XScruffyDaSasquatchx/Sandbox

Sniper Rifle
Gameplay role
Effective range:	120 World Units
Counterparts:	Covenant: Beam Rifle;
Weapon stats
Damage:	45 (headshots)
Damage type (?):	bullet_fast sniper;
Projectile speed:	1200 World Units per second
Rate of fire:	0.5 fire recovery time (2 rounds per second);
Accuracy:	0.5 degrees 0 degrees zoomed;
Reserve ammo capacity:	20
Variants and attachments
Base variant(s):	None

SRS99C-S2 Sniper Rifle
Gameplay role
Effective range:	1000 World Units
Counterparts:	None
Weapon stats
Damage:	101 (headshots)
Damage type (?):	Sniper Bullet
Projectile speed:	1000 World Units per second
Rate of fire:	2 rounds per second
Accuracy:	0.5 degrees 0 degrees zoomed;
Reserve ammo capacity:	24
Variants and attachments
Base variant(s):	None

Sniper Rifle
Gameplay role
Faction:	Human (UNSC)
Weapon tier (?):	Power weapon
Weapon class (?):	Sniper rifle
Weapon type (?):	Precision weapon
Firing mode:	Semi-automatic
Effective range:	Long to medium
Counterparts:	Covenant: Beam Rifle; Focus Rifle; Banished: Shock Rifle; Skewer; Stalker Rifle; Forerunner: Binary Rifle;
Weapon stats
Damage:	High (headshots)
Damage type (?):	Kinetic
Projectile speed:	Very high, near instantaneous
Rate of fire:	Low
Accuracy:	Very high
Magazine size:	4 bullets
Variants and attachments
Halo 5 REQ variant(s):	End of the Line; Arrow of Time; Nornfang;
Halo Infinite variant(s):	S7 Flexfire Sniper;

This article is about the weapon featured in most Halo games. For other uses of the term "sniper rifle", see its disambiguation page.

This article documents its subject as it pertains to the gameplay of the Halo games, rather than the lore.

The Sniper Rifle, sometimes shortened to just Sniper or Snipes, and known in Halo Infinite as the S7 Sniper, is a human precision power weapon featured in all major Halo games, starting with Halo: Combat Evolved. It is a long-range weapon which typically has two levels of scope, and is best used to pick off enemies at a great distance. The Sniper deals a large amount of damage per shot, but has a slow rate of fire and usually only carries four shots per magazine.

Overview

The Sniper Rifle is a powerful precision weapon, featured in every notable Halo game since the series' inception in Halo: Combat Evolved. Typically dark grey or black in color, the weapon features one of the longest barrels of any weapon, as well as a large boxy scope and a prominent stock, making it very easy to identify. It is capable of killing enemy players in as little as one or two shots depending upon accuracy, and deals a large amount of damage. To compensate for this, it has a slow rate of fire compared to most weapons, usually only carries four shots per magazine, and is very rare.

Advantages

Deals a significant amount of damage, allowing most enemies to be killed easily
- Headshots can instantly kill an enemy player in multiplayer
Damage does not fall off at longer ranges
Multiple, very long-distance zoom options

Disadvantages

Has a slow fire rate
Often difficult to aim, particularly at short ranges and when using a controller rather than mouse and keyboard
- In earlier games, it even lacks aim-assist when hip-fired
Ammo is very rare

Tactics and strategies

Save ammo where possible, as it is very rare
- In campaign, prioritise more difficult enemies like Chieftains or Hunters with the Sniper, while using a more common weapon on easier enemies such as Grunts and Jackals
- In multiplayer, if you have a mid-range weapon such as a Battle Rifle in reserve, and you hit an enemy with the Sniper but do not kill them, switch to the Battle Rifle to finish them with a headshot rather than waste a second Sniper bullet
In multiplayer, controlling power weapons like the Sniper is important, as a skilled enemy Sniper could rack up many kills, or keep your team away from the objective with ease

Unlock and acquisition requirements

In the majority of Halo games, the Sniper Rifle does not need to be unlocked, and is simply acquired by finding it on the map, or, in the case of some game modes or campaign missions, spawning with it. However, there are three notable exceptions.

