Are Sniper Elite Games Worth Your Time? A Deep Dive into Sniper Elite 3, 4, and 5
So, you’re looking at the Sniper Elite franchise? Great choice if you like being a digital marksman. A lot of Sniper Elite 5 feels like “Sniper Elite 4, but with better graphics”. Is that bad? Not at all. It’s like getting a fresh scope on your favorite sniper rifle.
Sniper Elite 4: Italy is Calling (and it’s Beautiful)
First, let’s discuss Sniper Elite 4. Set in World War II Italy, it looks amazing. The maps are so gorgeous that you might forget you need to snipe Nazis. Each mission offers tactical playgrounds. Want to go in with guns blazing? Go ahead. Still, stealth is the real thrill. Many routes exist, keeping each playthrough exciting. If you love tactical stealth and long-range kills, this is your game. The level design shines with replayability.
Sniper Elite 4 isn’t a complete open-world game, but it offers large, semi-open maps. This design gives a sense of freedom for your objectives. It’s definitely more open than past Sniper Elite titles. The story continues from Sniper Elite 3, in 1943. You are OSS agent Karl Fairburne, aiding the Italian resistance against Fascists. Is Sniper Elite 4 a good title? Yes is the answer. Especially if stealth-action and sniping excite you. Open levels, solid mechanics, and rich atmosphere deliver a satisfying package. However, some players question the DLC monetization tactics.
Sniper Elite 3: Africa’s Calling (and it’s a Bit Rougher)
Let’s rewind to Sniper Elite 3. It takes place in North Africa during World War II. The game features great ballistic modeling and those gruesome kill cams everyone loves. But, it falls short of reaching its potential. One review clearly stated it “comes nowhere near living up to its potential.” Harsh.
Sniper Elite 5: France is Burning (and it’s a Bit Buggy)
Focusing on Sniper Elite 5, it is set during D-Day in France, 1944. Karl Fairburne returns to join US Rangers in weakening Atlantikwall fortifications. SE 5 brings larger, open maps and better interactive tools. More fun things to use. However, movement feels somewhat clunky and bugs exist, although they’re not game-breaking. Sniper Elite 5 includes invasion mode, which is divisive – you either love it or hate it when another player becomes an enemy sniper.
Gameplay: Stealth, Violence, and Ghostly Kills
In these games, stealth is vital. You can shoot loudly, but sneaking and eliminating foes from hiding yields the most satisfaction. Remember, Sniper Elite 4 is a tactical shooter emphasizing stealth. Scoring a “Ghost Kill” is very satisfying. It means you killed an unaware enemy quietly and without alerting others. That’s clean and deadly.
Let’s talk about violence. There’s a good amount of it. If you’re okay with war themes and blood, it’s generally fine for older kids who understand the context of war.
Customization and Co-op: Tailor Your Mayhem
Are you into customizing gear? You’re in luck. Weapons in these titles are highly customizable. There are many options for your play style. Whether you want a silent approach or a powerful rifle, you can modify your arsenal to fit your needs.
Then there’s co-op play. Playing with friends in Sniper Elite is enjoyable. One player dubbed it “one of the best times” he had co-op gaming. Sniper Elite 5 supports 3-player co-op in Survival mode against waves of foes. You can also play the main campaign with a buddy. Still, regular co-op modes are usually limited to two players, which some find restrictive.
Multiplayer and Invasion Mode: Not Just Solo Sniping
If competition appeals to you, Sniper Elite 4 facilitates multiplayer for up to 16 players. Engage in deathmatches and team scenarios. Invasion Mode adds excitement by allowing a third player to join as an enemy sniper, transforming the hunter into the hunted.
Difficulty: From Sneaky to Downright Brutal
Get ready for real challenges ahead. Expect “unforgiving snipers” and “intense tank action”. These games become tough, especially on higher settings. But that’s part of the excitement.
Game Length: How Long Will You Be in the Field?
What’s the time frame for completing these games? Sniper Elite 3 offers a main story of about 9 hours, Sniper Elite 4 runs about 10.5 hours, and Sniper Elite 5 takes roughly 11 hours. For completionists striving for 100%, expect around 30 hours for Sniper Elite 3, about 43 hours for Sniper Elite 4, and approximately 42 hours for Sniper Elite 5. One player even reported taking 21 hours to complete Sniper Elite 4 with all side missions. There’s plenty of sniping to keep you busy.
DLC: More Bang for Your Buck?
If you want more action, both Sniper Elite 4 and Sniper Elite 3 offer Season Passes and DLCs. The Season Pass for Sniper Elite 4 includes all 12 DLC packs across three expansions. For Sniper Elite 3, the Season Pass contains four missions (including Save Churchill), eight weapon packs, and three multiplayer skins.
Plot and Setting: WWII Backdrops
Sniper Elite 3 is set in North Africa during World War II, centered on sabotaging a Nazi super-weapon initiative. More details about the North African Campaign can be found on Wikipedia. Meanwhile, Sniper Elite 4 takes place in Italy in 1943, right after Sniper Elite 3.
Meet Karl Fairburne: Your Sharpshooting Protagonist
You play as Karl Fairburne in these games. He is an elite American-British sniper and OSS agent (or operative for British SOE sometimes). He’s deadly and discreet; skillful with a rifle and adept at donning German uniforms.
Weaponry: From Garand Pings to Carabina Power
Your choice of weapons matters greatly. In Sniper Elite 4, many choose the Carcano sniper rifle because it “boasts fast reload [and] great stats”. For strong secondary fire in close quarters, try the FNAB-43 or Sten MK II in Sniper Elite 4. In Sniper Elite 5, players praise Carabina 98 for its “power”. The GA 43 allows fast reloading and high fire rates but has poor aim stability.
Technical Bits: Storage Space
If you need hard drive space cleared, prepare for about 18 GB for Sniper Elite 4.
Reception: Thumbs Up from Fans and Critics
Fans and critics generally endorse Sniper Elite 4 Deluxe Edition. About 79% of Fanatical users and 77% of Metacritic critics give it favorable ratings. More on Metacritic’s reviews on Sniper Elite 4. While some fans appreciate Sniper Elite 3, many argue it didn’t reach its maximum potential despite its “high-quality ballistic modeling and graphic death scenes”.
Player Base: Still Active?
As of February 2025, Sniper Elite 4 retains a solid average monthly player base of around 837.
Comparisons: Hitman and Resistance
The gameplay of Sniper Elite 4 is often likened to Hitman. Like in Hitman, you have main tasks to undertake while exploring expansive maps to meet your goals. For deeper comparisons, check out this article: Sniper Elite 5 Vs. Sniper Elite: Resistance – Which Game Is Better?. It appears that both Sniper Elite
5 and Sniper Elite: Resistance possess very related modes.
So, Is It Worth It? The Verdict
The Sniper Elite series is generally fun. This includes Sniper Elite 4 and 5 , which provide enjoyable stealth shooter experiences with “decent narratives” and “numerous challenges.” With “lots of customization options,” tailoring becomes a real possibility. While Sniper Elite 3 has rough edges, Sniper Elite 4 represents progress, and Sniper Elite 5 refines everything more. If you love stealth sniping and taking down Nazis vividly, then yes, Sniper Elite games earn your time. But waiting for sales on those DLCs might be wise.
