What are the best Ability Cards for a support build?

In Red Dead Online, a support build focuses on aiding teammates during combat, healing, and providing utility. The best Ability Cards for this role enhance survivability, healing, and team buffs. Key cards include ''Paint It Black'' for precision, ''Slow and Steady'' for tanking, ''Iron Lung'' for stamina management, and ''Strange Medicine'' for healing. These cards synergize well to keep you and your team alive during intense battles.\n\nTo start, equip ''Paint It Black'' as your Dead Eye card. This card allows you to mark enemies with precision, making it easier to eliminate threats quickly. While it’s not directly a support card, it ensures you can protect your team by taking out enemies efficiently. Pair this with ''Slow and Steady,'' which reduces incoming damage while in Dead Eye. This combination makes you a durable frontline support, capable of soaking up damage while assisting teammates.\n\nNext, add ''Iron Lung'' to your build. This passive card reduces damage taken based on your stamina level. Since support builds often involve running to revive teammates or repositioning, maintaining high stamina is crucial. ''Iron Lung'' ensures you stay resilient even when your stamina is low. Combine this with ''Strange Medicine,'' which restores health when you deal damage. This card is perfect for support players, as it allows you to heal yourself while contributing to the fight.\n\nFor gameplay mechanics, focus on positioning and awareness. As a support player, your role is to stay alive and assist teammates. Use cover effectively and avoid overextending. When a teammate goes down, prioritize reviving them using the ''Revive'' item, which can be crafted or purchased from the catalog. Always carry a stock of these items, as they are essential for keeping your team in the fight.\n\nA practical example of this build in action is during a Free Roam mission or a Showdown Series. In Free Roam, you might encounter ambushes or rival players. Use ''Slow and Steady'' to tank damage while reviving teammates or providing covering fire. In Showdowns, ''Paint It Black'' helps you quickly eliminate opponents, while ''Strange Medicine'' keeps you healthy during prolonged engagements.\n\nFor new players, start by unlocking these Ability Cards through the Roles menu or by leveling up. Focus on upgrading them to Tier III for maximum effectiveness. Experienced players can experiment with alternative cards like ''Cold Blooded,'' which heals you after killing an enemy, or ''Fool Me Once,'' which reduces damage from consecutive hits. These cards can further enhance your survivability and utility.\n\nFinally, always communicate with your team. Use voice chat or the in-game emotes to coordinate revives, healing, and positioning. A well-coordinated support player can turn the tide of any battle. Remember to stock up on tonics, ammo, and other supplies before engaging in combat. With the right Ability Cards and strategy, you’ll become an invaluable asset to your team in Red Dead Online.