Variants

There are four variants of the Sniper Rifle, three of which are REQ variants from Halo 5: Guardians.

Counterparts

The most prominent counterpart to the Sniper Rifle is the Covenant's Beam Rifle, a long-range weapon with two levels of zoom, which is similar in operation to the Sniper Rifle. The Beam Rifle was first introduced in Halo 2, but has reappeared in several games since. It fires a beam of light with a practically instant travel time, which behaves similarly to a Sniper Rifle bullet; a hit to the body will remove an opponent's shields, whereas a headshot will instantly kill them. Unlike the Sniper, however, the Beam Rifle uses a battery system for its ammo, typically with ten shots in total, and the weapon cannot be reloaded. In most games, the weapon will overheat after two or three shots in rapid succession.

Another Covenant counterpart to the Sniper Rifle is the Focus Rifle, first introduced in Halo: Reach. Unlike the Sniper Rifle and Beam Rifle, the Focus Rifle fires a continuous beam not unlike that of the Sentinel Beam, which deals heavy damage to enemy units, but will overheat if fired continuously for too long. However, the Focus Rifle takes longer to kill enemies than the Sniper Rifle does, and the brightly colored beam will expose the location of the player. Like the Beam Rifle, the Focus Rifle uses a battery ammo system, and cannot be reloaded. It also has two zoom levels, similar to the Sniper and Beam Rifle.

The Forerunner counterpart to the Sniper Rifle is known as the Binary Rifle. This rifle operates using a similar ammunition system as the Sniper Rifle, albeit with two shots per magazine rather than four. It features two levels of zoom, just as the Sniper does, however with one major difference: whilst zoomed, a distinct red targeting laser will shine out from the barrel - even before the weapon is fired - which will alert enemies to the fact they're being targeted, and will also highlight the user's location. The projectile fired by the Binary Rifle varies by game. In Halo 4, it fires a bolt of light that travels instantaneously and will always immediately kill an enemy player regardless of where it hits them. In Halo 5: Guardians, it fires a continuous beam for a brief period of time, which deals very heavy damage and can easily kill an enemy player if held on them for long enough - though the strong recoil can make this difficult.

Beam Rifle
Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 4, Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer, Halo 5: Guardians and Halo Online
Focus Rifle
Halo: Reach, Halo: Spartan Assault and Halo: Spartan Strike
Binary Rifle
Halo 4, Halo: Spartan Strike and Halo 5: Guardians

Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary

The SRS99C-S2 sniper rifle is extremely powerful, but with a small combat load, it is not good practice to use this weapon against weaker enemies (i.e. Grunts, Drones). However, the sniper rifle's penetration capabilities and superb, long range accuracy makes it excellent for killing higher ranking enemies at long range, which, in turn, disorganizes and demoralizes the enemy troops, making combat against a large ground force much easier.

This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Campaign

Take cover behind any rock or building (if any). Easily take aim and make sure you fire before the hostile sees you. Also stick to high ground (if any). Do not waste rounds on minor threats like Grunts or shield-bearing Jackals since ammo is usually scarce and you can kill them easily with other weapons too. Even from a distance, the pistol can usually take care of them in one headshot.
A good setup in Covenant levels is to take sniper rifle for longer range and difficult foes, such as Elites. A secondary weapon can be anything you feel good to take out minor foes like Jackals and Grunts. The M6D magnum is an excellent secondary weapon, because of the accuracy, stopping power and zoom function. This pistol negates the need of sniper rifle for short range combat, thus saving its scarce ammo, so you can use it against Zealots, Ultras, Major Elites, etc.
In Flood levels, the sniper rifle should be ignored, as the rounds pass through combat and carrier forms, doing little to no damage at all. However, in levels that include both enemies (Covenant and Flood units), one could bring the sniper rifle for Covenant enemies and the M90 shotgun (or other weapon that the player feels good to use against flood), to maximize damage against both foes.
The sniper rifle is more than capable of killing in one or two shots on its own. One headshot from either weapon can kill an unshielded enemy (more shots from the pistol may be required for higher-ranking enemies, but its higher rate of fire and more plentiful ammo compensate for this).

