
The Sniper class in Team Fortress 2 is a long-range marksman designed to pick off enemies from a distance with precision shots. His arsenal consists of various rifles, secondary weapons, and melee tools that enhance his role as a lethal sharpshooter.
This article covers all Sniper weapons in TF2, detailing their strengths, weaknesses, and strategic uses. Master this TF2 class using the information presented below.
Primary Weapons

The Sniper’s primary weapons in TF2 are rifles that enable him to deal massive damage, often eliminating opponents with a single shot to the head.
Stock Sniper Rifle
- Damage: 50-150 (bodyshot), 150-450 (headshot)
- Pros: Reliable and consistent damage, no drawbacks
- Cons: No special effects
- Usage: Ideal for players learning the basics of Sniper; its ability to deal instant headshot kills makes it a staple choice.
Huntsman/Fortified Compound
- Damage: 50-120 (bodyshot), 120-360 (headshot)
- Pros: No scope needed, fast charge time
- Cons: Arrows have travel time, difficult to aim at long range
- Usage: Suitable for aggressive playstyles and close-range encounters where quick reaction shots are needed.
Sydney Sleeper

- Damage: 50-150 (bodyshot), 150-450 (headshot)
- Pros: Applies Jarate effect on targets, assists teammates in combat
- Cons: Cannot headshot
- Usage: A support-oriented rifle that excels in weakening enemies for teammates rather than scoring instant kills.
Bazaar Bargain
- Damage: 50-150 (bodyshot), 150-450 (headshot)
- Pros: Faster charge speed with consecutive headshots
- Cons: Starts with a slower charge speed
- Usage: Rewards accuracy and consistency; great for skilled Snipers who can land multiple headshots in a row.
Machina
- Damage: 50-173 (bodyshot), 173-518 (headshot)
- Pros: Higher damage on full charge, can penetrate multiple enemies
- Cons: Must be fully scoped to fire, tracer rounds reveal location
- Usage: Effective for holding choke points and taking out multiple enemies in a line.
Hitman’s Heatmaker
- Damage: 50-150 (bodyshot), 150-450 (headshot)
- Pros: Focus meter increases with kills, allowing faster charge time
- Cons: Reduced bodyshot damage
- Usage: Ideal for players who consistently land headshots and want to maintain an aggressive sniping position.
Classic
- Damage: 50-150 (bodyshot), 150-450 (headshot)
- Pros: Can charge shots without scoping in
- Cons: Requires full charge to headshot
- Usage: Best suited for players who prefer mobility while aiming but struggle with the charge mechanic.

Secondary Weapons
Sniper’s secondary weapons provide additional utility, self-defense, or team support.
SMG
- Damage: 8-16 per shot
- Pros: Fast firing rate, good for finishing off enemies
- Cons: Low damage per shot, ineffective at long range
- Usage: A defensive tool for close-range encounters when enemies get too close.
Jarate
- Effect: Covers enemies in Jarate, increasing damage taken from all sources by 35%
- Pros: Great team support weapon, extinguishes teammates on fire
- Cons: No direct damage
- Usage: Essential for team fights, helping teammates deal more damage to opponents.
Razorback
- Effect: Blocks one backstab from a Spy before breaking
- Pros: Provides protection from Spies
- Cons: Useless against non-Spy enemies, once broken must respawn to recharge
- Usage: A good choice when facing persistent enemy Spies.
Darwin’s Danger Shield
- Effect: Grants fire resistance
- Pros: Helps against Pyros and afterburn damage
- Cons: No offensive capability
- Usage: Effective when facing enemy Pyros frequently.
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Cozy Camper
- Effect: Provides health regeneration and prevents scope flinching
- Pros: Helps in sustained sniping
- Cons: No active defensive capabilities
- Usage: Best for players who like to stay scoped for extended periods.
Melee Weapons
Though rarely used, Sniper’s melee weapons offer various tactical advantages.
Kukri (Stock)
- Damage: 65 per hit
- Pros: Standard damage, no downsides
- Cons: Outclassed by other melee options
- Usage: A default choice when no other melee weapon is preferred.
Tribalman’s Shiv
- Effect: Causes bleeding on hit
- Pros: Useful for tracking enemies
- Cons: Lower direct damage
- Usage: Good for harassing enemies who try to escape.
Bushwacka
- Effect: Crits whenever mini-crits would apply
- Pros: Extremely strong when combined with Jarate
- Cons: Increased vulnerability to melee attacks
- Usage: Deadly when paired with Jarate for consistent critical hits.
Shahanshah
- Effect: Deals more damage when Sniper has low health
- Pros: Good for last-ditch melee fights
- Cons: Weak when at full health
- Usage: Works well in emergency situations when low on HP.
Related: All TF2 Characters
Summary

The Sniper in Team Fortress 2 has a wide variety of weapons suited for different playstyles, whether it’s traditional sniping, aggressive short-range combat, or team support.
Each weapon has its advantages, making loadout choices highly dependent on the player’s strategy and enemy composition. Mastering the right weapon combinations can make Sniper an invaluable asset to any team.
FAQ
The AWPer Hand and Machina offer the best combination of range and damage for experienced players. For beginners, the Sydney Sleeper provides a user-friendly alternative.
You can obtain Sniper skins through drops, crates, and by trading on platforms like Tradeit.
Yes, it is highly effective against enemy Spies attempting backstabs, especially when playing against stealth-heavy teams.