How do I maximize Arthur’s dead eye before the final missions?

Maximizing Arthur’s Dead Eye ability before the final missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial for surviving intense combat scenarios and ensuring you have the upper hand in critical moments. Dead Eye allows you to slow down time, mark multiple targets, and deliver precise shots, making it one of the most powerful tools in Arthur’s arsenal. To maximize Dead Eye, you need to focus on leveling it up, improving its functionality, and using it strategically during gameplay.\n\nFirst, understand the Dead Eye progression system. Arthur’s Dead Eye starts at Level 1, which only slows down time. As you progress through the story and complete specific challenges, it evolves to Level 2 (target marking), Level 3 (vital organ highlighting), and finally Level 4 (manual target marking). To reach Level 4, you must complete the story mission "Magicians for Sport" in Chapter 4. This unlocks the ability to manually mark targets, giving you full control over your shots.\n\nTo level up Dead Eye quickly, engage in combat frequently. Use Dead Eye during gunfights, hunting, and random encounters. For example, when hunting animals, activate Dead Eye to target vital organs for clean kills. This not only improves your Dead Eye proficiency but also yields higher-quality pelts. Similarly, during ambushes or gang hideouts, use Dead Eye to mark and eliminate multiple enemies efficiently. The more you use Dead Eye, the faster it levels up.\n\nAnother effective way to maximize Dead Eye is by completing challenges. The Sharpshooter challenges, in particular, reward you with Dead Eye experience. For instance, Sharpshooter Challenge 2 requires you to disarm three enemies without reloading. Use Dead Eye to target their weapons, and you’ll gain significant progress toward leveling up. Additionally, completing story missions and side activities like bounty hunting also contributes to Dead Eye growth.\n\nTo enhance Dead Eye’s effectiveness, craft or purchase potent tonics. Items like Snake Oil, Potent Snake Oil, and Special Snake Oil restore Dead Eye cores and extend its duration. These can be crafted using herbs like Indian Tobacco or purchased from general stores. Always keep a supply of these tonics in your inventory, especially before major missions. For example, before the final missions in Chapter 6, stock up on Special Snake Oil to ensure you can use Dead Eye extensively during intense battles.\n\nFinally, practice using Dead Eye in different scenarios to master its mechanics. For instance, during the mission "My Last Boy" in Chapter 6, you’ll face waves of enemies. Use Dead Eye to mark and eliminate multiple targets quickly, conserving ammunition and staying alive. Similarly, during the mission "Red Dead Redemption," Dead Eye can help you take down enemies with precision, ensuring Arthur’s survival for as long as possible.\n\nIn summary, to maximize Arthur’s Dead Eye before the final missions, focus on leveling it up through combat, challenges, and story progression. Use Dead Eye strategically during gunfights and hunting, and always carry potent tonics to extend its usage. By mastering these mechanics, you’ll be well-prepared for the game’s most challenging moments.