How do I trigger the night folk ambush in the Bayou?

The night folk ambush in the Bayou is one of the most eerie and challenging encounters in Red Dead Redemption 2. This event is tied to the mysterious and dangerous night folk, a group of hostile NPCs who only appear at night in the swamps of Lemoyne. To trigger the ambush, you must visit the Bayou Nwa area at night, specifically between 10 PM and 5 AM in-game time. The ambush is not scripted to happen every night, so patience and persistence are key.\n\nTo increase your chances of encountering the night folk, ride slowly through the Bayou Nwa region, particularly near the areas of Lagras and Lakay. These locations are hotspots for night folk activity. Make sure your horse is calm and that you are not sprinting, as the ambush is more likely to occur when you are moving at a slower pace. The night folk are stealthy and will often use the environment to their advantage, so keep your eyes and ears open for any unusual sounds or movements.\n\nOne of the most common triggers for the ambush is finding a hanged corpse in the Bayou. This corpse is often a decoy used by the night folk to lure unsuspecting players into a trap. When you approach the corpse, the night folk will ambush you from the surrounding trees and bushes. Be prepared for a sudden and intense fight, as the night folk are aggressive and will attack in large numbers. They often use melee weapons like machetes, so keep your distance and use firearms to take them down efficiently.\n\nIf you are struggling to find the hanged corpse or trigger the ambush, try camping in the Bayou Nwa area and sleeping until nightfall. This will reset the in-game time and increase your chances of encountering the night folk. Additionally, make sure you have plenty of ammunition and health items, as the night folk can be relentless in their attacks. A shotgun or repeater is highly recommended for this encounter, as it allows you to deal with multiple enemies quickly.\n\nFor new players, it is important to note that the night folk are not marked on the map, and their ambush is entirely random. This means you may need to revisit the Bayou Nwa area multiple times before the event triggers. Experienced players can use this to their advantage by exploring other parts of the Bayou while waiting for the ambush to occur. The night folk are also known to appear during certain story missions, so progressing through the game may increase your chances of encountering them.\n\nPractical tips for surviving the night folk ambush include staying on your horse to maintain mobility, using Dead Eye to target multiple enemies quickly, and keeping an eye on your surroundings for any signs of movement. The night folk are known to use the dense foliage of the Bayou to hide, so be cautious when approaching any suspicious areas. If you are overwhelmed, retreat to a safer location and regroup before re-engaging the enemies.\n\nIn summary, triggering the night folk ambush in the Bayou requires patience, timing, and careful exploration. Visit the Bayou Nwa area at night, look for the hanged corpse, and be prepared for a sudden and intense fight. With the right preparation and strategy, you can survive the ambush and uncover one of the most chilling secrets in Red Dead Redemption 2.