This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Multiplayer

In Halo: Combat Evolved, effective use of the sniper rifle in multiplayer takes a lot of practice. It is necessary to aim in front of a target to accommodate for server lag, how far one should aim in front depends on their angle onto the target and the amount of lag in the server. Targets are shot easiest when they are head on, moving directly toward you.
A head-shot will kill an enemy outright, regardless of shield. Night vision is best used in dark areas (obviously) but is useless in maps that have high color contrast. Good secondary weapons include the M6D Pistol which can, when shot accurately, dispose of an enemy in 3 shots regardless of shield. Its 2× zoom make it the perfect partner for the SRS99C-S2 AM.
Use natural formations and buildings to snipe from, but move constantly and erratically (including jumping and crouching) to lower the effectiveness of counter-sniping. The fact that 14.5×114mm rounds leave a smoky trail is the weapons largest downside (apart from the small magazine capacity) it exposes one's position and alerts the enemy easily; constant position changing is advised to confuse the enemy. Find something to hide behind while you reload, and reload when not in a firefight. Good snipers cover teammates and kill anyone who is chasing the person on your team with the flag (note: this is only for CTF).

This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Changes from prerelease Halo to Halo: Combat Evolved

This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Changes from Halo: Combat Evolved to Halo PC

Maximum telescopic zoom reduced from 10× to 8×.

Halo 2 and Halo 2: Anniversary

The SRS99C-S2 sniper rifle is extremely powerful, but with a small combat load, it is not good practice to use this weapon against weaker enemies (i.e. Grunts, Drones). However, the sniper rifle's penetration capabilities and superb, long range accuracy makes it excellent for killing higher ranking enemies at long range, which, in turn, disorganizes and demoralizes the enemy troops, making combat against a large ground force much easier.

This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Campaign

Take cover behind any rock or building (if any). Easily take aim and make sure you fire before the hostile sees you. Also stick to high ground (if any). Do not waste rounds on minor threats like Grunts or shield-bearing Jackals since ammo is usually scarce and you can kill them easily with other weapons too. Even from a distance, the pistol can usually take care of them in one headshot.
A good setup in Covenant levels is to take sniper rifle for longer range and difficult foes, such as Elites. A secondary weapon can be anything you feel good to take out minor foes like Jackals and Grunts. The M6D magnum is an excellent secondary weapon, because of the accuracy, stopping power and zoom function. This pistol negates the need of sniper rifle for short range combat, thus saving its scarce ammo, so you can use it against Zealots, Ultras, Major Elites, etc.
In Flood levels, the sniper rifle should be ignored, as the rounds pass through combat and carrier forms, doing little to no damage at all. However, in levels that include both enemies (Covenant and Flood units), one could bring the sniper rifle for Covenant enemies and the M90 shotgun (or other weapon that the player feels good to use against flood), to maximize damage against both foes.
The sniper rifle is more than capable of killing in one or two shots on its own. One headshot from either weapon can kill an unshielded enemy (more shots from the pistol may be required for higher-ranking enemies, but its higher rate of fire and more plentiful ammo compensate for this).

This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Multiplayer

In Halo: Combat Evolved, effective use of the sniper rifle in multiplayer takes a lot of practice. It is necessary to aim in front of a target to accommodate for server lag, how far one should aim in front depends on their angle onto the target and the amount of lag in the server. Targets are shot easiest when they are head on, moving directly toward you.
A head-shot will kill an enemy outright, regardless of shield. Night vision is best used in dark areas (obviously) but is useless in maps that have high color contrast. Good secondary weapons include the M6D Pistol which can, when shot accurately, dispose of an enemy in 3 shots regardless of shield. Its 2× zoom make it the perfect partner for the SRS99C-S2 AM.
Use natural formations and buildings to snipe from, but move constantly and erratically (including jumping and crouching) to lower the effectiveness of counter-sniping. The fact that 14.5×114mm rounds leave a smoky trail is the weapons largest downside (apart from the small magazine capacity) it exposes one's position and alerts the enemy easily; constant position changing is advised to confuse the enemy. Find something to hide behind while you reload, and reload when not in a firefight. Good snipers cover teammates and kill anyone who is chasing the person on your team with the flag (note: this is only for CTF).

