What are the best tips for surviving in the wilderness on higher difficulties?

Surviving in the wilderness on higher difficulties in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and understanding of game mechanics. Higher difficulties often mean tougher enemies, limited resources, and more aggressive wildlife, so being proactive is key. Start by ensuring your character is well-equipped with essential items like food, medicine, and ammunition. Crafting and hunting are vital skills to master, as they allow you to create items like potent health tonics, improved arrows, and cooked meat for stamina boosts.\n\nOne of the first steps is to stock up on supplies in towns like Valentine or Saint Denis. Purchase or craft items like Health Cures, Snake Oil, and Dead Eye tonics. These will help you recover quickly during combat or when attacked by predators. Always carry a variety of weapons, such as a rifle for long-range encounters, a shotgun for close-quarters combat, and a bow for stealthy hunting. The bow is particularly useful for hunting animals quietly, which is essential for gathering materials without alerting nearby enemies or predators.\n\nHunting is a critical survival skill in the wilderness. Animals like deer, boars, and rabbits provide meat for cooking, which restores health and stamina. Use the bow or a rifle with improved arrows to hunt cleanly, as this yields higher-quality pelts and meat. For example, hunting in the forests near Valentine or the plains of Heartlands can yield plenty of resources. Always skin and store the meat in your satchel, and cook it at campfires to avoid spoilage. Cooked meat not only restores health but also provides temporary buffs like increased stamina or Dead Eye regeneration.\n\nWildlife can be a significant threat on higher difficulties. Predators like wolves, cougars, and bears are more aggressive and can kill you quickly if you''re unprepared. Always keep your weapon ready when traveling through areas like Tall Trees or Roanoke Ridge, where predators are common. Use Dead Eye to target their weak points, such as the head, for a quick kill. If you''re overwhelmed, use items like Fire Bottles or Dynamite to create distance and deal area damage.\n\nWeather and environmental conditions also play a role in survival. Cold areas like the Grizzlies require warm clothing, which can be purchased or crafted using animal pelts. For example, the Legendary Bear Coat, crafted from the Legendary Bear pelt, provides excellent cold resistance. In hot areas like New Austin, wear lighter clothing and stay hydrated by drinking water or using tonics. Always monitor your core stats (health, stamina, and Dead Eye) and replenish them as needed.\n\nCamp management is another crucial aspect of wilderness survival. Set up camp in safe locations away from enemy territories or predator hotspots. Use your camp to craft items, cook food, and rest to restore your cores. Upgrading your camp through the ledger, available at your main camp, can provide additional benefits like fast travel and improved supplies. For example, upgrading Dutch''s tent unlocks fast travel, which can save time when moving between distant locations.\n\nFinally, always be aware of your surroundings. Use Eagle Eye to track animals, enemies, and resources. This ability highlights important items in the environment, making it easier to gather herbs, hunt, or avoid ambushes. For example, in the swamps near Saint Denis, Eagle Eye can help you spot alligators before they attack. Additionally, use cover during combat to avoid taking unnecessary damage, and prioritize headshots to conserve ammunition.\n\nIn summary, surviving in the wilderness on higher difficulties requires preparation, resource management, and strategic thinking. Stock up on supplies, master hunting and crafting, and always be ready for unexpected threats. By following these tips, you''ll be well-equipped to handle the challenges of Red Dead Redemption 2''s toughest environments.