What’s the best way to save before a gang hideout raid?

Saving your progress before a gang hideout raid in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial to ensure you don’t lose valuable progress or resources if things go wrong. Gang hideouts, such as Hanging Dog Ranch or Six Point Cabin, are challenging encounters with multiple enemies, and failing to prepare properly can lead to frustration. To save effectively, you need to understand the game’s save mechanics and plan your approach carefully.\n\nFirst, familiarize yourself with the manual save system. Unlike autosaves, which occur at specific points like completing missions or entering new areas, manual saves allow you to create a checkpoint at any time. To manually save, open the pause menu, navigate to the Story tab, and select Save Game. Choose an empty slot or overwrite an existing save. This ensures you have a recent backup before engaging in combat.\n\nBefore saving, prepare your character for the raid. Stock up on ammunition, health tonics, and other consumables. Visit a gunsmith to clean and upgrade your weapons, as damaged firearms are less effective. Additionally, ensure your horse is nearby and well-stocked with supplies. A well-prepared Arthur Morgan is essential for surviving the intense firefights in gang hideouts.\n\nNext, scout the hideout location before engaging. Use your binoculars or scope to identify enemy positions, patrol routes, and potential cover spots. This reconnaissance can help you plan your attack strategy, whether you prefer a stealthy approach or an all-out assault. For example, at Hanging Dog Ranch, you can use the surrounding hills to snipe enemies from a distance before moving in.\n\nOnce you’re ready, find a safe spot near the hideout but outside the combat zone to save your game. This ensures you can reload without losing progress if the raid goes poorly. For instance, if you’re raiding Six Point Cabin in Roanoke Ridge, save near the road leading to the hideout. Avoid saving too close to enemies, as this might trigger combat prematurely.\n\nDuring the raid, stay alert and adapt to the situation. Use Dead Eye to target multiple enemies quickly, and prioritize taking out leaders or heavily armed foes. If you’re overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to retreat to a safe distance and reassess your strategy. Reloading your save allows you to try different tactics, such as using explosives or stealth kills, to clear the hideout more efficiently.\n\nFinally, remember that some hideouts respawn enemies over time. If you fail and reload your save, the hideout may reset, giving you another chance to raid it. This is particularly useful for farming loot or completing challenges. For example, clearing out Shady Belle multiple times can yield valuable items and resources.\n\nIn summary, saving before a gang hideout raid involves manual saving, thorough preparation, strategic scouting, and adaptive combat tactics. By following these steps, you can minimize risks and maximize your chances of success. Always save in a safe location, stock up on supplies, and use your surroundings to your advantage. With practice, you’ll master the art of raiding gang hideouts and reap the rewards.