This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Changes from Halo: Combat Evolved to Halo 2

Minor cosmetic changes and shorter overall length.
Decreased the maximum reserve ammunition capacity down from 28 to 24.
Medium telescopic zoom increased from 2× to 5×.
Night vision function has been removed.

Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST

Sniper Rifle

Gameplay role
Effective range:	500 World Units
Counterparts:	Covenant: Beam Rifle
Weapon stats
Damage:	80 (headshots) 120 in ODST
Damage type (?):	bullet_fast sniper
Projectile speed:	1200 World Units per second
Rate of fire:	0.7 fire recovery time (~1.4 rounds per second)
Accuracy:	0.5 degrees 0 degrees zoomed
Reserve ammo capacity:	20
Variants and attachments
Base variant(s):	None

Campaign

In the mission Sierra 117, there is a downed Pelican at Rally Point Alpha. There is a UNSC supply box with two sniper rifles. These can be useful when you get to the dam.
After the Hunter encounter on The Storm where you must face a hammer wielding Brute Chieftain the room to the far left contains a sniper rifle. Breaking the window will allow you to snipe Covenant forces.
Because the sniper rifle is extremely powerful, but has a small combat load, it is not good practice to use this weapon against weaker enemies (i.e. Grunts, Jackals). However, the sniper rifle's penetration capabilities and superb, long range accuracy make it excellent for killing higher ranking enemies at long range like Brutes and Hunters, which, in turn, disorganizes and demoralizes the enemy troops, making combat against a large ground force easier.
Sniping fallen grenades when enemies are close by is also an effective strategy.

Multiplayer

If an enemy will be very difficult to snipe, don't waste a round on them. Wait until they're an easier target, or just switch your attention to another target.
Have a sniper set their sights on the enemy base in a CTF match, as they can take out enemy snipers and other defenders. That way, their team mates can swoop in and grab the flag.
If you can get a couple of players to cooperate, you can get to hard to access areas on maps like Valhalla, Longshore and Last Resort and snipe without worry that close range weapons like the shotgun flush you out.
The Sniper Rifle shot can be used in close combat as a shield remover, followed by a melee which will kill your opponent.
Always take your shots carefully with the sniper rifle. If you are unable to perform headshots, always aim for the body. The key to sniping is simply getting the kill and not wasting ammunition, not getting a headshot every time. A two-shot enemy is still a dead enemy.
Always carry a secondary close ranged weapon such as an Assault Rifle or SMG. Even more preferable are a shotgun or a Battle Rifle.
When playing Team Snipers, take your shot and then move elsewhere, so your location is not given away. This is also useful in standard multiplayer.

Changes from Halo 2 to Halo 3 and ODST

Overall higher damage and slower fire rate.
New muzzle brake with front iron sight.
Handguard, body, and stock has been altered.
The scope now shows real-time with an LCD screen and infrared vision.
It now has a trigger guard.
The Sniper Rifle now has a new flat matte black color finish to it.
Recoil now affects accuracy.

Changes from Halo 3 to ODST

Bullet damage vs shields decreased by 50%
Damage increased from 80 to 120.

Halo: Reach

Sniper Rifle

Gameplay role
Effective range:	500 World Units
Counterparts:	Covenant: Focus Rifle
Weapon stats
Damage:	80 (headshots)
Damage type (?):	sniper
Projectile speed:	6000 World Units per second
Rate of fire:	0.75 fire recovery time (~1.333 rounds per second)
Accuracy:	0.08 to 4 degrees 0 degrees zoomed
Reserve ammo capacity:	20
Variants and attachments
Base variant(s):	None

Campaign

This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.