Difference between revisions of "Anti-Sniper strategy"

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{{notice|text=Please take a moment to read the [[Team Fortress wiki:Anti-Class Strategies#Standard|Anti-Class Strategy Standard]] before editing this page.}}
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[[File:SniperHumiliation.png|right|160px|That's some shonky business right there!]]
[[Image:SniperHumiliation.png|right|160px|That's some shonky business right there!]]
 
 
{{Quotation|'''The Spy'''|Perhaps they can bury you in that van you call 'home.'|sound=Spy_DominationSniper06.wav}}
 
{{Quotation|'''The Spy'''|Perhaps they can bury you in that van you call 'home.'|sound=Spy_DominationSniper06.wav}}
  
The [[Sniper]] is an extremely dangerous class at long range due to his ability to kill any class instantly with a fully charged headshot. Generally, the best way to engage a Sniper is to get as close as possible because he lacks substantial close-ranged weaponry. A cornered Sniper has few options available except to run or engage you with weaker weapons, such as his Submachine Gun or melee weapon. Keep in mind that a Sniper can inflict you with bleeding damage or Mini-Crit vulnerability, depending on his weapon loadout. Further, Snipers who use the Huntsman can quickly shoot arrows which are effective at short to mid range, although this weapon takes away from the Sniper's long-range effectiveness.
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The '''[[Sniper]]''' specializes in eliminating enemies at long range. He will typically position himself at a vantage point away from the battlefield, scanning the area for targets. His primary weapons can charge and deliver [[headshot]]s at extreme range, so ignoring him is never an option. The best way to deal with a Sniper is awareness; if you know he's watching one route, try taking another route or firing at him to force him behind cover.
  
==General==
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The Sniper is very weak at close combat; his [[Submachine Gun]] and melee weapon lose out to most other guns. Maneuvering close enough to engage him is best done by the Spy, who can Cloak and [[backstab]], or the Scout, who can approach from alternate routes and is a difficult target.
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 +
== General ==
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200"| Attributes
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! class="header" colspan="1" width="200" | Attributes
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Sniper Strategy
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! class="header" colspan="1" width="800" | Anti-Sniper strategy
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[Image:Sniper_badge_RED.png|40px]] [[Classes|Role]]
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[File:Sniper_badge_RED.png|40px]] '''[[Classes|Role]]'''
 
|
 
|
*Staying at long range when fighting against Snipers, especially in the open, puts you at a great disadvantage. Try to close the distance between you and the Sniper.
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* The Sniper's role is to pick off any exposed enemies. Make good use of cover and keep moving to avoid being an easy target.
*If you can't hide in open spaces, never stop moving. If you stand still, you'll be an easy target for enemy Snipers.
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* A Sniper is most effective when he fights from a distance. If you get close, he will have difficulty landing a headshot on you.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[Image:Leaderboard_class_medic.png|40px]] [[Health]]
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[File:Leaderboard_class_medic.png|40px]] '''[[Health]]'''
 
|
 
|
*The Sniper has a rather low amount of health; he is quite vulnerable at close range and will generally lose a fight against sturdier classes.  
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* The Sniper shares the lowest base health with the [[Scout]], [[Spy]], & [[Engineer]]. He will generally lose direct fights against sturdier classes.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[Image:Leaderboard_class_scout.png|40px]] [[Speed]]
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[File:Leaderboard_class_scout.png|40px]] '''[[Speed]]'''
 
|
 
|
*The Sniper walks and runs at an average pace, but he lags behind the enemy's main force for protection. In addition, he moves very slowly while scoped in. This makes the Sniper's ability to flee from fights rather poor.
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* The Sniper runs at an average pace, but is heavily slowed while aiming. He has difficulty fleeing from mobile opponents such as the [[Scout]], [[Soldier]], and [[Pyro]].
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[Image:Leaderboard_class_soldier.png|40px]] [[Weapons|Power]]
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |[[File:Leaderboard_class_soldier.png|40px]] '''[[Weapons|Power]]'''
 
|
 
|
*His primary weapons are unaffected by damage ramp-up and fall-off, making the Sniper very dangerous even at long ranges. The Sniper's primary weapons have the ability to kill players instantly, so try to not get hit by a Sniper at all.
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* The Sniper's primary weapons are unaffected by damage fall-off. Try not to get hit at all, as even an uncharged headshot or a fully-charged bodyshot from the default Sniper Rifle deals 150 damage - enough to instantly kill weaker classes and severely injure tougher ones.
 +
* A fully-charged headshot will instantly kill any class, barring a combination of overhealing and damage reduction.
 +
* Pay attention to the rifle the Sniper is using. Different rifles have varying damage and charge rate.
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
==Weapon Specific==
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== Weapon-specific ==
 
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{{main|Weapons#Sniper|l1=Sniper weapons}}
A list of useful tidbits about the Sniper's tools, and how to counter them.
 
