What’s the best way to fight from horseback during a thunderstorm?

Fighting from horseback during a thunderstorm in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be challenging due to reduced visibility, slippery terrain, and the added stress on your horse. However, with the right strategies and preparation, you can turn these conditions to your advantage. Here’s a detailed guide to mastering horseback combat in a thunderstorm.\n\nFirst, ensure your horse is well-prepared for the storm. A high-bonding level horse is essential, as it will remain calmer under pressure. Use a horse with high stamina and health stats, such as the Arabian or Turkoman breeds. Equip your horse with a good saddle and stirrups to maximize stamina regeneration, as storms can drain your horse’s energy faster. Additionally, keep Horse Stimulant or Potent Horse Medicine in your inventory to quickly restore stamina or health if needed.\n\nVisibility is a major issue during thunderstorms. To combat this, use Dead Eye frequently. Dead Eye slows down time, allowing you to line up precise shots even in low-light conditions. Upgrade your Dead Eye ability to Level 4 or higher for better targeting and longer duration. This is especially useful when fighting multiple enemies or when your horse is moving erratically due to the storm.\n\nWhen engaging enemies, prioritize your positioning. Stay on the move to avoid becoming an easy target, but avoid galloping at full speed on muddy or slippery terrain, as this can cause your horse to lose footing. Instead, use a controlled trot or canter to maintain balance. Use cover whenever possible, such as trees or large rocks, to break line of sight with enemies. This will give you time to reload or heal if necessary.\n\nWeapon choice is critical during horseback combat in a storm. A repeater, such as the Lancaster or Litchfield, is ideal for its balance of accuracy and fire rate. Pair it with a revolver or pistol for close-range encounters. Make sure your weapons are clean and in good condition, as rain can reduce their effectiveness over time. Use Express or High-Velocity ammo for increased damage and penetration, especially if enemies are wearing armor or hiding behind cover.\n\nOne common challenge during thunderstorms is keeping your horse calm. Lightning strikes and loud thunder can spook your horse, causing it to buck you off. To prevent this, pat your horse frequently to calm it down. If your horse does get spooked, quickly regain control by holding the calm button (L3 on PlayStation, LS on Xbox) and soothing it with gentle words. Avoid riding near cliffs or dangerous terrain during a storm, as a spooked horse can easily lead to a fatal fall.\n\nFinally, use the storm to your advantage. The rain and thunder can mask your movements, making it harder for enemies to track you. Use this to flank enemies or retreat to a safer position. If you’re being pursued, lead your enemies into areas with dense foliage or narrow paths where their numbers won’t matter as much. The storm can also make it harder for enemies to aim accurately, giving you an edge in prolonged firefights.\n\nIn summary, fighting from horseback during a thunderstorm requires preparation, adaptability, and quick thinking. Keep your horse calm, use Dead Eye to overcome visibility issues, and choose your weapons and positioning wisely. With these tips, you’ll be able to turn the chaos of a storm into a tactical advantage.