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Sniping in Sniper Elite: Resistance isn’t just about pulling the trigger, it’s about being precise. One of the game’s most realistic (and tricky) mechanics is bullet drop, a detail that separates the casual marksman from the true sharpshooter. Gravity, wind, and distance all conspire to turn a clean shot into a guessing game if you’re not prepared.
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Whether you’re a newcomer trying to make sense of the basics or a veteran looking to fine-tune your technique, understanding how to adjust for bullet drop is essential for those long-range kills. In this guide, we’ll dive into the tools and strategies you’ll need to hit your mark with pinpoint accuracy, every time.
What Is Bullet Drop?
Bullet drop is the result of gravity pulling bullets downward as they travel toward a target. Wind can also affect the trajectory by pushing bullets sideways. These mechanics make long-distance shots more challenging but also more rewarding when mastered.
How To Compensate For Bullet Drop
To adjust for bullet drop, start by understanding your game difficulty. On very easy difficulty, bullet drop is almost nonexistent, making it easier for newcomers to focus on other aspects of sniping. However, on harder difficulties, bullet drop becomes more pronounced, requiring precise adjustments to hit your mark.
Adjust Your Zoom
Knowing how to zoom in and calibrate your scope is important for overcoming bullet drop. On keyboard, you can scroll up or down to zoom your scope in or out, while on a controller, use the up or down buttons on the d-pad. When targeting enemies at a greater distance, zoom in further for accuracy.
Additionally, you can fine-tune your scope’s range to match the distance of your target. After marking an enemy using your sniper scope or binoculars, their distance will be displayed. Use the Q or E keys on keyboard or the left/right buttons on the d-pad to adjust your scope’s range, helping align your shot with the expected bullet drop.
Empty Your Lungs
Emptying your lungs is the most essential technique for compensating for bullet drop. By holding down the spacebar on a keyboard or RB/LT on a controller, you can steady your aim and get additional guidance on your shot placement.
This mechanic displays a white diamond indicator, showing where your bullet will land if fired. For distant targets, you’ll aim above the target and to the side, depending on the drop and wind effects. Adjust your aim until the diamond turns red, indicating a successful shot trajectory that compensates for the bullet drop.
The white arrows that stack can help point to how high you’ll need to aim to compensate. The more arrows, the higher you’ll need to aim.
How To Choose The Right Weapon For Bullet Drop
Choosing the right weapon plays a role in dealing with bullet drop. Muzzle Velocity is the key stat to focus on, as it determines how fast bullets travel and how much they drop over distance. Weapons with higher Muzzle Velocity require less compensation for bullet drop. For beginners, the Bertheir 196 is a great choice, and for late-game scenarios, the Mosin-Nagant M91/30 is an excellent option. Both offer high Muzzle Velocity and reliability.
Additionally, opting for a sniper rifle with a high zoom level makes it easier to manage bullet drop, as it allows you to see and adjust for distant targets more effectively.
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