 
 
===Primary Weapons===
 
  
 +
=== Primary weapons ===
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200"| Weapon
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! class="header" colspan="1" width="200" | Weapon
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Sniper Strategy
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! class="header" colspan="1" width="800" | Anti-Sniper strategy
 +
|-
 +
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Sniper Rifle}} + '''reskins'''
 +
|
 +
* The Sniper Rifle fires single, accurate bullets over extreme distances, but takes nearly two seconds to reload. It is less effective against several foes or when up close.
 +
* The Sniper Rifle can zoom in to charge a shot, indicated by the Sniper holding the weapon to his eye. When scoped, the Sniper walks slowly and has a limited field of vision, making him susceptible to flanks from Scouts and Spies.
 +
* If you're caught in his sights, move unpredictably and shoot at him to make him flinch and misaim. As you approach, keep in mind that experienced Snipers can still headshot enemies who are only a few feet away.
 +
** Although certain weapons, like the Rocket Launcher and Scorch Shot, can be fired at extreme ranges, avoid getting into a "sniping" war with an enemy Sniper, lest they land a quick headshot on you.
 +
* Check if there is a Sniper or his rifle's laser dot before entering an area. He can only cover one route at a time, so take a different route, attack with teammates, or move once his laser dot goes away and his attention is somewhere else.
 +
|-
 +
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Huntsman}} + '''reskins'''
 +
|
 +
* The Huntsman fires arrows, which move slower than bullets. Incoming arrows can be dodged, unlike Sniper Rifle bullets.
 +
* Arrows have deceptively large hitboxes. Beware of fighting in narrow corridors, where dodging is much more difficult.
 +
* The Huntsman cannot zoom in, forcing the Sniper to fight closer to the front lines and making him easier to target. The lack of zoom also allows him to spot flanking enemies more easily.
 +
* If a Sniper charges his arrows for too long, it will be wildly inaccurate and deal very little damage. Keep on the move to avoid his arrows and try increase the time it takes for him to line up a shot, forcing him to shoot an inaccurate shot or having to cancel his shot.
 +
* As the arrows are projectiles, the Short Circuit's alt fire can destroy them. Use this to your advantage when pushing up, as it can hold off any Huntsman Snipers trying to slow your approach.
 +
|-
 +
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Sydney Sleeper}}
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|
 +
* The Sydney Sleeper’s headshot deals less damage (a maximum of 202 damage, compared to the Sniper Rifle’s 450). This means that not even a skilled Sniper can instantly kill you without some delay.
 +
* A scoped shot from this weapon coats the victim in Jarate, allowing the Sniper's allies to finish you off easily. If you are hit, consider falling back for a few seconds until the debuff wears off.
 +
* Overall, the Sydney Sleeper deals less damage on headshot, but charges faster; beware fast 150-damage bodyshots if playing as a fragile class like the Medic.
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="2" |
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Bazaar Bargain}}
*Snipers will have their aim disrupted when taking damage, especially from sources like [[Bleeding]] and [[Burning]].
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|
*Firing projectiles from range will intimidate the Sniper into dodging, denying him the time to take a clean shot.
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* The Bazaar Bargain reduces the charge time of the Sniper's rifle as he lands multiple headshots. If you see teammates dying to his headshots, note his skill level and avoid his line of sight.
*Scoped Snipers have a very limited field of vision. Attack them from the back or the side to catch them by surprise.
 
*Scoped Snipers also create a team-colored dot wherever their rifle is pointed. Try to stay out of an area where you can see such dots.
 
