Basic Sniper strategy

The Sniper excels in picking off enemies from great distances. He is capable of landing headshots that deal severe damage. With good aim, he can devastate foes before they even get close to him. His effectiveness increases exponentially with the player's skill; one good Sniper is worth three or more. Important targets for a Sniper include enemy Snipers, Medics, Heavies, and Engineers. The Sniper is one of the weakest classes at close range combat and is often targeted by enemy Spies. If cornered and alone, he is likely to be killed. A good Sniper roams around the battlefield behind his team's combat classes and does not camp a single spot.

Primary Weapons

All of your primary weapons rely on precise aiming, so experiment with your mouse sensitivity until you feel comfortable. If it is too low, you will have difficulty aiming at enemies who actively dodge. If it is too high, you will have trouble aiming at more specific targets, like your enemies' heads. If you are firing from unusual locations, remember that the deathcam reveals your location to the enemy. Switch positions often and keep an eye out for enemy Spies.

Sniper Rifle

Your Sniper Rifle's laser dot is visible to the enemy. If you want to hide it, aim at a nearby object until you are ready to shoot. A quick headshot will deal as much damage as a fully charged bodyshot. As long as your aim is precise, you can quickly deal tons of damage. However, don't risk missing a headshot if it isn't necessary; a fully charged bodyshot will instantly kill five out of the nine classes. When not scoped, your Sniper Rifle is still completely accurate and deals uncharged bodyshot damage. Don't bother scoping if you have to fire immediately.

Huntsman

Because you cannot zoom in, the Huntsman promotes fighting near the front lines. Huntsman arrows are projectiles that travel in a light arc, so lead your target accordingly. Charging your shot will decrease this arc and increase the arrow's speed and damage. If you keep an arrow drawn for over five seconds, the shot will not follow your crosshair and will generally miss. Alternate fire will let you stop charging your arrow, allowing you to save ammo and relax the Sniper's arm. Friendly Pyros can light your arrows on fire, allowing you to ignite enemies from far away.

Sydney Sleeper

Use the Sydney Sleeper if you have less than average aim. Support your team by applying Jarate on dangerous foes, such as Heavies. Pair it with the Submachine Gun to deal with enemies at medium range. Without the ability to headshot, you are very vulnerable to enemy Snipers that use the standard Sniper Rifle. Using the quick scoop ability, you can take out enamies in mid or even close range.

Secondary Weapons

Submachine Gun

The Submachine Gun (SMG) is a weak weapon, but you can use it to finish off damaged foes. Because of its close range nature, it pairs well with the Huntsman. Equip the Submachine Gun when you're operating away from teammates; it is easier to defend yourself with than Jarate.

Razorback

The Razorback works best when you fight near allies, where enemy Spies risk revealing themselves if they were to attack you. If you are isolated, a Spy can still use his Revolver to easily kill you. The Submachine Gun or Jarate are better anti-Spy choices if you're not being constantly assaulted.

Jarate

In large firefights, use Jarate to douse multiple enemies at once and let your teammates finish the job. Pair it with the Bushwacka to quickly dispatch foes that get too close. Jarate can be thrown at a Spy to easily nullify his Cloak and disguise.

Darwin's Danger Shield

Consider using the Darwin's Danger Shield with the Huntsman for close range combat. It does not protect you from backstabs, so you are as vulnerable to Spies as ever.

Melee Weapons

Kukri

The Kukri is your go-to weapon when dealing with enemies at close range, especially Spies.

Tribalman's Shiv

When including the bleed effect, one hit from the Tribalman's Shiv does more damage than the standard Kukri, but over a longer period of time. Use it when you find yourself landing only a few melee hits on nearby foes. Coating an enemy in Jarate will greatly enhance the damage bleeding does. The bleed effect can be used to track down Cloaked Spies.

Bushwacka

Use the Bushwacka in combination with Jarate to quickly dispatch nearby foes. Enemies will rarely charge directly at you, making the Bushwacka-Sydney Sleeper combo less effective. If a Pyro manages to corner you, you're probably going to die anyway, making the fire vulnerability negligible.

Item sets

The Croc-o-style Kit

The set bonus gives you a bit of survivability when fighting enemy Snipers. However, because the Sydney Sleeper cannot headshot, you are unable to kill bulkier classes on your own and must charge your shot to kill even weaker classes in one hit. Experienced enemy Snipers will simply bodyshot you in return.