avoid taking unnecessary damage. Peek out from cover to take precise shots at the Pinkertons, aiming for headshots to eliminate enemies quickly and conserve ammunition.\n\nPay attention to the mini-map, which shows enemy positions as red dots. This will help you anticipate where the Pinkertons are coming from and adjust your positioning accordingly. The Pinkertons will flank you, so stay mobile and avoid staying in one spot for too long. Move between cover points to avoid being overwhelmed. If you’re low on health, use a health tonic immediately to avoid being killed.\n\nOne common challenge in this mission is the sheer number of enemies. To manage this, focus on taking out enemies one at a time rather than spraying bullets indiscriminately. Use Dead Eye to slow down time and target multiple enemies efficiently. Dead Eye is especially useful when you’re surrounded or need to clear a path quickly. Upgrade your Dead Eye ability if possible to increase its duration and effectiveness.\n\nAnother tip is to prioritize high-threat enemies, such as those with shotguns or rifles, as they can deal significant damage. Use your long-range weapons to take them out before they get too close. If you’re running low on ammo, loot fallen enemies for supplies. Be cautious, though, as looting in the middle of a firefight can leave you vulnerable.\n\nFinally, stay close to your gang members, as they provide valuable support during the mission. They can draw enemy fire and help thin out the Pinkertons. However, don’t rely on them entirely—take an active role in the fight to ensure success.\n\nIn summary, the key to handling the Pinkertons in ''Fleeting Joy'' is preparation, strategic use of cover, and efficient use of Dead Eye. Keep your health and ammo topped up, prioritize high-threat enemies, and stay mobile to avoid being overwhelmed. With these tips, you’ll be able to navigate this intense mission and continue Arthur’s story.