Luckily, it doesn’t take long to start learning some basic rules of survival (don’t rush across the bridge at C3, always check for movement in popular sniping posts, use cover at all times…).
But we’re not here to talk about dying. We’re here to talk about sniping. Let’s go over some basics for would-be snipers interested in taking up the mantel.
Rifle Selection
Most snipers eventually settle on a favorite rifle, or two for different situations. While each choice provides unique characteristics, the options can generally be split between two categories.
Power
The L96A1 and PSG1 favor force over stability, awarding one-shot kills more frequently in exchange for high recoil. Confident snipers that consistently land hits often prefer the additional power, but the extra time needed to realign shots can cause problems when facing more than one enemy.
Stability
While far from weak, the Dragunov and WA2000 sacrifice power for a much subtler kick, allowing a faster and more stable rate of fire. While shots below the head don’t pack the same punch as the L96A1 and PSG1, the rifles’ extra stability allows quick follow-up shots to finish the job or rapidly change targets.
Equipment
Proper Equipment use arguably aids the sniper more than any other class, helping counter the ever-present threat of surprise attack. Let’s go over some of the more popular sniping choices.
Camera Spike – Best used by attentive, experienced snipers. Place the Camera Spike as far away as possible with the most threatening route(s) in view, giving you the time to swap to your secondary and take up a defensive position in a hurry
Tactical Insertion– Trade security for accessibility. Especially useful in objective-based game modes, insertion cuts out unnecessary travel time. To avoid giving your killer a free shot, place the insertion out of sight from your immediate post.
Motion Sensor – Very helpful to mobile snipers. Trade the details of the Camera Spike for a wider range of detection. Watch for enemies running Hacker Pro, and have a backup if it becomes a problem. Don’t leave it behind when changing locations.
Claymore – Great when posting in locations with a single rear entry. Position the Claymore around corners with enough distance to ensure its lines are hidden. Flak Jacket is commonly used, and cautious enemies often frag or disable Claymores. Have a plan when it blows and no death registers.
Mobility
Perks, grenades, killstreaks and attachments offer more straightforward options, and your choices depend entirely on your style of play. More importantly, we should cover some basic rules of survival.
Unless you know your spot is secure and the enemy at long distance, you’re putting yourself in danger by staying in a single spot. As a sniper, you’re immediately on top of the enemies’ ‘to kill’ list. Once spotted, they’ll do everything in their power to flush you out.
Move when you’ve been spotted. Keep the enemy guessing by attacking from different angles. Replace your secondary the moment a more powerful close-range option becomes available. As your map knowledge grows, learn to snipe from all locations – throw off your opponent by attacking from unexpected areas.
Strike, move, strike, strike, move. The more random your attacks, the better chance you have of slowing the opposition and racking up killstreaks.
Popular Discovery Locations
Due to Discovery’s large layout, a clever sniper can react to any given situation and set up a perch in many different areas. There are, however, a few distinct locations to watch out for, whether you’re doing the sniping or trying to avoid getting sniped.
Location #1– C2-3
Two sniper-friendly buildings offer great visibility over the center of the map, as well as a limited view of the northern walkway. Snipers often post within these buildings to overlook the bridge at C3 and into C4. Watch for enemies in the adjacent building, as sniper battles often erupt between the buildings.
Location #2 – C2-D2
The perch located in the ice tunnel between C/D2 allows snipers to go prone and maintain straight visibility through the center of the map. As an ideal sniping location, expect enemies to flank from either side of the tunnel.
Location #3– B5
The balcony here offers a great view over the northern walkway as well as the C4 area leading to the bridge. Use the barrels for extra protection and keep an eye toward C5 to avoid getting flanked.
Location #4– C4 – D4
The two buildings and connecting walkway provide snipers with a lot of room to watch over large areas of the map. This also means there’s plenty of room for enemies to ambush you. Stay on heightened alert and pay attention to the flow of combat to best make use of the room available.
Combat Training
Test your options in Combat Training to find the sniping setup that fits your style. Learn the map, build up your confidence on some unsuspecting Recruits, and then take it to MP and practice, practice, practice!
First Strike
Pick up Discovery along with Berlin Wall, Stadium, Kowloon, and Ascension in Call of Duty®: Black Ops First Strike, now available on Xbox LIVE®, PS3™, and PC. Have some more sniping tips? Share your experiences in the comments below and in the forums. Follow us on Facebook and YouTube, and be sure to follow Treyarch’s Twitter feed (@Treyarch) for the most up to date Black Ops info.
