What’s the best way to complete missions without using health items?

Completing missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 without using health items is a challenging but achievable goal, especially for players aiming for Gold Medals. The key to success lies in understanding game mechanics, planning your approach, and utilizing the environment and tools at your disposal. Here’s a detailed guide to help you accomplish this.\n\nFirst, prioritize your health and stamina management. Arthur’s health core is crucial for survival, and keeping it full or near-full is essential. Eat cooked meat, stews, or other food items to replenish your health core before starting a mission. For example, cooked big game meat, which can be obtained by hunting animals like deer or bears, provides a significant health boost. Always carry a variety of food items in your satchel to ensure you’re prepared for any situation.\n\nNext, focus on avoiding damage during combat. Use cover effectively to minimize exposure to enemy fire. In missions like ''Pouring Forth Oil'' or ''The Battle of Shady Belle,'' take advantage of walls, rocks, and other environmental objects to shield yourself. Peek out only to take precise shots, and avoid standing in open areas where enemies can easily target you. Additionally, use Dead Eye to eliminate multiple enemies quickly, reducing the chances of taking damage.\n\nAnother critical strategy is to upgrade your gear and abilities. Equip the best weapons available, such as the Lancaster Repeater or Bolt-Action Rifle, to deal high damage from a distance. Upgrading your satchel to carry more items, like the Legend of the East Satchel, ensures you have enough supplies to maintain your health core. Also, invest in ability upgrades like ''Slow and Steady'' in the Dead Eye tree, which reduces damage taken while in Dead Eye mode.\n\nPay attention to mission-specific challenges. For example, in ''The Sheep and the Goats,'' avoid unnecessary confrontations by sneaking past enemies or using stealth takedowns. In ''A Fine Night of Debauchery,'' stay close to your allies and let them draw enemy fire while you focus on eliminating threats from a safe distance. Understanding the mission’s objectives and adapting your strategy accordingly can significantly reduce the need for health items.\n\nFinally, practice patience and precision. Rushing into combat or taking unnecessary risks often leads to taking damage. Take your time to assess the situation, plan your moves, and execute them carefully. For instance, in ''American Distillation,'' use the high ground to your advantage and pick off enemies one by one instead of engaging in close-quarters combat.\n\nBy following these strategies, you can complete missions without relying on health items and achieve Gold Medals. Remember to stay prepared, use cover, upgrade your gear, and adapt to each mission’s unique challenges. With practice and persistence, you’ll master the art of surviving without health items in Red Dead Redemption 2.