What are the best combat tactics for Trader missions?

Trader missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 require a mix of preparation, strategy, and combat skills to ensure success. These missions involve delivering goods across dangerous territories, often attracting rival players or NPC enemies. To excel, you need to understand the game mechanics, optimize your loadout, and employ effective combat tactics.\n\nFirst, always prepare your loadout before starting a Trader mission. Equip a long-range rifle like the Carcano Rifle or Rolling Block Rifle for sniping enemies from a distance. Pair this with a reliable repeater, such as the Lancaster Repeater, for mid-range combat. For close-quarters defense, carry a shotgun like the Pump-Action or Semi-Auto Shotgun. Stock up on health tonics, snake oil for Dead Eye, and ammo types like Express or High Velocity for maximum damage.\n\nNext, position yourself strategically during the mission. When delivering goods, stay close to your wagon but avoid sitting directly on it. Instead, ride alongside or slightly ahead to scout for threats. Use the terrain to your advantage—position yourself on high ground to spot enemies early and take them out before they get too close. For example, when delivering through the Heartlands, use the hills near Emerald Ranch to gain a tactical advantage.\n\nCombat during Trader missions often involves waves of enemies. Use Dead Eye to mark and eliminate multiple targets quickly. This is especially useful when enemies are riding horses or approaching from multiple directions. For example, if you''re ambushed near Rhodes, activate Dead Eye to take out riders before they can dismount and flank you. Always prioritize enemies with long-range weapons, as they pose the greatest threat to your wagon.\n\nIf your wagon is destroyed, don''t panic. You can still complete the mission by carrying goods on your horse or by foot. However, this is slower and riskier, so protect your wagon at all costs. Use dynamite or fire bottles to clear groups of enemies quickly, but be cautious not to damage your own wagon. For example, if enemies are clustered near a narrow pass in Big Valley, toss dynamite to scatter them and create an opening.\n\nFinally, communication and teamwork are key if you''re playing with a posse. Assign roles to each member—one player can focus on driving the wagon, while others scout ahead or provide cover. Use voice chat or in-game emotes to coordinate attacks and call out enemy positions. For example, when delivering through the Grizzlies, have one player scout the icy paths for ambushes while others guard the rear.\n\nIn summary, the best combat tactics for Trader missions involve preparation, strategic positioning, and effective use of Dead Eye. Equip the right weapons, use the terrain to your advantage, and prioritize threats to protect your wagon. With these tactics, you''ll maximize your profits and minimize losses during Trader missions.