How do you increase your health core for better survivability in combat?

Increasing your health core in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for improving survivability during combat. The health core represents your overall health pool, and a higher core allows you to take more damage before dying. To increase your health core, you need to focus on specific in-game activities, consumables, and mechanics that directly impact your health stat.\n\nOne of the primary ways to increase your health core is by engaging in physical activities that improve your health stat. Activities like swimming, running, and melee combat contribute to this. For example, swimming in rivers or lakes (such as Flat Iron Lake or the Dakota River) for extended periods will gradually increase your health stat. Similarly, engaging in fistfights or using melee weapons like knives or tomahawks in combat will also help. These activities must be done consistently over time to see noticeable improvements.\n\nAnother effective method is consuming specific items that boost your health core. Tonics like Bitters, Potent Bitters, and Special Bitters can temporarily increase your health core, but they do not permanently raise your health stat. For a more permanent solution, focus on eating high-quality food such as cooked meats (venison, beef, or pork) and canned goods. Cooking at campfires or purchasing meals from saloons in towns like Valentine or Saint Denis can provide these benefits. Additionally, hunting and preparing your own food ensures a steady supply of health-boosting meals.\n\nCompleting certain missions and challenges can also increase your health core. For instance, the "Challenges" section in the game includes tasks like the Survivalist Challenge, which rewards you with stat boosts upon completion. These challenges often involve hunting, fishing, or gathering herbs, all of which contribute to your overall health. Additionally, progressing through the main story and side missions can sometimes grant health stat increases as rewards.\n\nTo maximize your health core, it’s important to maintain a balanced approach. Avoid over-reliance on tonics, as they only provide temporary boosts. Instead, focus on consistent physical activity and a healthy diet. For example, after a long day of hunting in the Grizzlies, cook your game at a campfire and consume it to replenish your health core. This not only saves money but also ensures you’re always prepared for unexpected combat encounters.\n\nFinally, consider upgrading your camp through the Ledger at your gang’s hideout. Upgrades like the Medicine Wagon provide better access to health-restoring items, making it easier to maintain your health core during intense gameplay. By combining these strategies, you’ll significantly improve your survivability in combat and be better equipped to handle the challenges of the Wild West.