Community Sniper strategy

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Cold Blooded Killer
If your strategy is to build me confidence, it's working.
The Sniper on non-twitchy hooligans


The Sniper is a long-range support class which is best at the precise elimination of key targets. The Sniper is one of the two classes that can headshot enemies (the other being the Spy wielding the Ambassador). Headshots are guaranteed critical hits, and often result in an instant kill.

Quick Tips

  • Enemies are able to see your laser dot. Keep it hidden so that they're not alerted to it, making it easier to take out your opponents.
  • The Sniper is most vulnerable to Spies and other Snipers. Equip the Razorback, SMG, or Jarate to help with Spies.
  • Too many Snipers or Spies can ruin a team's viability. Try not to crowd up the class! If you're not getting kills as a Sniper, you're not contributing - consider switching classes until there are fewer Snipers.

General

Keep the dot on a nearby object so enemy players won't suspect you to be there.
  • The Sniper Rifle's laser dot is visible to enemies

Allowing your Sniper Rifle's laser dot to be seen may cost you the element of surprise. This can be avoided by aiming your dot out of sight on a nearby wall or object. Alternatively, you can use it to discourage enemy advances; most classes will not willingly go into a Sniper's line of fire, and will instead take another route. This tactic does not always work with Scouts, who are faster than a lot of Snipers can aim. Note that the enemy can only see the laser when facing an object in the same direction you're facing.


  • Don't stick to one spot

The freezecam will give your position away after a single kill; you should switch to a new location often, especially after killing another Sniper. This can be avoided by moving to an unfamiliar location upon making a kill, and may give you another shot opportunity if the enemy can't discern your location. This tactic is far less effective if you're firing from a well-known Sniper nest.


  • Pick your targets

As a support class it's always important to help your team out in the most efficient way possible. So look out for high value targets on the battlefield such as Medics, Heavies, and such. By picking and killing targets that would otherwise inflict heavy damage or negatively impact your team you are being a great support to your entire team.


  • Stopping re-zoom

Some Snipers prefer to not use the automatic re-zoom of the Sniper Rifle's scope after every shot. To prevent the re-zoom, turn off the automatic re-zoom in the Advanced Options on the main menu.


A fully-charged shot can instantly destroy any Level 1 Building and do major damage to others. Put pressure on enemy Engineers by standing outside the range of their equipment and hitting them with charged shots. Working in conjunction with a friendly Soldier can easily overwhelm the Engineer's repair capabilities.


  • Crouching tactics

Crouching shifts your vision downwards while making you a much smaller target (albeit a slower one). This can be useful for getting a better shot on your enemies. Crouching may also throw off enemy Snipers going for a headshot, especially if you have just fired a shot and are retreating.


  • Respawning

Pay attention to respawn timers, especially when facing many enemy Snipers. On defense, you may only have 5-10 seconds to focus on other targets between spawns.


  • Manipulating Medics

A quick headshot or bodyshot against a Medic's patient (or the Medic himself) can force him to use his ÜberCharge early.


  • Close combat

You have two options: retreat and attempt a quick headshot or bodyshot, or fight with your secondary weapon and melee. A quick headshot is rarely a viable option unless you know you can make the shot. It's generally more advisable to retreat while firing your SMG/throwing your Jarate (unless you have the Razorback or Darwin's Danger Shield equipped). Rushing in with your melee weapon has different results depending on the weapon. The Kukri is reliable for this tactic, the Tribalman's Shiv is better suited to surprise attacks, the Bushwacka works really well with a rush if you use Jarate, and the Shahanshah was more or less designed around making a melee rush more effective.


  • Use Your Environment

When sniping, it's very common for there to be one or two Spies out to backstab you. You can use walls to protect your back while you snipe if you don't use the Razorback, but still be cautious because a Spy can kill you just as easily with their Revolver.

