What’s the best way to avoid failing missions with escort objectives?

Escort missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be challenging, especially for new players, as they often require you to protect an NPC or group while navigating dangerous terrain or enemy encounters. The key to avoiding mission failures lies in understanding the game mechanics, planning your approach, and staying vigilant. Here’s a detailed guide to help you succeed.\n\nFirst, always prioritize the safety of the NPC you’re escorting. Stay close to them, but not too close, as this can sometimes cause them to stop moving or behave erratically. Use your mini-map to keep track of their position and ensure they’re following the correct path. If they wander off, gently guide them back by positioning yourself in front of them or using the ‘follow’ command if available.\n\nSecond, be prepared for ambushes or enemy attacks. Escort missions often involve hostile encounters, so equip yourself with powerful weapons like the Lancaster Repeater or Pump-Action Shotgun. Stock up on ammunition and healing items such as Potent Health Tonics and Bitters before starting the mission. This ensures you’re ready for any sudden threats.\n\nThird, use Dead Eye to your advantage. Dead Eye allows you to slow down time and target multiple enemies accurately. This is especially useful when enemies ambush you from multiple directions. For example, during the mission ‘Pouring Forth Oil,’ you’ll need to escort a wagon while fending off waves of enemies. Activate Dead Eye to quickly eliminate threats before they can harm the NPC or damage the wagon.\n\nFourth, pay attention to the environment. Escort missions often take place in areas with narrow paths, cliffs, or dense forests. Avoid rushing, as this can lead to accidents like the NPC falling off a cliff or getting stuck. For instance, in the mission ‘The Sheep and the Goats,’ you must escort a herd of sheep through a narrow canyon. Take your time and clear out any enemies before moving forward to prevent chaos.\n\nFifth, communicate with your allies. In some missions, you’ll have gang members or other NPCs assisting you. Use their help to divide enemy attention and protect the escort target. For example, in ‘The King’s Son,’ you’ll need to escort a wagon while Dutch and Micah provide cover fire. Let them handle some enemies while you focus on protecting the wagon.\n\nFinally, save your progress before starting an escort mission. If things go wrong, you can reload and try again without losing too much progress. This is especially useful for missions with unpredictable NPC behavior or difficult enemy encounters.\n\nBy following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of failing escort missions in Red Dead Redemption 2. Stay prepared, use your tools wisely, and always prioritize the safety of your escort target.