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Sniper Rifle}}
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Machina}} + '''reskins'''
 
|
 
|
*Light classes can be killed with an uncharged headshot. Be careful of attacking a skilled Sniper head-on.
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* The Machina's fully charged shot pierces enemies. Don't count on teammates being able to bodyblock for you if the Sniper has time to charge, especially if you play as the Medic.
*A Sniper may attempt to weaken you with unscoped shots before charging at you with his Kukri. Try to keep mobile and keep out of his melee range.  
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* The Machina's tracer rounds reveal its user, making tracking the Sniper down much easier.
*A skilled sniper using this weapon can quickly and easily dispatch most classes. To survive, try and disguise your head's location, for example by disguising or by shooting flames around your head.
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* This weapon can only fire while scoped, leaving the Sniper more vulnerable up close.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Sydney Sleeper}}
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Hitman's Heatmaker}}
 
|
 
|
*The Sydney Sleeper requires the Sniper to be scoped in for some time before able to do significant damage. This makes him an easier target.
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* After obtaining an amount of kills or assists, the Sniper can activate the Heatmaker's “focus” ability, which charges his rifle faster and keeps him scoped between shots. A Sniper who stays alive long enough to obtain that much kill credit may be skilled.
*If a Sniper with the Sydney Sleeper hits you, keep your distance, as he will be likely to follow up with a melee attack.
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* When focus is activated, the Hitman's Heatmaker stays scoped after each shot and fires tracer rounds that reveal the Sniper. This could be a chance to track and defeat the Sniper up close while he is too focused on making use of his buff.
 +
* The Hitman's Heatmaker suffers a bodyshot damage penalty, rewarding you for partially dodging the Sniper's shots.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Huntsman}}
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" |  
 +
{{Table icon|Classic}}
 
|
 
|
*Huntsman arrows are difficult to see, and as a result, difficult to avoid. Be sure to constantly strafe to get a glimpse of the arrow's flight path.
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* The Classic allows the Sniper to charge his shots independently from his scope. Because of this, he will have an easier time to spot and aim at potential attackers.
*Snipers cannot fire arrows while airborne. Use skills like [[juggling]] and [[airblast]] to keep the Sniper airborne to deny him a shot.
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* Each shot from The Classic has a bodyshot damage penalty and can only headshot when fully charged. Engage him between charged shots; he must prepare his charged shot in advance before he can deal considerable damage to you.
*Snipers cannot fire arrows while underwater, but they can still fire ''into'' water, so consider where you retreat.
 
*Watch the Sniper's animations before closing in for a melee kill. If he waves his right arm to catch an arrow, he might stun and taunt-kill you.
 
*If you are very quick and lucky, it is possible to airblast or stop an arrow mid-flight. The latter can be done by causing it to hit another projectile, such as a rocket or grenade. This will cause them both to detonate in mid air, saving you from as much damage
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
===Secondary Weapons===
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=== Secondary weapons ===
  
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200"| Weapon
+
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200" | Weapon
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Sniper Strategy
+
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800" | Anti-Sniper strategy
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Submachine Gun}}
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Submachine Gun}} + '''reskins'''
 
|
 
|
*The Submachine Gun is surprisingly accurate but ineffective at longer ranges. If a Sniper attempts to attack you with his Submachine Gun, try to move away from him while attacking with a more accurate weapon.
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* The Submachine Gun is surprisingly accurate. Don't get complacent if a Sniper switches to it; move away and retaliate with a more powerful weapon.  
*The Submachine Gun does not deal much damage per shot, but it will quickly stack with sustained fire. Keep an eye on your health.  
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* The Sniper only holds three clips of SMG ammo; he cannot fight for long before you can overwhelm him.
 +
* If you are struck by a strong attack, such as a fully-charged Huntsman arrow, the Sniper may switch to his SMG to finish you off. This takes him less time than attacking again with his primary weapon.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Razorback}}
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Razorback}}
 
|
 
|
*The Razorback deprives its user of a Secondary weapon, take advantage of this by fighting the Sniper just outside of melee range.
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* A Sniper may wear the Razorback to discourage Spies from backstabbing him. As the Spy, take care to not reveal yourself to the enemy team if you decide to kill the Sniper with your Revolver.
 +
** Depending on your gun choice, it may take up to 3 shots to kill him, so wait until the Sniper scopes in before striking.
 +
* Equipping the Razorback deprives a Sniper of a secondary weapon, making him much weaker in direct combat.
 +
* The Razorback renders the Sniper unable to receive any kind of overheal, meaning that in a Sniper duel, he will always die to an uncharged headshot.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Darwin's Danger Shield}}
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Jarate}} + '''reskins'''
 