Weapon Specific

Primary Weapons

Sniper Rifle/Festive Sniper Rifle

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried 0% Charge 100% Charge Critical at 0% Critical at 100%
Sniper Rifle
Stock
Sniper Rifle
Killicon sniper rifle.png 1 25 43-57 128-172 150 450
Killicon sniperriflehs.png 1 25 150 450 450 450
Festive Sniper Rifle
Uncrate
Festive Sniper Rifle
Killicon sniper rifle.png 1 25 43-57 128-172 150 450
Killicon sniperriflehs.png 1 25 150 450 450 450
  • Aim for the head. A headshot will automatically Crit, and a fully charged headshot is the only thing short of a backstab that can instantly kill a fully Overhealed Heavy.
  • Keeping your back against a wall while zoomed in can protect you from a backstab, but you should still be wary of Spies. On the other hand, keeping your back against a wall will leave you more open to splash damage from rockets.
    • Note that Spies can backstab for 180 degrees around the back of a player.
  • Unscoped Sniper Rifle shots do approximately 50 damage. If a target is too close, you should be using your secondary or melee weapons.
  • Standing still while zoomed in will make you an easy target for enemy Snipers and Spies. Move around and Spy check often to throw both classes off.
  • Do not stay zoomed in constantly because it's easy to miss a player coming towards you with your narrowed field of view.
  • Positioning is key; you should look for high vantage points to get a good view of the battlefield, or positions where you can easily cover multiple enemy routes. Ideally, you want to maximize your threat to your enemies while minimizing their threat to you.
  • Changing the cl_interp variable to 0.034 can help increase the likelihood of hitting a fast moving enemy.
  • Firing through small holes in walls minimizes the space enemies can shoot through. This makes you a minuscule target, but this also limits the area you can cover.

The table below lists the percentage charge needed to kill enemies with a bodyshot/headshot. Percentages greater than 100 mean you cannot kill enemies with one shot in this fashion.

Note: If random damage spread is not disabled, body shot percentages will vary. All classes but the Soldier have gear that can increase or lower their total health so only use this table as a guide. The Soldier may use the Battalion's Backup, reducing your damage against them.

Huntsman

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried 0% Charge 100% Charge Critical at 0% Critical at 100%
Huntsman
Unlock
Huntsman
Killicon huntsman.png 1 12 44-58 103-137 150 360
Killicon huntsmanhs.png 1 12 150 360 360 360
Killicon flaming huntsman.png Killicon flaming huntsman afterburn.png 1 12 104-118 153-187 210 420
  • The Huntsman fires relatively slow-moving projectiles: lead your target unless they're headed straight for you; arrows will always hit to the lower right corner of the crosshair.
    • Arrows arc downwards when fired; the greater the charge, the straighter and faster your shot will fly. Aim your arrows slightly above your target.
  • When under fire, don't stick around to see if your shots hit their mark; duck behind cover! A distinct sound will always play upon a hit, no matter how far away you are.
  • Occasionally take shots at areas enemies are likely to appear from, even if you don't see anyone there at the moment. By the time your arrow reaches its destination, an enemy may have appeared. This is mostly useful when aiming at common Sniper nests and choke points.
  • A Sniper using the standard Sniper Rifle has an advantage over you, thanks to his hitscan weapon. Avoid engaging them at medium/long range unless they are under fire or plainly unaware of your presence.
    • If a Sniper using the standard Sniper Rifle is taking a shot and ducking behind cover in a very predictable pattern, it's possible to time your shots in order to hit him as he peeks out again.
  • Huntsman Snipers have higher mobility and no scope to restrict their field of view. They are also capable of landing near-instant headshots, and have an easier time defending themselves with their primary.
  • The SMG goes well with the Huntsman; it allows you to finish off an enemy faster if you miss a headshot and instead bodyshot them. In addition, if you run out of arrows you will have a secondary damage source.
    • If you equip a secondary other than the SMG, keep an eye on the amount of ammunition available. If you run out of arrows, you will only be able to use your melee weapon for direct damage.
  • Before going around a corner, have your Huntsman fully drawn to be ready for approaching enemies. Alternately, jump around a corner while charging a shot to surprise your attackers.
    • Be aware however, that you can not fire the Huntsman while in the air.
  • Use alt-fire to gently release drawn arrows without firing. Holding it drawn back for more than 5 seconds will result in an inaccurate shot that can not score a headshot.
  • Avoid fighting in wide-open areas, where enemies can easily dodge your arrows; stick to narrow spaces or mid-range combat whenever possible.
  • Fired arrows have a team-colored trail and will stick in walls for a period of time. This may give away your position.
  • Always attempt to ambush enemies; catching them off-guard will give them no time to dodge your arrows.
  • Since the Huntsman does similar damage to the Rifle while firing faster, you can use it to put pressure on enemy Medics and Engineers. Team up with a friendly Soldier or Sniper to quickly take down buildings or force a Medic to deploy an ÜberCharge.
  • The Huntsman can do a maximum of 360 damage with a fully-charged headshot. This means you cannot kill an overhealed Heavy without using multiple arrows.

