How can you use cover to avoid damage in missions like “American Distillation”?

Using cover effectively in missions like ''American Distillation'' is crucial for avoiding damage and achieving a Gold Medal. Red Dead Redemption 2''s combat system emphasizes realism, and taking cover is a key mechanic to survive intense firefights. In this mission, you and Charles are tasked with defending the distillery from the Lemoyne Raiders, who attack in waves. Proper use of cover can help you minimize damage, conserve health items, and maintain accuracy for Gold Medal requirements.\n\nFirst, understand the cover mechanics. Press the appropriate button (L2/LT to aim and then Circle/B to take cover) to snap Arthur behind objects like walls, barrels, or crates. Once in cover, you can peek out to shoot by aiming, or blind-fire by holding the aim button without fully exposing yourself. This reduces the chance of being hit while still allowing you to engage enemies. In ''American Distillation,'' the distillery area has multiple cover points, such as wooden barrels, stacked crates, and the building itself. Use these strategically to avoid enemy fire.\n\nPositioning is critical. At the start of the mission, position yourself near the distillery entrance, where you can use the wooden barrels and walls for cover. This gives you a clear line of sight to incoming enemies while keeping you protected. As the Raiders approach, prioritize targets that are closest or most aggressive. Use Dead Eye to mark multiple enemies quickly, ensuring you eliminate threats before they can flank or overwhelm you.\n\nBe mindful of enemy flanking maneuvers. The Lemoyne Raiders will attempt to surround you, so constantly check your surroundings and reposition if necessary. For example, if enemies start advancing from the left side, move to the right side of the distillery and use the stacked crates as new cover. This keeps you one step ahead and reduces the risk of being caught in crossfire.\n\nHealth management is also important. Even with good cover, you may still take some damage. Use health tonics or food items to restore health if needed. Keep an eye on your health core and stamina core, as low stamina can affect your ability to aim steadily. Consume items like cooked meat or tonics before the mission to ensure your cores are full.\n\nFinally, practice patience and precision. Rushing out of cover to engage enemies can lead to unnecessary damage. Instead, wait for the right moment to strike. Use Dead Eye to target weak points like heads for quick kills, and reload your weapons while in cover to avoid being caught off guard. By combining these strategies, you can complete ''American Distillation'' with minimal damage and meet the Gold Medal requirements.\n\nIn summary, mastering cover mechanics, positioning, and health management are essential for success in ''American Distillation.'' Use the environment to your advantage, stay aware of enemy movements, and prioritize accuracy over speed. These tips will help you avoid damage and achieve a Gold Medal in this challenging mission.