|
 
|
*Do not underestimate the health of a Sniper using the Shield; take advantage of his lack of a secondary weapon and kill him outside of his melee range.
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* If you're covered in Jarate, the Sniper's team will deal guaranteed [[mini-crit]]s to you, for about 35% more damage. Take cover if there are other enemies nearby until the debuff wears off in ten seconds.
 +
* Jarate can be removed by extended [[Healing]], entering water, or touching a Resupply cabinet.
 +
* A lone Sniper will often follow up his Jarate toss with his weapon. React to his ranged or melee weapon appropriately.
 +
** As the Sniper Rifle has no damage falloff, each uncharged shot he lands on you will now deal 68 damage.
 +
* The Sniper can use Jarate to extinguish himself or his teammates. As the Pyro, don't always rely on afterburn to finish him off.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Jarate}}
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Darwin's Danger Shield}}
 
|
 
|
*Jarate can be removed by extended [[Healing]], entering water, or touching a Supply Cabinet.
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* Darwin's Danger Shield's grants afterburn immunity and 50% damage resistance against fire. If ambushing him as the Pyro, switch to your Shotgun or melee weapon instead. Alternatively, attempt to airblast him if he is standing near a ledge to cause potentially fatal fall damage.
*It may be better to retreat if covered in Jarate, especially if the enemy Sniper is equipped with the Bushwacka or the Tribalman's Shiv.
 
*If you are covered in Jarate, stay away from danger, as explosives and bullets will quickly kill you.
 
 
|-
 
|-
 +
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Cozy Camper}}
 +
|
 +
* A Sniper equipped with the Cozy Camper will not flinch if his Sniper Rifle is fully charged. Force him to take cover or shoot early.
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* A Sniper with the Cozy Camper may stay scoped in more often, so assume his shots will deal extra damage, but that his field of vision is severely reduced.
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* Be on the lookout for if a Sniper comes out of cover - his Rifle may already be charged.
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* The Cozy Camper deprives the Sniper of a secondary weapon, making him nearly useless in close-range combat.
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* The Cozy Camper gives passive health regeneration to the Sniper, nullifying chip damage. Threaten him with heavy damage so he takes cover.
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|-
 +
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Cleaner's Carbine}}
 +
|
 +
* Dealing 100 damage with the Cleaner's Carbine fills a "CRIKEY" bar, giving the Sniper 8 seconds of mini-crits once filled and activated. If this happens, treat fighting him as if you have been hit by Jarate.
 +
* The Cleaner's Carbine suffers from a smaller clip size and lower fire rate, so the Sniper either has to surprise an enemy or deal substantial chip damage. If you spot the Sniper trying to do either, attack back to prevent them from reaching full "CRIKEY."
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* The Carbine's damage boost works well with the Bushwacka; be prepared for it!
 
|}
 
|}
  
===Melee Weapons===
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=== Melee Weapons ===
  
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200"| Weapon
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200"| Weapon
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Sniper Strategy
+
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Sniper strategy
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Kukri}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Kukri}} + '''reskins'''
 
|
 
|
*A Sniper will generally only use his Kukri weapon as a weapon of last resort. Simply back up and finish the Sniper off.
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* A Sniper will generally use the Kukri weapon as a last resort when cornered. It is still as strong as other melee weapons, so back up and finish him off.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Tribalman's Shiv}}
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| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Tribalman's Shiv}}
 
|
 
|
*The Tribalman's Shiv does less damage upfront, meaning you will probably kill the Sniper in melee combat.
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* Don't get careless just because the Tribalman's Shiv seemingly does little damage – it inflicts [[bleed]], causing you to take extra damage over time.
*However, the [[bleeding]] causes it to do more damage over time, so have an idea of where health packs and Medics are before facing the Sniper.
+
* After applying bleed, the Sniper may create space and attack you with a ranged weapon. Quickly decide to end the fight or retreat, before the damage stacks up.
*Do not let the Sniper get close to you if you have been Jarated, as bleeding is affected by Mini-Crits.
+
* If you are hit by the Shiv again, your bleeding duration will reset. Know where you can find healing once the fight ends.
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Bushwacka}}
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Bushwacka}}
 
