How do I counter players using Never Without One in PvP?

Never Without One is a Dead Eye ability card in Red Dead Redemption 2 that allows players to survive a headshot by sacrificing their hat instead. This ability can make PvP encounters frustrating, as it gives opponents an extra layer of defense. To counter players using Never Without One, you need to adapt your strategy, focus on their weaknesses, and exploit the mechanics of the ability.\n\nFirst, understand how Never Without One works. When a player with this ability is wearing a hat, a headshot will destroy their hat instead of killing them. However, once the hat is gone, they lose the protection and become vulnerable to headshots. This means your goal is to either remove their hat quickly or bypass the ability entirely. One effective method is to aim for body shots instead of headshots. While body shots deal less damage, they are consistent and reliable, especially when paired with high-damage weapons like the Rolling Block Rifle or Carcano Rifle.\n\nAnother strategy is to use explosive ammunition. Explosive rounds deal massive damage and can bypass the hat protection, often killing the player in one shot regardless of their ability card. To craft explosive ammo, you’ll need regular ammunition, animal fat, and a recipe pamphlet, which can be purchased from a fence. Keep in mind that explosive ammo is expensive and time-consuming to craft, so use it sparingly in critical moments.\n\nIf you prefer a more tactical approach, consider using the Paint It Black Dead Eye ability. This allows you to mark your target’s head multiple times, ensuring that even if the first shot destroys their hat, the follow-up shots will finish them off. Pair this with a fast-firing weapon like the Lancaster Repeater or Semi-Auto Shotgun for maximum efficiency. Additionally, using incendiary or fire-based weapons can force players to panic and lose their focus, making them easier to take down.\n\nPositioning and movement are also crucial when countering Never Without One. Players relying on this ability often become overconfident, assuming they are safe from headshots. Use this to your advantage by flanking them or catching them off guard. For example, if you’re in a team-based mode like Takeover Series, coordinate with your teammates to distract the enemy while you move into a better position. Once you’re close enough, switch to a shotgun or melee weapon to deal massive damage up close.\n\nFinally, consider using the Slippery Bastard Dead Eye ability to counter players who rely on Never Without One. Slippery Bastard makes it harder for enemies to lock onto you, giving you the upper hand in close-quarters combat. Combine this with a bow or throwing weapons like tomahawks for a stealthy and effective approach. Remember, the key to countering Never Without One is adaptability. Pay attention to your opponent’s playstyle, adjust your strategy accordingly, and always be prepared to switch tactics mid-fight.\n\nIn summary, countering Never Without One requires a mix of precision, strategy, and resource management. Focus on body shots, use explosive or incendiary ammo, and leverage Dead Eye abilities like Paint It Black or Slippery Bastard. By understanding the mechanics of the ability and exploiting its weaknesses, you can turn the tide in your favor during PvP encounters.