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.

6v6 Strategy

Main article: Sniper (6v6)

Playing sniper in a 6v6 is a lot different than playing 9v9 or pub sniper, you are significantly more prone to flanking by enemy scouts, bombing soldiers and the enemy’s player’s movement is a lot harder to predict.

Guidelines to follow while sniping in 6v6:

- Appropriately distance yourself from the enemy core and still be in a position to provide support to your team, actively think "is this a good spot to sit in if they push? Can I survive in this location if they push? Does this position help my team if they push?"

- Keep hidden and hide your Laser sight.

- Your core should be your safety net, if they are engaged in a fight close to your location, give support while retreating. You do not want to be any ware close to the enemy’s team as the enemy players will kill you very quickly

Sniping last on 5 CP map: As a general rule, never snipe on a 5cp map where you do not have good line-of-site to at least 2 entry points. This rule can be dismissed if the map has a spawn in which you can snipe from (e.g. Badlands). Before the enemy team pushes, charge the rifle up and go for 1 shot kill or no kill, immediately change back to your core class and get back into the fight. (Tip, bind a key to change to your core class)

It is much easier to kill the enemy players when they are not focused on you, a top sniper can read the situation and move into the correct position without any need to be told. The easiest way to ensure picks for your team is to not let the enemy team know you are playing sniper. Do not run sniper over and over again as the enemy team will find a way to exploit the missing core class. Again this has the opposite effect if you are dominating as sniper keep running it until they find an exploit.

Your competitive hit list as sniper:

1. Enemy Sniper
2. Medic
3. Any class out of position.

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.

Weapons

Note: Weapon images link to their corresponding page at the Official Team Fortress 2 Wiki.

See Also

• Sniper (6v6)
• Sniper (Highlander)