How do I avoid getting ambushed by the O’Driscolls near Twin Stack Pass?

The O’Driscoll ambush near Twin Stack Pass is one of the most notorious random encounters in Red Dead Redemption 2. This ambush occurs as you ride through the narrow pass, where a group of O’Driscolls will attack you from both sides of the road. To avoid or survive this ambush, you need to understand the game mechanics, prepare your character, and react quickly during the encounter.\n\nFirst, it’s important to know that this ambush is triggered when you enter the specific area near Twin Stack Pass, located northwest of Valentine. The pass is a narrow, rocky area with limited cover, making it a perfect spot for an ambush. To prepare, ensure your health core is full by eating cooked meat or using tonics. Equip a powerful repeater or rifle, such as the Lancaster Repeater or Bolt Action Rifle, as these weapons are effective against multiple enemies. Additionally, stock up on ammunition and Dead Eye tonics to give yourself an edge in combat.\n\nWhen approaching Twin Stack Pass, slow down and stay alert. The ambush is scripted, so you can’t avoid it entirely, but you can minimize the damage. As soon as you hear the O’Driscolls shouting or see them appearing on the rocks, activate Dead Eye immediately. This will allow you to mark and shoot multiple enemies quickly, reducing their numbers before they can overwhelm you. Focus on the enemies on higher ground first, as they have a better vantage point to shoot at you.\n\nIf you’re caught off guard and take damage, don’t panic. Use cover behind rocks or trees to avoid incoming fire. The O’Driscolls will often try to flank you, so keep an eye on your minimap for red dots indicating enemy positions. Use health tonics or food to restore your health if it drops too low. If you’re playing on a higher difficulty, consider using explosive ammunition or fire bottles to deal with groups of enemies quickly.\n\nFor players who want to avoid the ambush entirely, there is a workaround. Instead of riding directly through Twin Stack Pass, take an alternate route around the area. Head west from Valentine and follow the train tracks or use the road that goes around the pass. This will bypass the ambush trigger zone, allowing you to continue your journey without engaging the O’Driscolls. However, this method requires extra time and planning, so weigh the pros and cons based on your current objectives.\n\nFinally, if you’re looking to farm this encounter for loot or experience, you can intentionally trigger the ambush multiple times. After completing the encounter, ride away from the area and return later. The O’Driscolls will respawn, giving you another chance to engage them. This is a great way to collect valuable items like money, ammunition, and weapons from their bodies.\n\nIn summary, the key to surviving the O’Driscoll ambush near Twin Stack Pass is preparation, quick reflexes, and strategic use of Dead Eye. Equip powerful weapons, stay alert, and use cover effectively to minimize damage. If you prefer to avoid the encounter, take an alternate route around the pass. With these tips, you’ll be ready to handle this challenging random event and continue your journey through the rugged world of Red Dead Redemption 2.