What’s the best way to handle the O’Driscolls in "Old Friends"?

The mission ''Old Friends'' in Red Dead Redemption 2 is an early story mission that introduces players to combat mechanics and the O’Driscoll gang. To handle the O’Driscolls effectively, you need to focus on positioning, weapon choice, and using the game’s Dead Eye system. The mission begins with Arthur and Dutch riding to a cabin in the Grizzlies, where they encounter a group of O’Driscolls. The key to success is staying alert and using the environment to your advantage.\n\nFirst, when the shooting starts, take cover immediately. The cabin and surrounding rocks provide excellent cover points. Use the left trigger (or equivalent on PC) to aim and the right trigger to fire. Stay behind cover and peek out to take shots, minimizing your exposure to enemy fire. The O’Driscolls will flank you, so keep an eye on your radar for red dots indicating enemy positions. If you see enemies moving to your sides, reposition to avoid being surrounded.\n\nWeapon choice is crucial. At this stage, you’ll likely have a revolver and a repeater. The repeater is ideal for mid-range combat, while the revolver is better for close encounters. Use the repeater to pick off enemies from a distance, and switch to the revolver if they get too close. Reload your weapons during lulls in the fight to avoid being caught off guard. If you run out of ammo, loot fallen enemies for additional bullets.\n\nDead Eye is your most powerful tool in this mission. Activate it by pressing both thumbsticks (or the designated key on PC) when your meter is full. Dead Eye slows time, allowing you to mark multiple targets and take them out with precision. Use it to clear groups of enemies quickly, especially when you’re overwhelmed. For example, if three O’Driscolls are charging at you, activate Dead Eye, mark each one, and fire to eliminate them before they can react.\n\nHealth management is also important. If you take damage, use health tonics or food to restore your health bar. These items can be accessed quickly through the weapon wheel. Keep an eye on your health core, as it determines how quickly your health regenerates. Eating cooked meat or using tonics will replenish your core, ensuring you stay in fighting shape.\n\nFinally, pay attention to the mission’s progression. After clearing the initial wave of enemies, you’ll need to search the cabin for clues. Be thorough in your search, as this will advance the story and provide valuable loot. Once you’ve completed the objective, follow Dutch to the next location. Stay alert, as more O’Driscolls may ambush you on the way.\n\nFor new players, practice aiming and using Dead Eye in earlier missions or free roam to build confidence. Experienced players can experiment with different weapons and strategies, such as using dynamite to clear groups of enemies quickly. Remember, patience and precision are key to handling the O’Driscolls effectively in ''Old Friends.''