Team Fortress 2 has 9 different combat classes to choose from. Each of them have unique weaponry and attributes, making TF2 a very deep game. Add a number of different game types to the mix and new players can be completely lost when trying to improve their skills in any one area. Some classes, such as the Soldier, will be quite familiar to action gamers.
In order to succeed as a Sniper, there are a few principles that must be adhered to. Of course, these are not rules and often the good player will have to adapt in order to stay alive, get a few more head-shots and rack up the points.
Move from Place to Place
In both attack and defense, the skilled Sniper will rotate through a number of prime shooting locations. It's wise to only take between one and five shots in any spot, depending on the demands of the situation. If long-ranged classes, such as opposing Snipers, Soldiers or Demo-Men figure out where the shots are coming from, the Sniper won't last long. Because of that, the following sequence of actions is recommended:
- Find a location that has some cover.
- Take stock of the different areas the enemy is likely to be.
- Scan between them, taking shots.
- Hit or miss a few times.
- Then take off to another location.
This ensures that the opposing team will be looking for where the shots are coming from, instead of pursuing mission objectives. It also enables the Sniper to stay hidden, which is always an asset when attempting head-shots!
Shoot Often
A mistake that can often occur with the beginner Sniper is to wait for "the perfect shot." Waiting for just the right moment will mean waiting a long time. As members of the other team are real people, they will rarely stand still.
- Go for head-shots, but don't hesitate.
- Use your charge time as a way to find targets.
- Laying down fire scares advancing players.
- Body-shots usually result in kill-assists.
- Aim improves with increased activity.
Although it may be frustrating to constantly shoot and miss often, the Sniper will likely hit more often than they would if they waited.
Watch the Surroundings
A fantastic tactic is to team up with an Engineer and help them to guard against opposing Spies. Their sentry-gun will provide additional cover and their wrench will guard against back-stabs. Despite this, be aware of what is going on.
- Avoid "tunnel-vision," in which the scope is up too much.
- Gaps in the action are good times to regain bearings and/or move.
- Use sound (headphones) to help listen for footsteps.
- Spy-check often with the kukri or SMG.
Snipers become Spy-bait when they stick in one location and concentrate too much on their shots. One must remember that there are more dangers around than just what is across the map.
To really become a skilled Sniper, one must spend quite a number of hours practicing. Improved aim only comes with time, but when it does come, it pays off tremendously. All of a sudden, the Sniper will find themselves able to anticipate Spy attacks, keep the enemy guessing as to their location, and most importantly, find themselves lethal with their gun! Good luck!
