What are the best Ability Cards for a tank build?

Creating a tank build in Red Dead Online requires a strategic selection of Ability Cards that maximize survivability and sustain in combat. A tank build focuses on absorbing damage, staying alive longer, and supporting your team in intense PvP or PvE scenarios. The best Ability Cards for this build are Slow and Steady, Iron Lung, Fool Me Once, and either Strange Medicine or Kick in the Bucket. These cards synergize to make you nearly unkillable when used correctly.\n\nSlow and Steady is the core Ability Card for a tank build. When activated, it prevents you from being killed by headshots and reduces incoming damage while in Dead Eye. This is crucial for surviving sniper fire or high-damage weapons. However, it also slows your movement speed, so positioning is key. Use this card in combination with a high-health pool and defensive tactics to outlast your opponents.\n\nIron Lung is another essential card for a tank build. It reduces damage taken based on your stamina level. The higher your stamina, the more damage resistance you gain. This makes it vital to keep your stamina bar full by using tonics or consuming food like Big Game Meat. Pair this with a high-stamina character build or items like the Special Health Cure to maximize its effectiveness.\n\nFool Me Once is a passive Ability Card that reduces damage from subsequent shots by the same enemy. This card is particularly effective in prolonged fights, as it makes you increasingly harder to kill the longer you survive. Combined with Slow and Steady and Iron Lung, Fool Me Once ensures you can withstand sustained fire from multiple enemies, making it ideal for PvP showdowns or defending objectives.\n\nFor the fourth slot, you have two strong options: Strange Medicine or Kick in the Bucket. Strange Medicine restores health when you deal damage, making it perfect for aggressive tank builds that want to stay in the fight longer. Kick in the Bucket, on the other hand, restores health over time when you take damage, which is better for defensive playstyles. Choose based on your preferred combat approach.\n\nTo optimize your tank build, focus on upgrading these Ability Cards to Tier III. This requires spending a significant amount of money and experience, so prioritize the cards that fit your playstyle first. For example, if you frequently engage in PvP, upgrade Slow and Steady and Fool Me Once before the others. Use the Gunsmith or Fence to purchase and upgrade your cards.\n\nIn terms of gameplay, a tank build excels in team-based modes like Takeover Series or Free Roam missions. Stick with your team, use cover effectively, and draw enemy fire while your teammates flank or secure objectives. Always carry health tonics like Potent Health Cure and Snake Oil to replenish your Dead Eye meter for Slow and Steady. Additionally, equip a reliable weapon like the Bolt Action Rifle or Pump-Action Shotgun to deal consistent damage while tanking.\n\nOne common challenge for tank builds is dealing with explosive weapons or fire damage. To counter this, avoid clustering with teammates to minimize splash damage and use the Never Without One Ability Card as a situational alternative. This card prevents headshots but sacrifices a helmet instead, which can be useful in explosive-heavy environments.\n\nFinally, practice your positioning and timing. A tank build is only effective if you can survive long enough to make a difference. Use natural cover, stay mobile, and communicate with your team to maximize your impact. With the right Ability Cards and strategy, you can become an unstoppable force in Red Dead Online.