Sniper

The Sniper is a long-ranged class with the ability to one-shot any enemy in the game (except an overhealed Heavy with the Fists of Steel active, any ubercharged player, a Spy with Dead Ringer active, and Bonked Scouts). They are valued for their ability to get key picks without directly engaging the enemy team. In a typical 6v6 format, the Sniper is considered an offclass, played only when a situation presents itself, most often when a team is at an Ubercharge disadvantage, or holding the last point. The main downfall for teams running a Sniper, however, is that during an uber fight Snipers are practically useless, and that they have very low direct combat abilities. Snipers primarily target the enemy Demoman and Medic, due to the ability to change the direction of a game through key picks.

6v6

Main Article: Sniper (6v6)

In 6v6, the Sniper is considered an offclass, and is one of the most common offclasses to be used in a match. Snipers rely on map sightlines, and tend to lay behind the front lines while attempting to pick off enemy players from afar. Snipers, having low health and poor close-combat abilities, are susceptible to Scouts and roaming Soldiers. Teams should work together to protect their sniper as he attempts to get a pick. This can also be an opportunity to get a pick, as enemies may rush in to try and pick the Sniper and by baited into the combo. Most of the time, Snipers are used to defend or attack the last point of a map. When attacking a last point, a Sniper attempts to pick any player available to give his team a number advantage with which to push into last. When defending a last point, Snipers are essential in either picking off random players to delay a push or sniping the attacking medic to negate the impending Ubercharge.

Highlander

Main Article: Sniper (Highlander)

The Sniper is considered a pick class in highlander, used to support his teammates while sitting back away from the battle. The Sniper's main job is to kill the enemy combo and the other sniper, while taking out unsuspecting enemies in the process. He is very important for holding positions and denying area from enemies; a skilled Sniper can pick off any careless players venturing into his sights, and thus can hold a team back from pushing. However, he does need protection, which usually comes in the form of a Pyro or Gunslinger Engineer. The Sniper can also use Jarate to assist in pushes, or to force pushing enemies to retreat. The sniper is often a target for the enemy team's Spy.