Hello there to all my fellow BF2142 players.
This guide is meant to be a comprehensive guide to basic tactics using a Sniper Recon (should you choose this path of play) and how you can make your Recon an effective terror machine against squads.
Basics
The Recon class is meant to be what it says, to scout out for targets/threats further ahead and report them to teammates and if possible, eliminate them. The Sniper Recon's primary duty is to spot out for targets further ahead for his teammates and squad members, and to take out or assist teammates whenever possible.
Unlocks
Unlocks...unlocks...unlocks. The heart of why most of us keep playing other than to collect badges/pins. For the Sniper Recon, you start off with these basic class unlocks :
Sniper Unlocks :
1) Anti-Personnel Mines
2) Rifle Stabilizer
3) Dystek X4 Zoom
4) Zeller-H Advanced Sniper Rifle
5) Sniper Decoy (Requires Northern Strike)
Spec-Ops Unlocks :
1) RDX Demolition Packs
2) Netbat Fade Delay
3) IT-33 Active Camo
4) Lambert Carbine
5) Enhanced Active Camo (requires Northern Strike)
The primary focus of this guide is for the Sniper Path, but I will also provide some tips on how to be a Spec-Ops
Sniper Tactics
(a) Which one to pick first ? I recommend going for the Rifle Stabilizer and the X4 Zoom first before going for your Player Abilities (namely Grenades and Stamina boosts) since this is going to determine whether you can make that headshot within that fraction of a second especially at longer ranges. This holds true for long range shots where rifle swivel can throw off a shot entirely or you miss because you can't see them close enough.
(b) When you first start off as a Recon ,I recommend you try to get used to the rifle swivel (it swivels in a very predictable and mechanical way, making it easy enough to counteract for a moment) in making your shots since you won't be able to keep using the stabilizer all the time. Once you get the Stabilizer, have fun collecting those Infiltrator badges !
(c) Next up, APMs. These little babies are among the best defense tools there is (especially when placed in a blind spot) not just for yourself (so that no-one can sneak up and knife you) but also for key points like a flag, silo or titan. Try to position your APMs around blind corners or obstacles that hinder it being seen for it to be used to full effect.
(d) What about the Zeller ? Having used it, I find it useful only under certain circumstances. First of all, it is namely an ANTI-MATERIAL RIFLE ! It deals a minor amount of damage against FAVs (think if it as the BF2142 version of the M95 ,only more accurate).It's also used to blow up opposition RDX , APMs or Motion Mines. If you're lucky enough, you might catch an enemy within the explosion of whatever you just blew and score a kill with it !
(e) Another note about the Zeller is that it brings Heavy Armor infantry to near death should you aim for a body shot. This is primarily useful for picking off injured infantry but due to it's low ammo count (three per magazine with nine reloads which makes for 27 shots in total) per magazine, aim for a headshot or only fire if you're sure you can kill them. Only fire at the same target twice if he's an easy target !
(f)Another downside of the Zeller is its' very loud firing noise (which you'll find unmistakable) which makes you easily heard out by those with a good sound system. On Medium/High graphic settings, a Zeller shot also leaves a bullet trace as well, further giving you another disadvantage.
Spec-Ops Tactics
(a) Immediately focus on getting the Lambert first since you'll be fighting in mostly close-medium range battles before going for Player Abilities Unlocks
(b) The RDX Demo Packs are powerful enough to blow up enemy armor with 2 packs, Battlewalkers with 3 on the legs, 3 for Titan Consoles and FAVs with one. Another interesting note about the RDX Demo Pack is that they are "sticky" and will stick on whatever you throw it on. This means that you can easily attach a few onto an FAV and have it ram whatever you want on the ground (so long you bail out before the FAV impacts your target) and detonate it right beside or close to your target.
(c) Your IT-33 Active Camo gives you near-invisibility. What I mean by near-invisibility is that you gain an invisibility similar to the Predator of movie fame. You become somewhat transparent, but you'll warp your surroundings and terrain seen through you somewhat. So don't be an idiot and think you're completely invisible. Also, you can't attack while using the Active Camo, but you can still sprint while using it. Keep in mind that using the Active Camo drains its power and it'll need to recharge after that. The Enhanced Active Camo allows you to be cloaked for a longer period of time.
