What are the best ways to defend against griefers in Red Dead Online?

Defending against griefers in Red Dead Online requires a combination of game mechanics, strategic planning, and situational awareness. Griefers are players who intentionally disrupt others'' gameplay, often by attacking unprovoked or sabotaging missions. To counter them effectively, you need to understand the tools and systems Rockstar Games has implemented to protect players, as well as how to use your own skills and resources to fight back.\n\nFirst, enable Defensive Mode. This is a crucial feature that reduces the damage you take from other players and prevents them from locking onto you with auto-aim. To activate Defensive Mode, open the Player Menu (left on the D-pad), navigate to Online Options, and toggle it on. While in Defensive Mode, you cannot be lassoed or executed instantly, making it harder for griefers to harass you. However, note that initiating combat or using certain weapons will disable this mode temporarily.\n\nSecond, use the Parley system. If a griefer kills you, you can choose to Parley after respawning. This prevents the griefer from attacking you for 10 minutes, giving you time to regroup or continue your activities in peace. To Parley, open the Player Menu, select the griefer''s name, and choose the Parley option. This is especially useful during missions or when you''re outnumbered.\n\nThird, utilize the Posse system. Playing with a group of friends or joining a Posse significantly increases your chances of fending off griefers. A well-coordinated Posse can outmaneuver and outgun most attackers. If you''re solo, consider joining a temporary Posse through the Posse Up option in the main menu. This allows you to team up with other players who may also be looking for protection or assistance.\n\nFourth, equip the right weapons and ability cards. For close-quarters combat, a shotgun like the Pump-Action or Repeater is highly effective. For long-range engagements, the Carcano Rifle or Rolling Block Rifle can help you take out griefers from a safe distance. Additionally, invest in ability cards like Paint It Black (for precise aiming), Slow and Steady (to reduce damage while on horseback), and Never Without One (to survive headshots). These cards can give you a significant edge in combat.\n\nFifth, choose your battles wisely. If you''re outmatched or outnumbered, retreating is often the best option. Use fast travel posts or your horse to escape to a safer location. For example, if you''re near Valentine and being harassed, fast travel to Strawberry or Blackwater to regroup. Alternatively, switch sessions by opening the Player Menu and selecting Free Roam. This will place you in a new lobby, away from the griefer.\n\nFinally, report persistent griefers. If a player continues to harass you despite your efforts to defend yourself, report them through the Player Menu. Highlight their name, select Report, and choose the appropriate reason (e.g., disruptive behavior). While this won''t immediately stop them, it helps Rockstar identify and address problematic players over time.\n\nIn summary, defending against griefers in Red Dead Online involves a mix of defensive mechanics, strategic gameplay, and teamwork. By using Defensive Mode, Parley, and the Posse system, equipping the right weapons and ability cards, and knowing when to retreat, you can minimize the impact of griefers on your experience. Stay vigilant, adapt to the situation, and don''t hesitate to use the tools at your disposal to protect yourself and enjoy the game.