Now the Sniper is one of the most popular classes in TF. Seems like people really love the Sniper Rifle. It usually takes only one shot to frag a person with it. However, the reload time between shots can be lengthy, and the Sniper's got piddly armor as well, so it usually takes one shot to kill HIM.
As the Sniper ...
Don't kid yourself. You're not an offensive
unit. It only takes a meagerly placed rocket to kill you, and
even if you somehow survive the blast, you're not apt to last
long afterwards. So find a nice,
dark, cozy place to camp and snipe
away. If caught, move! Also remember that any shot you make
lights up your surroundings briefly ... but enough for an
observant player to spot you.
You also want to invest in a good zoom script and get used to TF's laser sight system. Be sure to aim at a place heavily travelled by the enemy (for example, the bridge connecting the bases in 2fort4). A place to retreat might be nice as well.
Remember, you've got weapons other than that awesome Sniper Rifle of yours! The Nailgun is great to whip out if you need to get into close combat with the enemy. Also, use your regular grenades to defend yourself in necessary.
Locational Damage = no more guaranteed "one shot, one kill". Hitting a player's head is double damage, which is usually a kill. The legs are half damage, although the enemy will be slowed somewhat. Everything else is a normal shot. Hold the trigger for 3 seconds and you will usually gib. But don't be too surprised if you don't.
Against the Sniper ...
Sniper-hunting is one of my favorite
activities! There's nothing like bringing home freshly fragged
Snipe meat. If you're looking to bag some Snipers as well, you'll
probably want to switch to a long range fighter like the Soldier.
The best tip is to learn the level and get to know where Snipers most usually hide. Also, look out for the red mark on the Sniper uniform. You'll usually find them hiding in dark corners or hanging on top of the ceiling if grappling is enabled on a map like 4fort4. Also, watch out for the laser sight "x", and get to know where Snipers usually aim. (Strafe, and strafe often) You don't want to end up being fragged by your prey.
If you manage to find a Sniper, get yourself ready and let 'im have it. Most of the time, he'll be too busy zooming in on an area to notice an enemy close to him. But remember that Snipers usually position themselves so that they can see as much as the level as possible. It may be hard to avoid detection. If this happens, strafe around to the Sniper's back if possible. Their movemyent rate is slowed once they pull the trigger on the Sniper Rifle. Use this to your advantage!
Heavy Weapons Guys especially should be careful when around Snipers. The unfortunate side affect of the Assault Cannon is that it forces you to stay still ... making yourself easy Sniper bait. Fortunately, the AC easily mows Snipers down.
Other References
Here are some great guides professional
Snipers should check out:
Last updated: June 12, 1997