While many games feature impressive sniping mechanics, few are bold enough to emphasize precision marksmanship as their primary gameplay element. The notable success of the Sniper Elite franchise, which has maintained a strong presence for over two decades, illustrates how unique and challenging such a focus can be.
The evolution of the Sniper Elite series is remarkable, consistently enhancing its gameplay to offer a distinct experience that stands apart from other titles in the genre. Although there are few games that can truly rival Sniper Elite, several alternatives incorporate sniping as a significant aspect of gameplay.
For those who relish the thrill of camping in the bushes from a distance and disabling opponents before they even realize they’re being hunted, here’s a curated list of games sure to satisfy any sniping enthusiast.
8 Silent Scope
The PS2 And Arcade Classic
Silent Scope is one of my personal favorites, being among the first games I attempted to speedrun. This arcade classic offers a compelling sniping experience, even if you lack the iconic plastic sniper rifle found in arcades.
In its essence, Silent Scope prioritizes action over realism, immersing players without overly complex mechanics. However, it is worth noting that bullets travel over distance, and the player’s movement can influence shot accuracy.
Particularly evident during the highway stage, players must adjust their aim to compensate for targets that navigate turns. While it diverges from the realistic approach of Sniper Elite, the game’s challenging time limits and rewarding precision shots are sure to entice players.
7 Far Cry 4
Kyrat Is Your Playground
As an open-world first-person shooter, Far Cry 4 allows players to approach objectives in various ways, backed by a compelling antagonist that adds depth to the narrative.
Its level design particularly excels in Stronghold Liberations, where players receive the location but have complete autonomy to devise their strategies for overcoming it. For sniping enthusiasts, the game offers exhilarating opportunities to eliminate foes from a distance while the enemies frantically search for their elusive assailant. With an M-700 equipped with a suppressor, sniping becomes a thrilling playground.
For fans of this game loop, succeeding titles in the Far Cry series maintain a similar approach, ensuring hours of engaging gameplay.
6 Days Gone
A PS4 Classic
Similar to Far Cry, Days Gone immerses players in a bleak post-apocalyptic Oregon filled with zombies and hostile survivors.
The term ‘playground’ feels somewhat ironic as players must navigate a world teeming with dangers. Nevertheless, the combat mechanics and mission structures are enjoyable and versatile, highlighting the utility of sniper rifles in subduing enemy threats from afar. The game features a third-person perspective, akin to Sniper Elite, allowing players to clear camps effectively using a sniper rifle.
With an array of rifles at your disposal, including the powerful.50 BFG and even a crossbow, the game excels in delivering stealthy gameplay options.
5 Escape From Tarkov
More Than Just A PVP Game
Escape From Tarkov now includes a PVE mode, which allows players to engage without the pressure of competitive PVP encounters, facilitating completing quests at their own pace.
This title excels in offering realistic ballistics and extensive weapon customization, particularly in its sniper rifle categories. Players can explore vast maps filled with challenges that require careful navigation and skillful shooting. Although the game can be formidable, enthusiasts willing to overlook some rough edges will discover a satisfying experience as a sniper.
4 Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
The End Of An Era
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain may be the concluding chapter in the iconic series, making it a remarkable farewell.
This title expands on concepts introduced in Peacewalker, presenting players with a vast open world that encourages versatile strategies for completing objectives. Sniping is a prevalent option, where players must leverage stealth and environmental camouflage to remain undetected. Expect plenty of whimsical events to unfold as players engage opponents in thrilling gameplay experiences, delivering a sense of familiarity to Sniper Elite aficionados.
3 Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2
Another Veteran Sniper Series
Few games deliver on the promise of integrating sniping into their core gameplay mechanics effectively, but Sniper Ghost Warrior is one notable exception.
In Contracts 2, players experience a first-person perspective reminiscent of Sniper Elite, though the game has a more linear structure compared to earlier titles in the series, which some players may prefer. The AI behavior in previous iterations posed challenges, but Contracts 2 presents improved enemy detection, allowing for a more streamlined experience.
2 Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands
Another Great Use Of The IP
Ubisoft has successfully utilized the Tom Clancy franchise to deliver exciting titles. While the possibility of a new Splinter Cell game seems dim, Ghost Recon remains an excellent platform for players who enjoy sniping.
The long-distance shooting mechanics in Ghost Recon Wildlands are commendably challenging, requiring players to hone their skills to achieve targets effectively. Players operate in a third-person perspective and are granted access to a vast array of powerful long-range weaponry, including the HTI, a formidable anti-vehicle rifle.
With over a dozen sniper rifles and various customizations, Wildlands offers an engaging sniping experience that demands skill and precision, making it an unmissable title for long-range engagement enthusiasts.
1 Hitman World Of Assassination
IOI’s Masterpiece
Hitman World of Assassination serves as an exceptionally value-rich collection, encapsulating three outstanding Hitman titles into a single package.
Centering on player choice, while the sniper rifle may not always be the go-to weapon, Agent 47 proves otherwise.Sniping mechanics in Hitman are robust, with a unique accolade available for players called ‘Sniper Assassin’ that incentivizes precision shooting. Players soon find themselves captivated after mastering maps to execute challenging snipes, such as eliminating a target from a race car in Miami.
The game also features a Sniper Challenge mode, encouraging players to score points by accomplishing long-range objectives safely. Although there are only three maps for this mode, the level of detail is truly impressive.
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