(d) The Lambert Carbine is what I will describe as...a pea-shooter. But what it lacks in power it makes up with a high rounds per minute rating with a high magazine count. On full auto-mode, this weapon is generally very inaccurate. Fire with controlled bursts for maximum accuracy whenever possible. On single shot mode, this gun is nearly as accurate as a Voss-L AR at a distance of 50 metres. Otherwise, stick with this for close range combat.
Combat tactics
Location is ALWAYS your best friend. A good sniping location means you can continously terrorize and harass enemies while not being found out (Unless their commander decides to spot you out). Here's a few tips on how to find a good location :
1) NEVER EVER SNIPE ON ROOFTOPS FOR TOO LONG ! With hardly any cover and with your silhouette against the sky, you're going to be a dead giveaway for other infantry and snipers.
2) Distance from targets : Try to keep it close enough that you wont need to constantly adjust for bullet drop but not too close that you'd be easy meat for infantry. Your role is supposed to be one which is at best, undetected but at worse, not able to be shot back at.
3) Background : Use the background to an added advantage of camouflage whenever possible. This reduces the chances of you being spotted on the ground. Solitary landmarks also make bad sniper positions (unless it provides good enough cover or is simply ignored all together) since the human eye is trained to notice a single detail against an empty background.
4) KEEP MOVING : This is a golden rule. NEVER EVER snipe in one position for too long unless you want to get a knife in your back. Constantly change firing positions in order to make it harder for you to be found, keeping with the theme of being undetected.
5) APMs as defence : If you must snipe at a location where you would be spotted quite easily for an extended period of time, always APM whatever route leads to you. This will make sure that nothing can get you except for rockets, the random grenade, other snipers or their commander.
6) Always take a shot at any enemy you see near teammates. Soften them up to be mopped up by your teammates. Remember, your role is to assist teammates by harassing the enemy either by injuring or killing them whenever possible.
7) Use the Active Camo to flank the enemy or sneak up on them, but beware as your own vision gets blurred when using Active Camo, making it harder to notice APMs.
8) In Titan Mode defense, camping the vents leading into the cargo bay with RDX is a good way to defend your Titan since it's a choke point. Also try doing so with the lower cargo bay entrance ways. Just like APMs, remember to place them at blind spots to make sure no one sees it so that they will walk right into it, giving you a free kill (and a +1 to Explosives Kills in that round).
Weapons of Choice
Generally, I stick with the stock rifles since they have a larger scope of vision and and higher round per magazine ratio. Not that I'm biased against the Zeller, it does have the moments where it shines, but otherwise, stick with your stock rifle.
If forced into close combat, go with the Pistol (Unless you've got a Lambert), you'll never go wrong. Otherwise, Knife at your own discretion.
Tips and Tricks
1) The rifle swivel can be countered by moving your mouse against the direction of the swivel
2) APMs can be avoided completely by proning or crouching past it, which is why it's best placed in a blind spot
3) Whenever possible, try to get on a location where people won't expect a Sniper.
4) Don't be a noob by spamming APMs and grenades.
5) Bullet drop exists in this game as well. It's effects will be felt at shots of 150 meters. Remember to compensate for it !
6) Stock sniper rifle scopes are larger than the Zeller and lacks the red contrast tint (which may be a good or bad thing depending on which map you're playing) which the Zeller scope has.
7) You can pick up your own RDX and APMs !! Just walk right up to it and press 'G'. This works as long as you're not carrying the maximum ammo limit for either tool.
8) You're not completely invisible when using the Active Camo. Also, it creates a loud buzzing noise that is easily noticeable.
The End ?
I'll keep updating this guide with whatever relevant info that comes to my mind. Remember, stealth is your best friend as a Sniper. Also , ALWAYS AIM FOR 1 SHOT KILLS AS MUCH AS YOU CAN !! It's best to go with stationary targets. A moving headshot may be cool, but it's a waste of ammo when all you do is miss and further encourage the enemy to seek cover.
Happy Recon-ing !~
Edit v1.0 ~ Added Spec-Ops combat tactics and Tips and Tricks section
Edit v1.1 ~ Corrected some naming mistakes and added 1 new tip
This guide is meant to be a comprehensive guide to basic tactics using a Sniper Recon (should you choose this path of play) and how you can make your Recon an effective terror machine against squads.
