What are the best combat tactics for the "The Mercies of Knowledge" side mission?

The ''The Mercies of Knowledge'' side mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a unique encounter that requires a mix of combat strategy and situational awareness. This mission involves helping Professor Andrew Bell III, who is being attacked by bandits near the Elysian Pool in the Roanoke Ridge region. To succeed, you need to protect the professor while fending off waves of enemies. Here are the best combat tactics to ensure victory.\n\nFirst, prepare before starting the mission. Ensure you have a fully stocked inventory of health tonics, ammunition, and weapons. A repeater like the Lancaster or a rifle like the Bolt Action Rifle is ideal for mid-to-long-range combat. Equip a sidearm like the Schofield Revolver for close-quarters encounters. Dead Eye is your best friend in this mission, so make sure your Dead Eye core is full or bring items like chewing tobacco to replenish it.\n\nWhen the mission begins, position yourself strategically. The bandits will attack from multiple directions, so find cover near the professor''s wagon. Use the wagon and nearby rocks as cover to avoid taking unnecessary damage. Stay mobile but avoid straying too far from the professor, as your primary objective is to protect him. If you move too far, the mission may fail.\n\nUse Dead Eye to quickly eliminate enemies. Dead Eye allows you to mark multiple targets and take them down efficiently. Focus on bandits with rifles first, as they pose the greatest threat from a distance. If you run low on Dead Eye, use chewing tobacco or other consumables to replenish it. Remember to aim for headshots to conserve ammunition and dispatch enemies quickly.\n\nBandits will often try to flank you, so keep an eye on your minimap for red dots indicating enemy positions. If you see enemies closing in, switch to your sidearm or a shotgun for close-range combat. The Pump-Action Shotgun is particularly effective for dealing with groups of enemies at close range. Reload your weapons during lulls in the action to avoid being caught off guard.\n\nOne common challenge is the sheer number of enemies. To manage this, prioritize targets based on their threat level. Bandits with dynamite or Molotov cocktails should be eliminated immediately, as they can cause significant damage to both you and the professor. Use environmental objects like explosive barrels to your advantage. Shooting these barrels can take out multiple enemies at once.\n\nAfter defeating the initial waves of bandits, a final group will attack. This group includes a leader who is more heavily armed. Focus on taking him out first, as he can deal significant damage. Use Dead Eye to mark and eliminate him quickly. Once all enemies are defeated, the mission will conclude, and you can speak to Professor Bell to complete the encounter.\n\nIn summary, preparation, positioning, and efficient use of Dead Eye are key to succeeding in ''The Mercies of Knowledge.'' Prioritize high-threat targets, use cover effectively, and manage your resources wisely. With these tactics, you can protect Professor Bell and complete the mission with ease.