What are the best strategies for the "The Ties That Bind Us" wagon chase?

The ''The Ties That Bind Us'' mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a challenging wagon chase sequence that requires quick reflexes, strategic planning, and a solid understanding of game mechanics. This mission involves pursuing a runaway wagon carrying two kidnapped individuals, and your goal is to stop it without causing harm to the captives. The mission begins in Rhodes, where you’ll encounter a distressed woman named Penelope Braithwaite. She will ask for your help to rescue her fiancé, Beau Gray, and herself from their captors.\n\nBefore starting the mission, ensure you are well-prepared. Stock up on health tonics, ammunition, and Dead Eye tonics. A repeater or rifle is highly recommended for this mission, as you’ll need to take out enemies on horseback while chasing the wagon. Dead Eye is particularly useful for targeting enemies quickly and accurately. Additionally, make sure your horse is in good condition and has a high stamina level, as the chase is long and demanding.\n\nOnce the mission begins, you’ll need to mount your horse and pursue the wagon. The chase takes you through dense forests and open fields, so be prepared for tight turns and obstacles. Use the cinematic camera mode sparingly, as it can make it harder to react to sudden changes in direction. Instead, focus on staying close to the wagon while avoiding trees, rocks, and other environmental hazards. Your horse’s handling and speed will play a crucial role here, so choose a reliable mount like the Arabian or Turkoman.\n\nDuring the chase, enemies will attack you from horseback. Prioritize taking them out quickly to reduce the risk of being shot or knocked off your horse. Use Dead Eye to mark and shoot multiple enemies efficiently. Aim for their horses if you want to disable them faster, but be careful not to hit the wagon or the captives. If you fall behind, don’t panic—your horse can catch up if you maintain a steady pace and avoid unnecessary detours.\n\nAs you close in on the wagon, you’ll need to jump onto it. This is one of the trickiest parts of the mission. Position your horse alongside the wagon and wait for the prompt to jump. Timing is critical—press the button too early or too late, and you’ll miss the wagon. Once on board, you’ll need to fight off the driver and another enemy. Use melee attacks or your sidearm to take them down quickly. Be mindful of your surroundings, as the wagon will continue moving during the fight.\n\nAfter neutralizing the threats, you’ll need to stop the wagon. This can be done by either shooting the horses pulling the wagon or using the reins to bring it to a halt. Shooting the horses is faster but may feel morally questionable, while using the reins is safer but requires more precision. Once the wagon is stopped, the mission concludes with a cutscene, and you’ll earn a reward for your efforts.\n\nPractical tips for this mission include practicing your Dead Eye targeting in other activities beforehand, upgrading your horse’s stamina and health, and saving your game before starting the mission in case you need to retry. If you’re struggling with the jump onto the wagon, try approaching it from the side at a slight angle rather than directly behind. This can make the timing easier to manage. Finally, stay calm and focused—this mission is challenging but manageable with the right preparation and strategy.