The table below lists the percentage charge needed to kill enemies with a bodyshot/headshot. Percentages greater than 100 mean you cannot kill enemies with one shot in this fashion.


Note: If random damage spread is not disabled, body shot percentages will vary. Demomen, Scouts, Engineers, Snipers, Heavies, and Medics all have gear that can increase or lower their total health so only use this table as a guide.

Skewer
Kill Icon Weapon Damage Duration Details
Skewer
Arrow Stab
Killicon arrow stab.png Huntsman 500 4 seconds The Sniper will remove the prepped arrow from his bow, spin it behind him, and then fiercely stab it forward before yanking it back,
  • The Huntsman's Skewer taunt is the second fastest taunt in the game, taking a mere 4 seconds to kill. The initial thrust stuns enemy players, while pulling the arrow out kills.
    • You can stun (but not kill) Übercharged enemies with the Skewer, causing them to waste precious seconds.
  • Being such a fast taunt, you can use it to kill distracted enemies or enemies that you suspect are charging towards your position, perhaps around tight corners.

Sydney Sleeper

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried 0% Charge 100% Charge Critical at 0% Critical at 100%
Sydney Sleeper
Craft
Sydney Sleeper
Killicon sydney sleeper.png 1 25 43-57 128-172 150 450
  • Support-oriented Snipers should use the Sydney Sleeper. It applies Jarate to enemies hit with at least a half-charged shot.
  • In a heated firefight, focus on hitting heavier classes with charged shots to aid your teammates. Coated enemies take Mini-Crits which deal 35% more damage. Coated enemies will be more cautious before entering a battlefield.
  • The Sleeper only applies Jarate to one target per shot; you must select your targets carefully for maximum effectiveness.
  • An unscoped shot on a coated enemy will do 68 damage. Use this to finish off attackers.
  • Work with your teammates to eliminate threats. Applying the Jarate effect to an enemy is useless unless there is a teammate there to help finish the job.
  • Although you can't score headshots with the Sydney Sleeper, a fully charged bodyshot still does significant damage and can kill lighter classes, while applying the Jarate effect to heavier ones.
  • When playing maps that take place at night, use the Sydney Sleeper to highlight enemies that are hidden in the shadows waiting to ambush you or your teammates.
  • The SMG is a more viable backup weapon when an enemy is coated, so it makes a good companion.
  • Specifically aim for Spies if you find any because the Jarate effect will distinguish them from your teammates.
  • The Sydney Sleeper is, along with the Machina, the best weapon the Sniper has for taking out Engineer buildings because of its faster charge rate. Fully charged shots can take out all level 1 buildings, and a fully charged shot followed up with a half-charged shot will take out any unattended building.