Basics
The Recon class is meant to be what it says, to scout out for targets/threats further ahead and report them to teammates and if possible, eliminate them. The Sniper Recon's primary duty is to spot out for targets further ahead for his teammates and squad members, and to take out or assist teammates whenever possible.
Unlocks
Unlocks...unlocks...unlocks. The heart of why most of us keep playing other than to collect badges/pins. For the Sniper Recon, you start off with these basic class unlocks :
Sniper Unlocks :
1) Anti-Personnel Mines
2) Rifle Stabilizer
3) Dystek X4 Zoom
4) Zeller-H Advanced Sniper Rifle
5) Sniper Decoy (Requires Northern Strike)
Spec-Ops Unlocks :
1) RDX Demolition Packs
2) Netbat Fade Delay
3) IT-33 Active Camo
4) Lambert Carbine
5) Enhanced Active Camo (requires Northern Strike)
The primary focus of this guide is for the Sniper Path, but I will also provide some tips on how to be a Spec-Ops
Sniper Tactics
(a) Which one to pick first ? I recommend going for the Rifle Stabilizer and the X4 Zoom first before going for your Player Abilities (namely Grenades and Stamina boosts) since this is going to determine whether you can make that headshot within that fraction of a second especially at longer ranges. This holds true for long range shots where rifle swivel can throw off a shot entirely or you miss because you can't see them close enough.
(b) When you first start off as a Recon ,I recommend you try to get used to the rifle swivel (it swivels in a very predictable and mechanical way, making it easy enough to counteract for a moment) in making your shots since you won't be able to keep using the stabilizer all the time. Once you get the Stabilizer, have fun collecting those Infiltrator badges !
(c) Next up, APMs. These little babies are among the best defense tools there is (especially when placed in a blind spot) not just for yourself (so that no-one can sneak up and knife you) but also for key points like a flag, silo or titan. Try to position your APMs around blind corners or obstacles that hinder it being seen for it to be used to full effect.
(d) What about the Zeller ? Having used it, I find it useful only under certain circumstances. First of all, it is namely an ANTI-MATERIAL RIFLE ! It deals a minor amount of damage against FAVs (think if it as the BF2142 version of the M95 ,only more accurate).It's also used to blow up opposition RDX , APMs or Motion Mines. If you're lucky enough, you might catch an enemy within the explosion of whatever you just blew and score a kill with it !
(e) Another note about the Zeller is that it brings Heavy Armor infantry to near death should you aim for a body shot. This is primarily useful for picking off injured infantry but due to it's low ammo count (three per magazine with nine reloads which makes for 27 shots in total) per magazine, aim for a headshot or only fire if you're sure you can kill them. Only fire at the same target twice if he's an easy target !
(f)Another downside of the Zeller is its' very loud firing noise (which you'll find unmistakable) which makes you easily heard out by those with a good sound system. On Medium/High graphic settings, a Zeller shot also leaves a bullet trace as well, further giving you another disadvantage.
Spec-Ops Tactics
(a) Immediately focus on getting the Lambert first since you'll be fighting in mostly close-medium range battles before going for Player Abilities Unlocks
(b) The RDX Demo Packs are powerful enough to blow up enemy armor with 2 packs, Battlewalkers with 3 on the legs, 3 for Titan Consoles and FAVs with one. Another interesting note about the RDX Demo Pack is that they are "sticky" and will stick on whatever you throw it on. This means that you can easily attach a few onto an FAV and have it ram whatever you want on the ground (so long you bail out before the FAV impacts your target) and detonate it right beside or close to your target.
(c) Your IT-33 Active Camo gives you near-invisibility. What I mean by near-invisibility is that you gain an invisibility similar to the Predator of movie fame. You become somewhat transparent, but you'll warp your surroundings and terrain seen through you somewhat. So don't be an idiot and think you're completely invisible. Also, you can't attack while using the Active Camo, but you can still sprint while using it. Keep in mind that using the Active Camo drains its power and it'll need to recharge after that. The Enhanced Active Camo allows you to be cloaked for a longer period of time.
