How do I save before a treasure hunt in RDR2?

Saving your progress before a treasure hunt in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a smart way to ensure you don’t lose valuable time or resources if something goes wrong. Treasure hunts often involve navigating challenging terrain, solving puzzles, or facing unexpected dangers, so having a save file to fall back on can be a lifesaver. This guide will walk you through the steps to save your game, explain the mechanics behind saving, and provide tips to optimize your treasure-hunting experience.\n\nTo save your game manually, open the pause menu by pressing the Options button on PlayStation or the Menu button on Xbox. Navigate to the ''Story'' tab and select ''Save Game.'' From here, you can choose an empty save slot or overwrite an existing one. It’s a good idea to create a new save file specifically for your treasure hunt, as this allows you to return to that exact moment if needed. Manual saves are especially useful before starting any high-stakes activity, such as treasure hunts, as they let you control when and where your progress is recorded.\n\nAutosaves are another feature in Red Dead Redemption 2, but they are less reliable for specific scenarios like treasure hunts. The game autosaves at key moments, such as completing missions or entering new areas, but it doesn’t always capture your exact position or inventory state. Relying solely on autosaves can lead to frustration if you lose progress due to an unexpected death or failure during the hunt. Therefore, always prioritize manual saves before embarking on treasure hunts.\n\nBefore saving, ensure you’re in a safe location, such as a camp or town, and that your inventory is stocked with essentials like health tonics, ammunition, and food. Treasure hunts often require traveling to remote areas, so being prepared is crucial. For example, if you’re about to start the Jack Hall Gang treasure hunt, which begins near Flatneck Station, make sure you’ve saved your game and gathered supplies before heading into the wilderness. This preparation minimizes the risk of losing progress due to unforeseen challenges.\n\nIf you encounter difficulties during a treasure hunt, such as being unable to locate a clue or facing hostile enemies, reloading your save can help you reset the situation. For instance, if you’re stuck on the Poisonous Trail treasure hunt and can’t find the second map piece near Window Rock, reloading your save allows you to retry without losing valuable time. This approach is particularly useful for treasure hunts with multiple steps, as it lets you experiment with different strategies without permanent consequences.\n\nFinally, remember that treasure hunts often reward you with valuable items like gold bars, which can be sold for a significant amount of money. Saving before starting a hunt ensures you can maximize your rewards by avoiding mistakes or setbacks. For example, the Limpany treasure hunt, which yields a gold bar worth $500, is much easier to complete if you’ve saved beforehand and can retry if needed. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any treasure hunt in Red Dead Redemption 2 with confidence.