Bazaar Bargain

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried 0% Charge 100% Charge Critical at 0% Critical at 100%
Bazaar Bargain
Craft
Bazaar Bargain
Killicon bazaar bargain.png 1 25 43-57 128-172 135 450
Killicon sniperriflehs.png 1 25 150 450 450 450
  • The Bazaar Bargain is a craftable Sniper Rifle for the Sniper. It starts out with a 20% slower charge rate when scoped in. A headshot caused by the Bazaar Bargain will increase the charge rate by 10%, maxing out at 30% faster-than-normal charging. This is represented by a "Head" counter on the HUD, with one head equaling 10% charge. Five consecutive headshots (Five heads) are needed to achieve the 30% faster charge rate. A bodyshot or a miss will reduce the charge rate by 10% (Removes one head from the counter).
    • Note that no-scope shots do not affect the charge rate or Head counter one way or the other.
  • This is a weapon meant for advanced Snipers, as it takes three consecutive headshots to begin getting any benefit from the weapon. Do not use this weapon if you are unsure of your aim.
  • Do not shoot a Building while scoped in with a charge boost. The game will count this as a "Miss" and will take a head out of your collected bonus. Rather, use the scope to get your dot on the Building, lower your scope, and fire at the Building. Alternatively, shoot at the Building when you have no charge boost.
  • No-scope shots are highly recommended when you are not actively sniping with this weapon. It's very easy to miss or bodyshot when the enemy is close to you and any scoped-in shot other than a headshot will decrease your charge rate bonus.
  • Remember that non-lethal headshots still add to the headshot counter. A Heavy-Medic pair can be used to boost your rifle up a few heads in a small amount of time, provided you don't kill them too quickly.

Machina

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried 0% Charge 100% Charge Critical at 0% Critical at 100%
Machina
Promotional/Craft
Machina
Killicon machina.png 1 25 43-57 147-197 150 517
Killicon sniperriflehs.png 1 25 150 517 150 517
Killicon machina penetrate.png 1 25 N/A 147-197 N/A 517
Killicon machina penetratehs.png 1 25 N/A 517 N/A 517
  • The Machina is a promotional weapon for the Sniper. It's an extremely powerful Sniper Rifle that boasts improved power at full charge and piercing capability but at the cost of generating considerably more noise per shot, being unable to fire un-scoped, and leaving a highly-distinctive smoke-trail behind the shot, alerting others to the Sniper's position when firing.
  • The Machina is best in long corridors and entryway sniping, where the Machina's piercing attribute allows it to hit multiple foes at once. The BLU team entrances on Payload maps, the tunnel and alleyway on Badwater Basin, and maps that funnel enemies down specific routes are where the Machina truly excels. The Machina can kill both a Heavy and his Medic behind him with a well-placed, fully-charged shot.
  • This weapon all but necessitates taking the SMG along with it, as the Machina cannot fire unscoped, making it woefully unsuitable for close-combat. While it can work with the Darwin's Danger Shield, Razorback, or Jarate in that slot, you will be forced to rely on melee combat for dealing with enemies that manage to get close.
  • This weapon's power for stealth trade can be countered by using it whilst roaming, so the aiming line cannot be used as a guide by your opponents.

Secondary Weapons

Submachine Gun

Weapon Kill Icon Ammo Damage
Loaded Carried Point Blank Medium Range Long Range Critical
Submachine Gun
Stock
SMG
Killicon SMG.png 25 75 8-12 4-6 4-5 24
  • If you are being attacked, retreat quickly while using your Submachine Gun (SMG) as it is more suited for close combat than your rifle.
  • It's important to make every shot with this weapon count, due to the low damage output. Aim carefully and keep your crosshair trained on the enemy rather than just spraying bullets wildly.
  • The SMG is useful for spraying wide areas to reveal or draw out Spies who are trying to hide in the vicinity. Once you know a Spy is in the immediate area, fire bullets into likely hiding places and watch for the tell-tale blood splattering and Cloak flicker to show when you've made a hit.
  • The SMG is much more viable if used when Mini-Crits or Criticals are in effect, due to its low damage and accuracy.
  • Combining the SMG with the Tribalman's Shiv's bleed effect can be incredibly effective. Hit them with the Tribalman's Shiv to make them bleed, back up to mid-range and start firing with the SMG. Having two constant sources of damage can quickly drain the health out of any class, but success rate may vary; using this method on classes such as Soldiers and Heavies is not a good idea and should only be used in the worst of circumstances.

