Sniper Rifles in Counter Strike 2 Explained

To many gamers, sniper rifles always stand out from other weapons in online FPS games. Being an effective sniper most often takes a combination of developed game sense, skill, as well as reaction time. While many players look down upon snipers in online FPS games (this seems to be an almost universal sentiment), it can’t be denied that being an effective sniper often requires a vast knowledge of the various advanced game aspects, as well as an ability to adjust yourself to different game scenarios.

It’s no different for CS2, where using a sniper rife requires a lot of skill. While sniper rifles in CS2 can be a very risky investment, an effective sniper on your team can greatly tip the scales in your favor and allow you to secure the win easily. However, a new player trying to effectively use a sniper rifle will only drag your team down.

However, don’t fret. This is exactly why we have prepared our CS2 sniper guide. Here’s all you need to know about sniper rifles in Counter Strike 2 and how to use them effectively.

Getting to Know Sniper Rifles Better

Like its previous version, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, CS2 features four distinct sniper rifles, each with a different cost:

• SSG-08 (also known as the Scout) for $1700
• AWP for $4750
• SCAR-20 (CT exclusive) for $5000
• G3SG1 (Terrorist exclusive) for $5000

As you can see, each of the sniper rifles, aside from the Scout, is a costly investment. However, that is because outside of the SSG, sniper rifles in CS2 have a one shot kill potential, while the SCAR-20 and G3SG1 (also commonly referred to as ‘Auto’ by the Counter Strike community) also allow their users to take repeated scoped shots at the enemy, each with impressive armor penetration capabilities.

Since most sniper rifles are such expensive weapons, unless you get some serious early advantage you’ll most likely only be seeing them late-game. However, even when you have the advantage, purchasing any of the expensive sniper rifles early on can be a very risky move, since dropping it can not only hurt your team’s economy but also allow the enemy team to pick up your expensive gun, essentially providing them with a couple of thousands of dollars of free firepower early on.

Although the Scout is much cheaper, due to its relatively low firepower and high reload time, you will only gimp your team, if you don’t know how to aim and take headshots with fast zooms and quick reflexes. As you can see, all sniper rifles in CS2 are high-risk-high-reward weapons, and should not be approached without the necessary experience and skill level.

When You Should Purchase A Sniper Rifle?

Generally speaking, the first thing you should always consider before getting a sniper rifle in CS2 is whether your team can afford it. As we already mentioned, getting an AWP or an auto early on can be a very risky move, even when you can afford it. Even if you’re a good player, chances are the enemy team will take you out before you even get to fire a single shot, either through rushing you with a flashbang, or even taking you out with an AWP of their own. If you spend all your money on an AWP, lose it, and your enemy picks it up, you might have just completely wrecked your team’s economy for this half of the match. Because of this, try to think of the AWP or the auto as a luxury, that you purchase only when you have some spare cash.

If your teammates are struggling, you should prioritize purchasing guns for them, before you get a sniper rifle of your own. The only exception is the Scout with its low price, however, in ranked matches you should only purchase the Scout if you’re a good sniper and sure of your sniping skills. A teammate who purchases the Scout and only manages to land single body shots is actually a liability. Since the Scout does very low damage to the body, together with low armor penetration, if you can’t headshot effectively, you should instead purchase something more useful in close-quarters situations.

Using Sniper Rifles

Sniper rifles, like the AWP, are used in many different ways in Counter Strike 2. For example, at the start of the game, you can use the AWP to quickly kill enemies and get an advantage early on. When your team does not have a lot of money, you can use the AWP on “force buy” rounds. In these rounds, your team spends all their money to try and win. It’s also important to know how many rounds to use sniper rifles and when to use other guns to help your team win. To use the AWP well, you need to know not just how to shoot, but also when and where to use it in the game. This goes double for the Scout, who can’t kill with a single body shot. For example, in close-up fights, it may be better to use a grenade or a different gun instead of a sniper rifle.

Here are some tips that you can incorporate to use Sniper rifles in CS2 with their maximum efficiency:

Learn How Quick Scoping Works

Quick scoping is a technique known in FPS games, where you quickly zoom in with your scope an immediately take a shot, effectively allowing you to one shot kill any enemy up close. This is also possible within CS2, however, you have to first master the different holding angles and camera bob when zooming in on your AWP. While it’s possible to quickly scope and take out a single enemy, if you’re caught in the crossfire by more opponents, it’s generally not recommended. Try practicing quick scoping in bot matches first.

Learn Different Maps

One of the most important sniper skills is knowing all the different sniping spots on all the current active duty maps. This will not only let you know how to position yourself most effectively but also help you to counter the enemy snipers, by learning where they’ll most likely be hiding.

Practice Movement With A Scope

While most gamers believe that sniper rifles in CS2 are generally stationary weapons, knowing how to move with the scope enabled is actually one fo the most crucial AWP skills you can develop. This will allow you to effectively pop in and out from around the corner, ready to fire immediately without having to scope in. It makes it easier for you to manage while there’s a lot of action happening, while at the same time making you more effective in sniper duels.

Improving Team Play and Making the Most of the AWP

Using sniper rifles well can also help your team play better together. Because the AWP slows your movement speed but can kill in one shot, people who use this sniper rifle often stay in one place and keep watch over important parts of the game map. This is very important when playing as a team in Counter Strike 2. If someone in your team can use the AWP well, it can change the game. They can kill enemies early in the game or make a difference in “force buy” rounds. Being a good sniper in Counter Strike 2 is not just about shooting well, it’s also about keeping calm under pressure, picking the best spot to shoot from to avoid being shot by enemies, and making the right decisions during the game.