(d) The Lambert Carbine is what I will describe as...a pea-shooter. But what it lacks in power it makes up with a high rounds per minute rating with a high magazine count. On full auto-mode, this weapon is generally very inaccurate. Fire with controlled bursts for maximum accuracy whenever possible. On single shot mode, this gun is nearly as accurate as a Voss-L AR at a distance of 50 metres. Otherwise, stick with this for close range combat.
Combat tactics
Location is ALWAYS your best friend. A good sniping location means you can continously terrorize and harass enemies while not being found out (Unless their commander decides to spot you out). Here's a few tips on how to find a good location :
1) NEVER EVER SNIPE ON ROOFTOPS FOR TOO LONG ! With hardly any cover and with your silhouette against the sky, you're going to be a dead giveaway for other infantry and snipers.
2) Distance from targets : Try to keep it close enough that you wont need to constantly adjust for bullet drop but not too close that you'd be easy meat for infantry. Your role is supposed to be one which is at best, undetected but at worse, not able to be shot back at.
3) Background : Use the background to an added advantage of camouflage whenever possible. This reduces the chances of you being spotted on the ground. Solitary landmarks also make bad sniper positions (unless it provides good enough cover or is simply ignored all together) since the human eye is trained to notice a single detail against an empty background.
4) KEEP MOVING : This is a golden rule. NEVER EVER snipe in one position for too long unless you want to get a knife in your back. Constantly change firing positions in order to make it harder for you to be found, keeping with the theme of being undetected.
5) APMs as defence : If you must snipe at a location where you would be spotted quite easily for an extended period of time, always APM whatever route leads to you. This will make sure that nothing can get you except for rockets, the random grenade, other snipers or their commander.
6) Always take a shot at any enemy you see near teammates. Soften them up to be mopped up by your teammates. Remember, your role is to assist teammates by harassing the enemy either by injuring or killing them whenever possible.
7) Use the Active Camo to flank the enemy or sneak up on them, but beware as your own vision gets blurred when using Active Camo, making it harder to notice APMs.
8) In Titan Mode defense, camping the vents leading into the cargo bay with RDX is a good way to defend your Titan since it's a choke point. Also try doing so with the lower cargo bay entrance ways. Just like APMs, remember to place them at blind spots to make sure no one sees it so that they will walk right into it, giving you a free kill (and a +1 to Explosives Kills in that round).
Weapons of Choice
Generally, I stick with the stock rifles since they have a larger scope of vision and and higher round per magazine ratio. Not that I'm biased against the Zeller, it does have the moments where it shines, but otherwise, stick with your stock rifle.
If forced into close combat, go with the Pistol (Unless you've got a Lambert), you'll never go wrong. Otherwise, Knife at your own discretion.
Tips and Tricks
1) The rifle swivel can be countered by moving your mouse against the direction of the swivel
2) APMs can be avoided completely by proning or crouching past it, which is why it's best placed in a blind spot
3) Whenever possible, try to get on a location where people won't expect a Sniper.
4) Don't be a noob by spamming APMs and grenades.
5) Bullet drop exists in this game as well. It's effects will be felt at shots of 150 meters. Remember to compensate for it !
6) Stock sniper rifle scopes are larger than the Zeller and lacks the red contrast tint (which may be a good or bad thing depending on which map you're playing) which the Zeller scope has.
7) You can pick up your own RDX and APMs !! Just walk right up to it and press 'G'. This works as long as you're not carrying the maximum ammo limit for either tool.
8) You're not completely invisible when using the Active Camo. Also, it creates a loud buzzing noise that is easily noticeable.
The End ?
I'll keep updating this guide with whatever relevant info that comes to my mind. Remember, stealth is your best friend as a Sniper. Also , ALWAYS AIM FOR 1 SHOT KILLS AS MUCH AS YOU CAN !! It's best to go with stationary targets. A moving headshot may be cool, but it's a waste of ammo when all you do is miss and further encourage the enemy to seek cover.
Happy Recon-ing !~
Edit v1.0 ~ Added Spec-Ops combat tactics and Tips and Tricks section
Edit v1.1 ~ Corrected some naming mistakes and added 1 new tip
Last edited by BakaBakaNeko2 (17 years, 11 months ago)
