What are the best Ability Cards for beginners in Red Dead Online?

Ability Cards in Red Dead Online are essential for enhancing your character''s combat and survival capabilities. For beginners, selecting the right cards can make a significant difference in both PvE (Player vs. Environment) and PvP (Player vs. Player) scenarios. Ability Cards are divided into four categories: Dead Eye, Combat, Recovery, and Passive. Each card can be upgraded to improve its effectiveness, and you can equip up to four cards at a time—one Dead Eye card and three others of your choice.\n\nFor beginners, the best Dead Eye card to start with is **Paint It Black**. This card allows you to mark multiple targets during Dead Eye, ensuring precise shots. It’s particularly useful for players who are still getting accustomed to the game’s aiming mechanics. To unlock Paint It Black, you’ll need to reach Rank 10 and spend $350. Once equipped, practice using it in missions like Story Missions or Free Roam events to get comfortable with its mechanics.\n\nFor Combat cards, **Peak Condition** is a great choice for beginners. This card increases your damage output when your stamina is above 75%. Since stamina management is crucial in Red Dead Online, this card encourages you to maintain high stamina, which also helps with running and swimming. Peak Condition is unlocked at Rank 16 and costs $350. Pair it with **Iron Lung**, which reduces damage taken when your stamina is high, creating a synergy that boosts both offense and defense.\n\nAnother excellent Combat card for beginners is **Winning Streak**. This card increases damage with each consecutive hit on the same target, making it ideal for taking down tougher enemies or players in PvP. Winning Streak is unlocked at Rank 26 and costs $500. It’s particularly effective when using repeaters or pistols, as these weapons allow for rapid follow-up shots.\n\nFor Recovery cards, **Come Back Stronger** is a solid option for beginners. This card gradually restores your health over time, which is invaluable during prolonged fights or when you’re low on health tonics. It’s unlocked at Rank 14 and costs $350. While it’s not as powerful as some higher-tier Recovery cards, it’s a reliable choice for players who are still learning the ropes and may find themselves in tough situations frequently.\n\nFinally, for Passive cards, **Strange Medicine** is highly recommended. This card restores a portion of your health with each hit on an enemy, making it a lifesaver in both PvE and PvP. It’s unlocked at Rank 18 and costs $350. When paired with Winning Streak, it creates a powerful combination that keeps you alive while dealing consistent damage.\n\nTo upgrade your Ability Cards, you’ll need to spend money and Ability Card XP, which is earned by using the cards in combat. Focus on upgrading your core cards first, such as Paint It Black and Strange Medicine, as these will provide the most immediate benefits. You can also experiment with different combinations to suit your playstyle, but the cards mentioned above are a great starting point for beginners.\n\nIn terms of practical tips, always keep an eye on your stamina and health during combat. Use tonics and food to maintain these stats, especially when using cards like Peak Condition and Iron Lung. Additionally, practice using Paint It Black in low-stakes situations, such as hunting or Free Roam missions, to get a feel for its mechanics before diving into PvP. Finally, don’t be afraid to adjust your loadout as you progress and unlock more cards. Red Dead Online offers a lot of flexibility, and finding the right combination for your playstyle is key to success.