|
 
|
*A Sniper will typically pull out his Bushwacka if he is expecting to Crit due to Jarate or the Sydney Sleeper. Wait for the Jarate effect to fade away before confronting him or keep your distance.
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* A Sniper will typically pull out the Bushwacka after accessing mini-crits, usually from Jarate or the Cleaner's Carbine. Fight from just outside melee range, where he is weakest, and take advantage of the damage vulnerability he receives while the Bushwacka is active.
*Keep away from a Sniper with the Bushwacka if you have used [[Crit-a-Cola]] or if he is buffed by the [[Buff Banner]], as all his Mini-Crits will turn into full Crits.
 
*The increased fire vulnerability will make the Sniper much easier to kill with fire, as long as he stays away from water.
 
|}
 
 
 
==Class Set==
 
 
 
{| class="wikitable grid" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="200"| Set
 
! class="header" colspan="1" width="800"| Anti-Sniper Strategy
 
 
|-
 
|-
| class="small" align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | [[File:Backpack Sniper Bundle.png|100px|The Croc-o-Style]]
+
| align="center" valign="center" style="padding:0.5em" | {{Table icon|Shahanshah}}
<br>[[Item sets#Sniper|The Croc-o-Style]]
 
 
|
 
|
*A Sniper using this set is even more vulnerable than usual at closer ranges due to a weaker primary weapon and a lack of secondary weapons.
+
* The Shahanshah deals increased damage if the Sniper is below half health. If fighting him in melee combat, know that his strikes may become stronger after you land a hit or two.
 
+
* A Sniper who fights with the Shahanshah is likely injured and trying to take advantage of its damage bonus. Similar to when he is using the Bushwacka, keep your distance.
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
==See also==
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== See also ==
*[[Team strategy]]
+
* [[Team strategy]]
  
 
{{Class strategy}}
 
{{Class strategy}}
 +
{{Sniper Nav}}
  
[[Category:Strategy]]
 
[[Category:Sniper]]
 
 
[[Category:Community strategy]]
 
[[Category:Community strategy]]

Latest revision as of 19:57, 11 June 2024

That's some shonky business right there!

The Sniper specializes in eliminating enemies at long range. He will typically position himself at a vantage point away from the battlefield, scanning the area for targets. His primary weapons can charge and deliver headshots at extreme range, so ignoring him is never an option. The best way to deal with a Sniper is awareness; if you know he's watching one route, try taking another route or firing at him to force him behind cover.

The Sniper is very weak at close combat; his Submachine Gun and melee weapon lose out to most other guns. Maneuvering close enough to engage him is best done by the Spy, who can Cloak and backstab, or the Scout, who can approach from alternate routes and is a difficult target.

General

Attributes Anti-Sniper strategy
Sniper emblem RED.png Role
  • The Sniper's role is to pick off any exposed enemies. Make good use of cover and keep moving to avoid being an easy target.
  • A Sniper is most effective when he fights from a distance. If you get close, he will have difficulty landing a headshot on you.
Leaderboard class medic.png Health
  • The Sniper shares the lowest base health with the Scout, Spy, & Engineer. He will generally lose direct fights against sturdier classes.
Leaderboard class scout.png Speed
  • The Sniper runs at an average pace, but is heavily slowed while aiming. He has difficulty fleeing from mobile opponents such as the Scout, Soldier, and Pyro.
Leaderboard class soldier.png Power
  • The Sniper's primary weapons are unaffected by damage fall-off. Try not to get hit at all, as even an uncharged headshot or a fully-charged bodyshot from the default Sniper Rifle deals 150 damage - enough to instantly kill weaker classes and severely injure tougher ones.
  • A fully-charged headshot will instantly kill any class, barring a combination of overhealing and damage reduction.
  • Pay attention to the rifle the Sniper is using. Different rifles have varying damage and charge rate.