Razorback

Weapon Ammo Effect
Loaded Carried Passive Effect
Razorback
Unlock
Razorback
1 0 Immunity to a single Backstab. If a backstab is attempted, the Spy will be unable to attack or Cloak for approximately 2 seconds, and will be unable to switch weapons. The player will be alerted by a loud electrical sound, as well as being zoomed out of their scope if they were zoomed in.
A Razorback breaks after one successful backstab.
  • Keep an ear out for the electrical breaking sound of your Razorback as it means a Spy is right behind you.
  • Only use the Razorback if you know the enemy has Spies on their team and/or those Spies are actively impeding your sniping. The SMG is very advantageous in hunting down Spies in your area or taking down nearby weak enemies. The other secondary item, Jarate, is excellent for keeping already-discovered Spies visible to your team or making enemies easier to kill due to its Mini-Crit effects.
  • If you are actively capturing Control Points or pushing the Cart, the Razorback will help protect you from chainstabs.
  • Razorbacks do not recharge after being broken, so if it breaks you should get a new one from a resupply cabinet.
  • If you are not in a well-defended location, the Razorback is not recommended. Experienced Ambassador/Enforcer Spies will kill you before you realise what hit you. It can break a disguise chain of a Your Eternal Reward Spy, however.

Jarate

Weapon Ammo Effect
Loaded Carried Effect on Enemies Effect on Teammates Effect Duration Recharge Time
Jarate
Unlock
Jarate
1 Incoming damage is registered as mini-crits. Cloak is rendered useless. Can be removed by going into water or being healed by a Medic for some time. Extinguishes flame on yourself and/or teammates. 10 seconds 20 seconds
  • The Jarate's Mini-Crits do not stack with normal Crits, meaning that you'll either score a Critical hit or you'll get a Mini-Crit.
  • Try to throw it at a Spy as soon as you spot him so that he can't Cloak and escape. Jarate renders the Spy's Cloak almost useless, lightly displaying his team color and showing dripping Jarate particles. If you suspect a Spy is in the vicinity do not be afraid to use your Jarate to spycheck.
  • You can use Jarate to extinguish yourself and your allies if on fire. Throw it at the ground if you are on fire yourself.
  • Be aware that Jarate cannot be thrown through friendly players. Try to avoid having it hit a player who is not on fire that is in the way. This tends to happen in tight areas and hallways, when you can't throw past the friendlies in front of you.
  • Alongside with Pyros, Demomen and Soldiers can also make good Jarate buddies, since they have powerful area-of-effect attacks with a similar range to Jarate. This means they have a better chance of hitting the coated enemy and dealing more damage to them.
    • In particular, Soldiers with the Buff Banner are especially useful, as your Mini-Crits will charge their rage, so that they can grant further Mini-Crits.
  • Jarate is a good team strategy for close-range Huntsman Snipers. Throw them at groups of enemies who are on a Cart or Control Point to help thin their numbers.
  • Combine Jarate with the Bushwacka, which Crits whenever it can Mini-Crit, for reliable Critical hits.

Darwin's Danger Shield

Weapon Effect
Passive Effect
Darwin's Danger Shield
Craft
Darwin's Danger Shield
+25 maximum health.
  • This shield raises your maximum health to 150 at the cost of losing your secondary weapon. This allows the Sniper to be bolder when entering combat due to increased survivability. Consider using the Huntsman in conjunction with this to get in closer to the front.
  • The shield is a rather poor choice in conjunction with any of the Sniper rifles, as you often do not need the extra health when you're at the back lines, and the lack of a secondary weapon will force you to engage Spies in melee combat, a rather risky business.
  • Despite its similarity to the Razorback, you can still be backstabbed if you have the Danger Shield equipped. Do not hang around in Spy-friendly areas too much without backup.

Melee Weapons

Kukri/Saxxy/Conscientious Objector

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage
Point Blank Critical
Kukri
Stock
Kukri
Killicon kukri.png 0.8 seconds 65 195
Saxxy
Promotional
Saxxy
Killicon saxxy.png
Conscientious Objector
Craft
Conscientious Objector
Killicon conscientious objector.png
  • Try to use the Kukri in close quarters. All melee weapons have an increased chance of Critical hits so you should have an easier time killing your enemy.

