What are the best Ability Cards for a stealth build?

Creating a stealth build in Red Dead Online requires careful selection of Ability Cards to maximize your effectiveness in sneaky, close-quarters combat and silent takedowns. The best Ability Cards for a stealth build focus on enhancing your damage output, survivability, and stealth mechanics. Below is a detailed breakdown of the top Ability Cards, how they work, and how to use them effectively.\n\nFirst, the core of any stealth build is the **Slippery Bastard** Ability Card. This card makes you harder to target in Dead Eye, allowing you to close the distance on enemies without being shot. It’s particularly useful for sneaking up on players or NPCs in PvP or PvE scenarios. Pair this with a bow or throwing knives to maintain stealth while dealing damage. However, note that Slippery Bastard drains Dead Eye quickly, so use it strategically.\n\nNext, **Unblinking Eye** is a must-have for stealth builds. This card extends the duration of your Dead Eye, which is crucial for maintaining Slippery Bastard or other Dead Eye abilities. It also reduces the stamina drain while sprinting, making it easier to reposition or escape after a stealth kill. This card synergizes well with Slippery Bastard, allowing you to stay in stealth mode longer.\n\nFor damage output, **Peak Condition** is an excellent choice. This card increases your damage output when your stamina is high, which is ideal for stealth builds that rely on melee weapons or bows. Since stealth builds often involve close-quarters combat, this card ensures you can take down enemies quickly and efficiently. Keep your stamina high by using tonics or avoiding unnecessary sprinting.\n\nAnother critical card for stealth builds is **Iron Lung**. This card reduces damage taken when your stamina is high, making you more durable in combat. Since stealth builds often involve getting up close to enemies, this card helps you survive encounters if your stealth approach fails. Pair it with Peak Condition for a balanced mix of offense and defense.\n\nTo maximize your stealth potential, consider using **The Short Game** Ability Card. This card increases your damage output at close range, making it perfect for stealth builds that rely on melee weapons or shotguns. It’s particularly effective in PvP scenarios where you need to eliminate enemies quickly before they can react.\n\nIn terms of gameplay mechanics, stealth builds require patience and precision. Use cover and terrain to your advantage, and avoid open areas where you can be easily spotted. Equip a bow or throwing knives for silent kills, and use Slippery Bastard to close the distance on enemies. Always have a melee weapon like a knife or machete ready for close-quarters combat.\n\nFor new players, start by unlocking and upgrading Slippery Bastard and Unblinking Eye first, as these are the foundation of any stealth build. Experienced players can experiment with different combinations of Ability Cards to suit their playstyle. For example, swapping Peak Condition for **Winning Streak** can increase your damage output over time, making it easier to take down tougher enemies.\n\nPractical tips for stealth builds include using the environment to your advantage. For example, in the Tall Trees region, the dense forest provides excellent cover for sneaking up on enemies. In PvP, use buildings and structures to break line of sight and reposition without being detected. Always carry health tonics and stamina tonics to keep your stats high during combat.\n\nFinally, practice your stealth approach in PvE missions like Bounty Hunting or Free Roam events before taking it into PvP. This will help you refine your strategy and get comfortable with the mechanics of your Ability Cards. With the right setup and practice, a stealth build can be incredibly effective in Red Dead Online.