Weapon-specific

Main article: Sniper weapons

Primary weapons

Weapon Anti-Sniper strategy
Sniper Rifle
Sniper Rifle + reskins
  • The Sniper Rifle fires single, accurate bullets over extreme distances, but takes nearly two seconds to reload. It is less effective against several foes or when up close.
  • The Sniper Rifle can zoom in to charge a shot, indicated by the Sniper holding the weapon to his eye. When scoped, the Sniper walks slowly and has a limited field of vision, making him susceptible to flanks from Scouts and Spies.
  • If you're caught in his sights, move unpredictably and shoot at him to make him flinch and misaim. As you approach, keep in mind that experienced Snipers can still headshot enemies who are only a few feet away.
    • Although certain weapons, like the Rocket Launcher and Scorch Shot, can be fired at extreme ranges, avoid getting into a "sniping" war with an enemy Sniper, lest they land a quick headshot on you.
  • Check if there is a Sniper or his rifle's laser dot before entering an area. He can only cover one route at a time, so take a different route, attack with teammates, or move once his laser dot goes away and his attention is somewhere else.
Huntsman
Huntsman + reskins
  • The Huntsman fires arrows, which move slower than bullets. Incoming arrows can be dodged, unlike Sniper Rifle bullets.
  • Arrows have deceptively large hitboxes. Beware of fighting in narrow corridors, where dodging is much more difficult.
  • The Huntsman cannot zoom in, forcing the Sniper to fight closer to the front lines and making him easier to target. The lack of zoom also allows him to spot flanking enemies more easily.
  • If a Sniper charges his arrows for too long, it will be wildly inaccurate and deal very little damage. Keep on the move to avoid his arrows and try increase the time it takes for him to line up a shot, forcing him to shoot an inaccurate shot or having to cancel his shot.
  • As the arrows are projectiles, the Short Circuit's alt fire can destroy them. Use this to your advantage when pushing up, as it can hold off any Huntsman Snipers trying to slow your approach.
Sydney Sleeper
Sydney Sleeper
  • The Sydney Sleeper’s headshot deals less damage (a maximum of 202 damage, compared to the Sniper Rifle’s 450). This means that not even a skilled Sniper can instantly kill you without some delay.
  • A scoped shot from this weapon coats the victim in Jarate, allowing the Sniper's allies to finish you off easily. If you are hit, consider falling back for a few seconds until the debuff wears off.
  • Overall, the Sydney Sleeper deals less damage on headshot, but charges faster; beware fast 150-damage bodyshots if playing as a fragile class like the Medic.
Bazaar Bargain
Bazaar Bargain
  • The Bazaar Bargain reduces the charge time of the Sniper's rifle as he lands multiple headshots. If you see teammates dying to his headshots, note his skill level and avoid his line of sight.
Machina
Machina + reskins
  • The Machina's fully charged shot pierces enemies. Don't count on teammates being able to bodyblock for you if the Sniper has time to charge, especially if you play as the Medic.
  • The Machina's tracer rounds reveal its user, making tracking the Sniper down much easier.
  • This weapon can only fire while scoped, leaving the Sniper more vulnerable up close.
Hitman's Heatmaker
Hitman's Heatmaker
  • After obtaining an amount of kills or assists, the Sniper can activate the Heatmaker's “focus” ability, which charges his rifle faster and keeps him scoped between shots. A Sniper who stays alive long enough to obtain that much kill credit may be skilled.
  • When focus is activated, the Hitman's Heatmaker stays scoped after each shot and fires tracer rounds that reveal the Sniper. This could be a chance to track and defeat the Sniper up close while he is too focused on making use of his buff.
  • The Hitman's Heatmaker suffers a bodyshot damage penalty, rewarding you for partially dodging the Sniper's shots.

Classic
Classic

  • The Classic allows the Sniper to charge his shots independently from his scope. Because of this, he will have an easier time to spot and aim at potential attackers.
  • Each shot from The Classic has a bodyshot damage penalty and can only headshot when fully charged. Engage him between charged shots; he must prepare his charged shot in advance before he can deal considerable damage to you.

