What’s the best way to avoid failing missions with close-quarters combat?

Close-quarters combat in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be challenging, especially during missions where failure conditions are strict. To avoid mission failures, it’s crucial to understand the game mechanics and prepare accordingly. First, always ensure your health and stamina cores are full before engaging in combat. Use cooked meat, tonics, or other consumables to boost these stats. This will give you an edge in survival during intense fights.\n\nNext, familiarize yourself with the Dead Eye system, which is essential for close-quarters combat. Dead Eye allows you to slow down time and target multiple enemies or specific body parts. To activate Dead Eye, press the right stick (R3 on PlayStation or RS on Xbox) during combat. Use this feature strategically to take out enemies quickly, especially when surrounded. Upgrading Dead Eye through story progression or challenges will improve its effectiveness.\n\nWeapon choice is another critical factor. For close-quarters combat, shotguns and revolvers are highly effective. The Double-Barreled Shotgun, for example, deals massive damage at close range and can quickly eliminate enemies. Always ensure your weapons are clean and loaded before starting a mission. Visit gunsmiths in towns like Valentine or Saint Denis to maintain your weapons and purchase ammunition.\n\nPositioning and movement are key to avoiding damage. Use cover whenever possible, such as walls, crates, or trees, to shield yourself from enemy fire. When engaging in melee combat, dodge attacks by pressing the circle button (PlayStation) or B button (Xbox) while moving. This will help you avoid taking unnecessary damage and create openings for counterattacks.\n\nPay attention to mission objectives and failure conditions. Some missions require you to protect NPCs or complete tasks within a time limit. For example, in the mission ''A Quiet Time'' in Valentine, you must avoid killing civilians while fighting off enemies. Stay focused on the objective and avoid unnecessary risks. If you fail, restart the checkpoint immediately to avoid losing progress.\n\nFinally, practice makes perfect. Spend time in free roam engaging in random encounters or gang hideouts to hone your combat skills. Locations like Six Point Cabin or Hanging Dog Ranch are excellent for practicing close-quarters combat. The more comfortable you are with the mechanics, the better you’ll perform during missions.\n\nIn summary, to avoid failing missions with close-quarters combat, prioritize health and stamina, master Dead Eye, choose the right weapons, use cover effectively, and stay focused on objectives. With these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to handle even the toughest missions in Red Dead Redemption 2.