What’s the best way to counter enemy snipers?

Countering enemy snipers in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a mix of strategy, awareness, and the right tools. Snipers are often positioned in elevated or distant locations, making them difficult to engage directly. The first step is to identify their position. Use Dead Eye to scan the environment for glints of light reflecting off their scopes or listen for the distinct sound of their rifle shots. Once located, you can plan your approach.\n\nCover is your best friend when dealing with snipers. Always move from one piece of cover to another, avoiding open areas where you’re exposed. Use rocks, trees, buildings, or any other environmental objects to shield yourself. If you’re caught in the open, crouch or go prone to reduce your visibility. This makes it harder for snipers to land a clean shot.\n\nEngaging snipers at long range is risky, so consider closing the distance if possible. Use your horse to quickly move between cover points, but be cautious—snipers can still hit you while you’re mounted. Alternatively, use stealth to flank their position. Equip a bow or a suppressed weapon like the Varmint Rifle to take them out quietly without alerting nearby enemies.\n\nIf you must engage at range, equip a scoped rifle like the Rolling Block Rifle or Carcano Rifle. These weapons are ideal for counter-sniping due to their high damage and accuracy. Use Dead Eye to mark the sniper’s head for a quick, clean kill. If you’re low on Dead Eye, craft or purchase tonics like Snake Oil to replenish it. Remember to aim slightly above the target at extreme distances to account for bullet drop.\n\nIn some missions, snipers are scripted to appear in specific locations. For example, during the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil IV,'' snipers are positioned on rooftops in Valentine. Knowing their spawn points allows you to preemptively take cover or eliminate them before they become a threat. Pay attention to mission briefings and dialogue for clues about sniper placements.\n\nAnother effective tactic is to use throwables like dynamite or Molotov cocktails to flush snipers out of cover. Toss these items near their position to force them to move, making them easier to target. Alternatively, use fire arrows to create chaos and limit their movement options.\n\nFinally, always prioritize your health. Carry potent health tonics like Bitters or Miracle Tonics to recover quickly if you’re hit. Equip reinforced equipment like the Reinforced Bandolier to increase your ammo capacity, ensuring you’re prepared for prolonged engagements.\n\nBy combining these strategies—using cover, closing the distance, counter-sniping, and leveraging throwables—you can effectively neutralize enemy snipers and minimize the risk they pose. Practice these techniques in free roam or side missions to build confidence before tackling more challenging story missions.