Secondary weapons

Weapon Anti-Sniper strategy
Submachine Gun
SMG + reskins
  • The Submachine Gun is surprisingly accurate. Don't get complacent if a Sniper switches to it; move away and retaliate with a more powerful weapon.
  • The Sniper only holds three clips of SMG ammo; he cannot fight for long before you can overwhelm him.
  • If you are struck by a strong attack, such as a fully-charged Huntsman arrow, the Sniper may switch to his SMG to finish you off. This takes him less time than attacking again with his primary weapon.
Razorback
Razorback
  • A Sniper may wear the Razorback to discourage Spies from backstabbing him. As the Spy, take care to not reveal yourself to the enemy team if you decide to kill the Sniper with your Revolver.
    • Depending on your gun choice, it may take up to 3 shots to kill him, so wait until the Sniper scopes in before striking.
  • Equipping the Razorback deprives a Sniper of a secondary weapon, making him much weaker in direct combat.
  • The Razorback renders the Sniper unable to receive any kind of overheal, meaning that in a Sniper duel, he will always die to an uncharged headshot.
Jarate
Jarate + reskins
  • If you're covered in Jarate, the Sniper's team will deal guaranteed mini-crits to you, for about 35% more damage. Take cover if there are other enemies nearby until the debuff wears off in ten seconds.
  • Jarate can be removed by extended Healing, entering water, or touching a Resupply cabinet.
  • A lone Sniper will often follow up his Jarate toss with his weapon. React to his ranged or melee weapon appropriately.
    • As the Sniper Rifle has no damage falloff, each uncharged shot he lands on you will now deal 68 damage.
  • The Sniper can use Jarate to extinguish himself or his teammates. As the Pyro, don't always rely on afterburn to finish him off.
Darwin's Danger Shield
Darwin's Danger Shield
  • Darwin's Danger Shield's grants afterburn immunity and 50% damage resistance against fire. If ambushing him as the Pyro, switch to your Shotgun or melee weapon instead. Alternatively, attempt to airblast him if he is standing near a ledge to cause potentially fatal fall damage.
Cozy Camper
Cozy Camper
  • A Sniper equipped with the Cozy Camper will not flinch if his Sniper Rifle is fully charged. Force him to take cover or shoot early.
  • A Sniper with the Cozy Camper may stay scoped in more often, so assume his shots will deal extra damage, but that his field of vision is severely reduced.
  • Be on the lookout for if a Sniper comes out of cover - his Rifle may already be charged.
  • The Cozy Camper deprives the Sniper of a secondary weapon, making him nearly useless in close-range combat.
  • The Cozy Camper gives passive health regeneration to the Sniper, nullifying chip damage. Threaten him with heavy damage so he takes cover.
Cleaner's Carbine
Cleaner's Carbine
  • Dealing 100 damage with the Cleaner's Carbine fills a "CRIKEY" bar, giving the Sniper 8 seconds of mini-crits once filled and activated. If this happens, treat fighting him as if you have been hit by Jarate.
  • The Cleaner's Carbine suffers from a smaller clip size and lower fire rate, so the Sniper either has to surprise an enemy or deal substantial chip damage. If you spot the Sniper trying to do either, attack back to prevent them from reaching full "CRIKEY."
  • The Carbine's damage boost works well with the Bushwacka; be prepared for it!

Melee Weapons

Weapon Anti-Sniper strategy
Kukri
Kukri + reskins
  • A Sniper will generally use the Kukri weapon as a last resort when cornered. It is still as strong as other melee weapons, so back up and finish him off.
Tribalman's Shiv
Tribalman's Shiv
  • Don't get careless just because the Tribalman's Shiv seemingly does little damage – it inflicts bleed, causing you to take extra damage over time.
  • After applying bleed, the Sniper may create space and attack you with a ranged weapon. Quickly decide to end the fight or retreat, before the damage stacks up.
  • If you are hit by the Shiv again, your bleeding duration will reset. Know where you can find healing once the fight ends.
Bushwacka
Bushwacka
  • A Sniper will typically pull out the Bushwacka after accessing mini-crits, usually from Jarate or the Cleaner's Carbine. Fight from just outside melee range, where he is weakest, and take advantage of the damage vulnerability he receives while the Bushwacka is active.
Shahanshah
Shahanshah
  • The Shahanshah deals increased damage if the Sniper is below half health. If fighting him in melee combat, know that his strikes may become stronger after you land a hit or two.
  • A Sniper who fights with the Shahanshah is likely injured and trying to take advantage of its damage bonus. Similar to when he is using the Bushwacka, keep your distance.

See also