Tribalman's Shiv

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage
Point Blank Critical
Tribalman's Shiv
Craft
Tribalman's Shiv
Killicon tribalman's shiv.png 0.8 seconds 33 98
Bleeding Killicon bleed.png 48 damage over 6 seconds N/A N/A
  • In many ways, the Shiv's Bleeding effect behaves much in the same way as the Pyro's afterburn. However, bleeding has the advantage of not being removed by being submerged in water, or extinguished with Jarate. Only resupply cabinets and health kits can stop the bleeding effect.
  • Use your Jarate in combination with the Shiv for bleeding Mini-Crits. Using this combination results in a one hit on a 125 hp classes such as the Scout, Spy, Sniper and Engineer. This combination is also useful when wearing down heavier classes, if needed supplement this damage with your primary weapon.
  • Overall, the Tribalman's Shiv causes more damage than the normal Kukri but over a longer duration.
  • Due to the post-damage, two hits with the Tribalman's Shiv on lighter classes (Scout, Spy, Sniper and Engineer) are enough to kill them by the bleeding, unless they find a way to heal themselves within 6 seconds.
  • Cloaked Spies will be semi-visible when bleeding, due to a slight flicker of their Cloak and the blood effect.
  • Spies using the Dead Ringer won't flicker from bleeding, but will still leave the blood effect revealing their location.
  • Due to the fact that bleeding does not stack, it may be a good idea to hit each opponent once when fighting multiple foes, and then hit each one again instead of focusing on one first.
  • A Critical hit against an enemy with moderate health can be devastating. If you score a Crit against an enemy, you can take the chance to run away and the bleeding will probably finish them off.

Bushwacka

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage
Point Blank Critical
Bushwacka
Craft
Bushwacka
Killicon bushwacka.png 0.8 seconds 65 195
  • This weapon can be very effective when used in conjunction with Jarate, due to its ability of turning Mini-Crits into Full Critical hits.
  • Jarate works well to counter the Bushwacka's vulnerability to fire damage, as you can extinguish the flames easily and potentially coat the Pyro in Jarate.
  • If your enemies have the habit of closing in after being hit by the Sydney Sleeper, this is an excellent counter.
  • Unless the opposing team has an aggressive Pyro, the Bushwacka should be used in place of the Kukri if you are not using the Tribalman's Shiv or Shahanshah.
  • The Mini-Crit into Crit effect is applicable to any source of Mini-Crits (Buff Banner, enemy Crit-a-Cola, etc).
    • The Bushwacka can still perform random Crits, in addition to its effect.
  • The Bushwacka is ideal for dispatching Spies who have activated the Dead Ringer. Coating them in Jarate and hitting them a few times will kill them quickly.
  • Even if you prefer staying behind the front lines to provide support, be aware of your fire weakness. Pyros may be easy pickings, but a stray flare can cause a lot of damage to you, making you easier to dispatch for other enemies.
  • In conjunction with a well-placed Jarate toss, the Bushwacka can easily dispatch most enemies; even distracted, overhealed Heavies.

Shahanshah

Weapon Kill Icon Attack Interval Damage
At Low Health At Full Health Critical at Low Health Critical at Full Health
Shahanshah
Craft
Shahanshah
Killicon shahanshah.png 0.8 seconds 81 49 244 146
  • The Shahanshah is a craftable melee weapon for the Sniper. It does 25% less damage when the Sniper is at or above 50% health, but does 25% more damage when he is below 50% health.
  • The Shahanshah is good for fighting Spies. Spies fight at close range, so you'll probably take enough damage to make you a force to be reckoned with.
  • The Shahanshah is best used in combination with the Razorback. The Razorback will encourage Spies to use their Revolver instead of their knife. Being hit with a Revolver will easily bring you under the 50% health requirement and improve your ability to fight Spies even further.
  • The Shahanshah also can work well with Darwin's Danger Shield. Despite having to take more damage to reach <50% health, you will retain more health while having your damage buff.
  • The Shahanshah is less effective for ambushing enemies, should the situation arise. For example, if you are the only one around and it becomes necessary to stop a capture, you may need to ambush, which is less effective with this weapon.

