How do I prevent mission failures caused by not maintaining my weapons?

Maintaining your weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial to avoid mission failures, as poorly maintained weapons can jam, deal less damage, or even fail to fire during critical moments. The game mechanics tie weapon condition directly to performance, so neglecting maintenance can lead to frustrating setbacks. To prevent this, you must regularly clean and upgrade your weapons, ensuring they are in optimal condition before starting any mission.\n\nTo clean your weapons, you need Gun Oil, which can be purchased from general stores, gunsmiths, or found in the world. Open your weapon wheel, select the weapon you want to clean, and choose the ''Clean'' option. This restores the weapon''s condition to 100%. Pay attention to the condition bar under each weapon in the weapon wheel; if it''s red or yellow, it''s time to clean. For example, during the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil,'' failing to maintain your rifle could result in it jamming during a shootout, leading to mission failure.\n\nAnother way to prevent weapon-related mission failures is to upgrade your weapons at a gunsmith. Visit any gunsmith location, such as the one in Valentine or Saint Denis, and select the ''Customize'' option. Upgrades like improved rifling, sights, and barrels can enhance accuracy and durability. For instance, upgrading your revolver''s rifling can make it more effective during missions like ''An American Pastoral Scene,'' where precision shooting is required.\n\nCarry multiple weapons to avoid being caught off guard. If one weapon jams or becomes too dirty, you can quickly switch to another. For example, during the mission ''Blood Feuds, Ancient and Modern,'' carrying a backup shotgun can save you if your primary rifle fails. Always ensure your secondary weapons are also clean and ready for use.\n\nStock up on Gun Oil and other supplies. You can find Gun Oil in lootable containers, such as those in gang hideouts or abandoned buildings. Additionally, hunting animals and crafting items at camp can provide resources for maintaining your weapons. For example, crafting improved ammunition at your campfire can give you an edge in missions where firepower is critical.\n\nFinally, pay attention to environmental factors that can degrade your weapons. Rain, mud, and swimming can dirty your weapons faster. After such events, always check your weapon condition and clean them if necessary. For example, during the mission ''A Quiet Time,'' falling into the mud can dirty your weapons, so clean them before the next shootout.\n\nIn summary, regularly clean your weapons with Gun Oil, upgrade them at gunsmiths, carry backups, and stock up on supplies. By following these steps, you can avoid mission failures caused by poorly maintained weapons and ensure you''re always prepared for the challenges ahead.