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

Avoiding mission failures in Red Dead Redemption 2, especially during tracking objectives, requires a combination of patience, attention to detail, and understanding the game mechanics. Tracking missions often involve following trails, clues, or targets, and failing to stay on track or missing critical details can lead to mission failure. Here’s a detailed guide to help you succeed.\n\nFirst, always pay close attention to the mission instructions and dialogue. Characters like Dutch, Arthur, or other gang members often provide hints about what to look for. For example, in the mission ''The First Shall Be Last,'' you must track a group of O’Driscolls. Listen carefully to Charles’ advice about looking for broken branches and hoofprints. These clues are essential for staying on the right path.\n\nUse Eagle Eye frequently. This ability highlights tracks, clues, and interactive objects in the environment. To activate Eagle Eye, press and hold the right analog stick (on consoles) or the middle mouse button (on PC). When tracking, look for glowing yellow or white markers that indicate footprints, blood trails, or disturbed foliage. Eagle Eye is especially useful in dense areas like forests or during nighttime missions when visibility is low.\n\nMove slowly and methodically. Rushing through tracking missions can cause you to miss subtle clues or lose the trail entirely. For example, in the mission ''The Spines of America,'' you must track a legendary animal. If you move too quickly, you risk losing the trail and failing the mission. Instead, walk or trot your horse while scanning the ground and surroundings for clues.\n\nIf you lose the trail, don’t panic. Use Eagle Eye to re-scan the area and look for any missed markers. Sometimes, the trail may loop back or branch off in unexpected directions. For instance, in the mission ''The Sheep and the Goats,'' you may lose the trail of the stolen sheep. Retrace your steps and look for fresh tracks or disturbed ground to pick up the trail again.\n\nBe mindful of time limits. Some tracking missions have hidden timers, and taking too long can result in failure. For example, in ''The Course of True Love,'' you must track a runaway horse within a certain timeframe. Keep an eye on the mission objectives and prioritize speed without sacrificing accuracy.\n\nFinally, prepare for combat or unexpected events. Many tracking missions lead to ambushes or confrontations. Ensure your weapons are loaded, and your health and Dead Eye meters are full. For example, in ''The Fine Joys of Tobacco,'' tracking the Grays’ activities leads to a shootout. Being prepared can mean the difference between success and failure.\n\nIn summary, to avoid failing tracking missions, listen to instructions, use Eagle Eye, move carefully, retrace steps if needed, watch for time limits, and prepare for combat. These strategies will help you stay on track and complete missions successfully.