Item Sets

The Croc-o-style Kit

Main article: Item sets
The Croc-o-Style Kit
Backpack The Croc-o-Style Kit Bundle.png
Effect

Leave a Calling Card on your victims

  • The main perk of this set (immunity to death by headshots) is great when fighting predictable enemy Snipers. Upon being hit with a headshot that would normally kill you, you will be left at 1 HP instead.
  • Despite this tempting quality, bodyshots will do the same amount of damage as usual, are easier to execute, and unless you are overhealed, a fully charged bodyshot will kill you regardless of your 25 health buff.
  • Bear in mind that you will be unable to easily kill heavier classes on your own unless you can successfully fire off two higher charged shots on them in quick succession, or cover them in Jarate and proceed to hit them with the Bushwacka.
  • Snipers that see you have Ol' Snaggletooth equipped may assume you are using the full set, and take a split second to readjust their aim to your body. Don't give the chance, and kill them quickly!
  • An overhealed 225 HP Croc-o-Style Sniper is a great counter to distant enemy Snipers, as there is no way for them to take him down fast enough, unless they are overhealed as well.
  • You can also aim for quick bodyshots. A fully charged bodyshot is still normally enough to kill a Sniper with the Darwin Danger Shield equipped.
  • Croc-o-style Snipers are not immune to fully charged Huntsman headshots. However, you will survive uncharged headshots.

Lawrence of Australia

Main article: Item sets
Lawrence of Australia
Item icon Timbuk-Tuesday Bundle.png
Effect

No effect

  • This set is great for a Sniper that plays offensively:
    • The Bazaar Bargain is a great weapon for a Sniper that has good aim. The more headshots you get, the faster the rifle will charge, allowing to to chain headshots very quickly.
    • The Shahanshah is a great escape weapon when you are injured. When you are below half of your health, two or three hits from this weapon is enough to kill any threat.
  • Remember that this set lets you choose your secondary weapon, allowing you to adjust this set to your style of play.

Weapon Combinations

Loadout combinations that can be used with the Huntsman:

  • The SMG boosts your damage output and acts as a backup weapon if you ever run out of arrows.
  • Showering enemies in Jarate allows you to kill Scouts, Engineers, and all Support classes with a single fully-charged arrow. It can also put out fires and reveal cloaked/disguised Spies.
  • Using the Razorback is generally not recommended, as your increased mobility and field of view make it much easier to detect Spies, while the Darwin's Danger Shield will give you more survivability.
  • The Bushwacka is also a viable choice if you also have Jarate; showering four people and then hacking away will more often than not grant you at least two kills. You must be more wary of Pyros, however.

Loadout combinations that can be used with the Sydney Sleeper:

  • Your SMG can be extremely useful for eliminating coated enemies who are advancing on your position.
  • The Bushwacka is extremely effective against coated enemies and provides excellent synergy with the Sleeper's bonus effect.


Class Combat Strategies

See also: Sniper match-ups

Leaderboard class scout.png Scout

  • Scouts are little more than a nuisance to you at long ranges, but should they come into close range, use the SMG to protect yourself.


Leaderboard class soldier.png Soldier

  • Soldiers move slowly, so it is not too hard to land a headshot. At long range, you should be able to avoid incoming projectiles providing you are not close to a wall. Otherwise, you are at a serious disadvantage if they are close to you.


Leaderboard class pyro.png Pyro

  • A good Pyro can reflect Huntsman arrows. You should be fine as long as they do not get close. If they do, you may have a chance of using a short-range counter, such as using Jarate and the Bushwacka to finish them off.


Leaderboard class demoman.png Demoman

  • Be wary of the sound that stickybombs make, as a distracted Sniper may not notice if an enemy Demoman is placing stickies at their feet.


Leaderboard class heavy.png Heavy

  • The Heavy is slow, so it is not easy to miss one. If they are close, you are at a serious disadvantage. If they are pocketed by a Medic, your best chance of killing them is a fully-charged headshot.


