Top 10 Best Sniper Rifles in Video Games

“Team Fortress 2” (2007)
One shot, one kill has never been so efficient. The signature weapon of the Sniper character from “Team Fortress 2”, this single-shot rifle is known for being incredibly deadly in the right hands. It is completely accurate in aim, with no loss of damage potential due to drop-off and a guaranteed critical hit whenever used for headshots. The rifle can also be allowed to charge up for a damage increase, meaning ordinary bullets to the limbs and torso of an opponent can result in extremely debilitating injuries. Plus, its straight-forward visual design – which has it resembling a hunter's rifle – gives the Sniper Rifle a certain charm.

“Gears of War” series (2006-)
When combating subterranean foes, one needs the finest in precision weaponry. Enter the Longshot, a high-powered rifle developed by the Coalition of Ordered Governments for use during the Pendulum Wars. Its appearance in the “Gears of War” games sees it serving as the weapon of choice for fast yet accurate shooting, and is the only weapon that can target foes currently in cover. Further, the Longshot doesn’t need to get a headshot to critically wound or kill enemies; a Longshot round fired at any body part is potentially fatal no matter what.

“Silent Scope” (2000)
Sometimes one gun is enough. Such is the case for the arcade game “Silent Scope”, where players take the role of a sniper combatting terrorists trying to attack the American First Family. Your single weapon of choice – though never specifically named – is functionally a lifesize recreation of the HK MSG-90 sniper rifle, mounted onto the arcade cabinet, and featuring a screen inside the scope to act as the zoom, its relatively quick reload time and its instant killing of properly targetted enemies. Efficient and deadly, this is a fine armament to have in a pinch.

“Bulletstorm” (2011)
The power of the bullet, in the palm of one’s hand. The 2011 first-person shooter “Bulletstorm” features a healthy arsenal of interesting weapons, though few prove more gratifying than the Head Hunter sniper rifle. For starters, the Head Hunter fires explosive rounds, meaning every shot taken has the potential to cripple or decimate foes on impact. What takes this rifle into cathartic territory is its special scoped mode, which allows players to control the trajectory of rounds fired. In essence, this ensures that those gamers who like to torment their enemies before eliminating them will be sufficiently satisfied.

“Half-Life 2” (2004)
Definitely an unconventional choice, but no less worthy of being named. This seemingly-innocuous weapon is found by theoretical physicist-turned-resistance fighter Gordon Freeman on his journey along Highway 17 in “Half-Life 2”. However, once taken into battle, the Crossbow proves itself a good addition to Gordon’s arsenal. It can zoom in precisely, and fires red-hot steel rebar that can pin Combine soldiers to surfaces. Few things are as morbidly amusing as sticking a Combine grunt to a wall by their head or arms, to say nothing of the clear killing power on display. It’s fun and useful – how can you go wrong?

“Overwatch” (2016)
Not unlike the Widow’s Kiss firearm, this rifle is more than meets the eye. Wielded by the Egyptian bounty hunter Ana, the Biotic Rifle is a prototype sniper rifle... that heals people. Specifically, the rifle fires darts that will heal allies or damage enemies, depending on who is targetted. The Biotic Rifle’s use as a support weapon for keeping teams moving while wounding foes is undeniable, helping it to stand out amid similar firearms. That its darts can be fired linearly from the hip or more precisely thanks to the Rifle’s hitscan ability is a definite bonus.

“GoldenEye 007” (1997)
The classics will never die. Case in point: “GoldenEye 007” introduced or solidified many conventions of the first-person shooter genre, including the presence and functionality of a sniper rifle. The game’s take on the Sniper Rifle could be obtained as early as the first mission, letting the player take potshots at Soviet adversaries from safety. The Sniper Rifle packed in a suppressor and a sight with adjustable zoom range, and was usable even at short distances. Plus being James Bond, you can dual wield two sniper rifles … somehow. Simple though it may have been in design and capabilities, the Sniper Rifle is versatile and balanced enough to be worth remembering with fondness.

“Halo” series (2001-)
While we have a certain fondness for the Type-50 Sniper Rifle System, it’s the SRS 99 that sticks out the most for us. This anti-material family of sniper rifles is a recurring element of the “Halo” games, acting as the UNSC’s prime choice of weapon in matters that require brutal yet precise measures. Consistent elements of the Sniper Rifle System 99 line include a semi-automatic firing mode, multiple high magnification settings for its scope and armor-piercing rounds capable of obliterating vehicles. It’s good to have a reliable and damaging gun at one’s side, and these fit the bill nicely.

“Perfect Dark” (2000)
Technically a handheld railgun with an unorthodox scope, the XR-20 nevertheless is a sniper rifle of immeasureable power at its core. Its unique alien design draws the eye right off the bat, from its shiny blue colouring to its strange angles and shape. Beyond its appearance, though, the FarSight proves useful thanks to one key detail: its energy blasts can go through any number of walls and will kill enemies instantly. Used in conjuction with the weapon’s secondary mode – which tracks enemies as you aim – this makes for very one-sided battles.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

VC32 Sniper Rifle
“Killzone 2” (2009)

Splatterscope
“Splatoon” (2015)

Kar98k
“Sniper Elite V2” (2012)

“Counter-Strike” series (1999-)
No doubt, this is the powerhouse to end all powerhouses. Brought into the fold in the original “Counter-Strike”, the AWP Magnum has endured as a deadly – if controversial – weapon when used correctly. Its notoriety stems primarily from its sheer firepower, which enables it to one-hit kill opposing players should bullets hit anywhere but the legs. Add on a highly precise scope and the ability to penetrate through multiple players, and what you have is a terrifying tool of destruction. Beware the AWP in the hands of professionals, for there will be no mercy afforded to you...

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite sniper rifle in gaming? For more precise Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.