Summary
WithCounter-Strike 2providing a modern take on the acclaimed FPS franchise with improved graphics and faster-paced gameplay, it’s become more satisfying to hear the crack of theSniper Rifleas it takes care of foes at a distance. And for gamers who want to elevate theirCounter-Strike 2gameplay by donning the fearsome weapon, it may help to understand just which Sniper Rifles dominate the current meta - especially when the game emphasizes fast-paced plays.
Compared to more direct strategies with closer-range weapons such as SMGs and Shotguns, the Sniper Rifle demands precision and quick thinking to help players adapt to their enemy’s reaction to their presence. However, fans on the lookout for the right Sniper Rifle to accommodate different playstyles may want to experiment with the game’s current offerings and their combat strategies.
4G3SG1
Holding Specialization May Be Impractical For T-Side Pushes
As one of the few automatic Sniper Rifles inCounter-Strike 2gameplay, theG3SG1is a marksman rifle capable of going full-auto and continuously firing at enemies simply by holding the fire button. In the right situations, this capability allows the G3SG1 to perform more consistently, which pairs decently with its high damage.
Ever the representative of higher-cost guns, the G3SG1 isn’t an ideal Sniper Rifle due to its playstyle. On top of its expensive nature, the G3SG1 won’t be able to score guaranteed one-shots, unlike its other sniper siblings. While its stats make the G3SG1 a more practical weapon for holding angles, its nature as a T-Side weapon is counter-intuitive for its more static-leaning playstyle, meaning its capabilities only shine during post-plant.
General Tactics
Should the CT-Side have a SCAR-20, it’s ideal to out-snipe their sniper with the G3 to steal the former due to its better reload speed. In terms of tactics, using the G3SG1 from an attacking perspective means shooting past walls or smokes to force CT-Side defenders to maintain a defensive stance and discourage flanks or counter-pushes. When used properly, a G3 can secure the team’s post-plant defense by threatening pushes from other entrances and forcing the CT-Side to use entryways better defended by the Terrorists.
3SCAR-20
Fast But Expensive, Perfect For Angle Holding
Being the G3’s counterpart on the CT-Side, theSCAR-20is one of the fastest Sniper Rifles in the game. Players tryingto enjoyCounter-Strike 2who want to go for precision kills may use the SCAR-20 for its decent recoil paired with high base damage, although it still needs two body shots to kill an opponent.
The SCAR-20 is close to the G3 in terms of stats but receives better scores in terms of reload and recoil. Being a much cheaper Sniper Rifle also makes the SCAR-20 a more accessible long-ranged companion. Moreover, as a CT-Side gun, the SCAR-20 can facilitate more convenient angle-holding playstyles instead of risky pushes, the latter of which is often the bane of Sniper wielders.
Compared to other Snipers, the SCAR-20 boasts a high enough auto-fire rate, damage, mag count, and reserve ammo to facilitate sprays to deter the enemy advance. From the CT-Side, using a SCAR-20 can discourage Terrorists by shooting past smokes and walls, especially if players are familiar with where to pre-fire. Likewise, the SCAR-20’s dependable firepower should make a solo hold enough to protect a site, giving the other CT-Side members more room to adjust their strategies.
2SSG 08 Scout
Near-Perfect Standing Accuracy, Lightweight Alternative
Also known as the Scout, theSSG 08is a bolt-action Sniper Rifle available to both T-Side and CT-Side players who want a more lightweight sniper to defendcrucial points in theirCounter-Strike 2maps. A key metric that separates the SSG 08 from its peers is its near-perfect accuracy when standing up, allowing the SSG 08 to take down foes efficiently provided they know precisely where to aim.
Regarding its weapon class, the Scout outshines the AWP with double the magazine capacity, better handling, and the ability to walk at full speed while at ADS. With these stats in mind, the Scout can facilitate peek-heavy plays with less risk, though without the one-shot guarantees. While the Scout is a much cheaper and mobile alternative to the AWP, fans who plan on using the Sniper Rifle for aggressive plays should consider the Desert Eagle instead, especially for one-tap headshot capacity for a more affordable price.
Its affordable nature and decent mobility make the SSG 08 a reliable weapon in eco rounds, especially when its weapon switch speed is fast enough to reliably alternate to a sidearm if the first sniper shot doesn’t kill them. While its accuracy and scoped distance make it similarly maneuverable like the AWP, players need to take advantage of the firing rate when facing single foes. Despite the AWP’s potential, it’s highly unadvisable to use when engaging multiple enemies.
1AWP
Can One-Tap Anywhere Above The Legs
Despite its lesser magazine count, theAWPremains the most powerful Sniper Rifle in the game due to its sheer damage output. Being able to one-tap by hitting any part except the legs can make the weapon a long-ranged player’s must-have armament. Its expensive nature means players may want to opt for more versatile Assault Rifles instead, although the AWP’s massive firepower can become a psychological weapon in itself, much like the one-shotting Operator Sniper Rifle inValorant.
Key disadvantages when using the AWP would include its slower firing rate, movement speed, and reload speed compared to other Sniper Rifles, demanding more precision control on the part of players. Given the weapon’s bolt-action nature, securing kills per shot is important as the time it takes to recalibrate bullets may give away the player’s position for a fierce counter.
While the AWP boasts instant-kill capacity for headshots, it’s more practical to aim for the chest so the recoil does the rest of the work. Skilled players who memorize where to pre-fire on maps may be able to try guessing a typical hiding spot and aiming a headshot here. Like the Scout, switching to sidearms and switching back in critical situations is advisable. Not only does this let playerssettle with a Pistolif opponents get close enough, but the quick switch-back also avoids the awkward scoping on equips.