Leaderboard class engineer.png Engineer

  • An Engineer without any of his buildings is nearly harmless to you. If he is hiding in a nest, both him and yourself won't be able to do much without assistance.


Engineer Buildings

  • Sentry Guns are harmless to you from a distance, so if they are not being handled by an Engineer you should be able to pick them off without a problem.


Leaderboard class medic.png Medic

  • If pocketing a Heavy, you should be taking them out to aid your team. Otherwise, they are pretty harmless.


Leaderboard class sniper.png Sniper

  • When in combat with enemy Snipers, it all depends on who has the better aim and timing. Strafe constantly to prevent them from getting a clear shot, and be quick with the scope to waste as little time as possible. Remember that uncharged headshots will still do enough damage to even take out a Sniper wielding the Darwin's Danger Shield.


Leaderboard class spy.png Spy

  • Using the Razorback or sticking to a wall will deter most Spies at close range, who will them have to resort to using their Revolver to kill you. This can put them in a disadvantage if you are in an area frequented by your team.

Sniping Priorities

Priorities vary and depend on the situation at the time. The following list should often, but not always, be used in order to specify which target is the first to take down. But if there is an easier shot to take, you should take the time to kill that target first. For example, if you have a large number of teammates battling a nearby Medic with a Heavy, sometimes taking out the Heavy first is the better choice since your teammates will be able to quickly control the area and kill the isolated Medic. If you shoot the Medic first, the Heavy might hold his ground by himself long enough for reinforcements to arrive, but it will only prevent them from using an ÜberCharge.

In order of priority, you should be taking out:

  1. Snipers
  2. Medics
  3. Heavies
  4. Engineers

The rest in relative priority order:


  • Snipers are on the top of the list because they deny your teammates the ability to cross an open space freely and present the biggest threat to you as another Sniper.
  • Medics are next because they are have the ability to heal and activate an ÜberCharge. They can also assist the enemy forces by providing overheals in order to survive the brutal fight with your teammates. The Medics are a higher priority when they have an ÜberCharge ready.
  • Heavies are important targets because of their high damage output, and they can deal a significant amount of damage at close to medium range. They are tough enemies who can hold down points, and with their high health, this makes them very difficult for your allies to take down. When you are taking out a Heavy, fully charge your Sniper Rifle because their large amounts of health could survive your headshot.
  • Engineers are essential to kill because their Sentry Guns can eliminate your whole team. Once he is down, your teammates would not have to worry about the Sentry Gun being repaired. If you can, try to take out at least the Sentry Gun from the distance after you have eliminated the Engineer in order to save your teammates some time and effort.
  • Soldiers can be a dangerous threat if they take notice of your presence - they can strafe and fire rockets at you to prevent a clean shot; Direct Hit Soldiers are especially dangerous. Taking them down will essentially save your teammates the possibility of being wiped out by the Soldier's rockets.
  • Pyros and their awkward shaped heads make it easier to kill them. They have the attribute to destroy your team in close combat, so they must be taken down quickly and prior to their onslaught; Pyros equipped with the Flare Gun can set you aflame at range and greatly hinder your ability to snipe.
  • Demomen are next in the priority list because their Stickybombs can hold down an area really well, but their location is most likely reclusive in their territories. Once they die, their stickies will disappear which would allow your team to move forward.
  • Spies are usually cloaked or disguised. If you see one, shoot him before he causes any trouble, but they will become hard to find as time goes on. Thus, you probably should not worry about them though if you spot a Spy and did not see him die, call out his presence to your team and watch your back. Most of the time, he should not be a sniping priority.
  • Scouts move too fast in most cases for sniping, and you would be wasting your time and ammo trying to snipe Scouts. In fact, the only times you should even attempt to snipe a Scout is when he is capturing an objective (Intelligence, Point), or there are no other larger threats to kill. If you must snipe a Scout, charge a scoped shot and wait until he is in midair and has used his double-jump, then bodyshot him for an instant kill.

See also