How do I prevent failing missions by managing my stamina and health cores?

Managing your stamina and health cores in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial to avoid mission failures, especially during intense combat, chases, or survival scenarios. These cores represent your character''s overall condition, and if they deplete completely, you risk failing missions due to death, exhaustion, or inability to perform critical actions. Understanding how to maintain and replenish these cores is essential for success.\n\nYour health core determines how much damage you can take before dying. If it depletes, you will fail the mission. Similarly, the stamina core affects your ability to sprint, swim, or perform physically demanding tasks. If it runs out, you may be unable to escape enemies or complete time-sensitive objectives. Both cores are displayed as circles around your health and stamina bars on the HUD. A full core ensures optimal performance, while a depleted core weakens your abilities.\n\nTo maintain your health core, eat regularly. Cooked meat, canned goods, and other food items replenish health. For example, hunting animals like deer or rabbits and cooking their meat at a campfire provides a steady supply of nutritious meals. You can also purchase food from general stores or saloons in towns like Valentine or Saint Denis. Additionally, tonics such as Health Cure or Bitters can instantly restore your health core during emergencies.\n\nYour stamina core is replenished by resting, eating, or consuming specific items. Drinking coffee or eating certain foods like salted meat or chocolate bars can boost stamina. Tonics like Potent Snake Oil or Bitters are also effective. To avoid depleting your stamina core during missions, avoid excessive sprinting or swimming unless necessary. For example, during a chase mission, pace yourself by alternating between sprinting and jogging to conserve stamina.\n\nOne common challenge is managing cores during prolonged missions with no access to supplies. In such cases, always carry a stock of food and tonics in your satchel. Before starting a mission, visit a general store or camp to stock up on essentials. For example, before the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil IV,'' where you must defend a train, ensure you have plenty of health tonics and food to survive the intense combat.\n\nAnother tip is to upgrade your cores by completing challenges or using specific items. For instance, completing the ''Survivalist'' challenge increases your health core capacity, while the ''Horseman'' challenge boosts your stamina core. You can also craft or purchase trinkets and talismans that enhance core regeneration. The ''Bear Claw Talisman,'' for example, slows stamina core depletion.\n\nFinally, pay attention to your environment. Extreme weather, such as freezing temperatures or intense heat, can drain your cores faster. Wear appropriate clothing for the climate, and seek shelter when necessary. For example, during the mission ''The Fine Art of Conversation,'' set in the snowy Grizzlies, wear warm clothing and consume hot coffee to maintain your stamina core.\n\nIn summary, managing your stamina and health cores requires preparation, resourcefulness, and awareness of your surroundings. Always carry food, tonics, and other supplies, upgrade your cores through challenges, and adapt to environmental conditions. By following these steps, you can avoid mission failures and ensure Arthur Morgan remains in peak condition throughout your journey.