What’s the best way to handle mounted combat for gold medals?

Mounted combat in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a critical skill for achieving gold medals in missions that require horseback fighting. To excel, you need to master both horse control and weapon accuracy while moving. The game mechanics for mounted combat involve managing your horse''s stamina, maintaining balance, and using Dead Eye effectively. Start by ensuring your horse has a strong bond level (preferably level 4) to improve responsiveness and stamina during combat. A well-bonded horse will also stay calm under fire, which is essential for precision shooting.\n\nOne of the most important aspects of mounted combat is controlling your horse''s speed and direction. Use the left stick to steer and the right stick to aim your weapon. Avoid galloping at full speed unless necessary, as it makes aiming more difficult. Instead, maintain a steady trot or canter to stabilize your aim. For missions requiring headshots or specific accuracy challenges, slow down or stop briefly to line up your shots. This is especially useful when using rifles or repeaters, which require more precision than shotguns or pistols.\n\nDead Eye is your best friend in mounted combat. Activate it by pressing both thumbsticks (on consoles) or the corresponding keybind on PC. Dead Eye slows time, allowing you to mark multiple targets or land precise shots. For example, in missions like ''The Battle of Shady Belle,'' you can use Dead Eye to take out multiple enemies quickly while riding. Always replenish your Dead Eye meter by consuming items like chewing tobacco or potent tonics, which can be crafted or purchased from general stores.\n\nWeapon choice is another critical factor. For close-range combat, shotguns like the Double-Barreled Shotgun or Repeating Shotgun are ideal. For medium to long-range engagements, use rifles like the Lancaster Repeater or Bolt Action Rifle. Always carry a sidearm like the Schofield Revolver for quick draw situations. Equip your weapons before starting the mission to avoid fumbling through your inventory during combat. Additionally, ensure your weapons are clean and fully loaded to avoid malfunctions or reloading delays.\n\nPractice mounted combat in free roam to build confidence. Head to areas like the Heartlands or Big Valley, where you can encounter enemy gangs or wildlife. Use these encounters to refine your aim and horse control. For example, practice shooting birds or rabbits while riding to improve your accuracy. You can also engage in random ambushes or bounty hunter encounters to simulate mission conditions. The more you practice, the more comfortable you''ll become with the mechanics.\n\nFinally, pay attention to mission-specific requirements for gold medals. Some missions may require you to complete objectives within a time limit, achieve a certain accuracy percentage, or avoid taking damage. For example, in ''The Fine Joys of Tobacco,'' you must protect your allies while riding and shooting enemies. Focus on prioritizing targets and using cover when possible. If the mission allows, dismount temporarily to take out tougher enemies or use environmental objects like rocks or trees for protection.\n\nIn summary, mastering mounted combat for gold medals involves a combination of horse control, weapon accuracy, and strategic use of Dead Eye. Practice regularly, choose the right weapons, and pay attention to mission-specific requirements. With these tips, you''ll be well-equipped to tackle even the most challenging mounted combat scenarios in Red Dead Redemption 2.