Snipers need to return to the Battlefield 1 Formula
The current state of snipers in Battlefield 2042 has raised concerns among the community, as they seem to be rendered virtually ineffective in encounters beyond extreme ranges. With the exception of the NTW-50, all other sniper rifles typically require two body shots or one headshot to secure a kill, regardless of the distance, making them primarily useful only at extreme distances. Furthermore, they often find themselves outgunned by DMRs, LMGs, and certain ARs designed for long-range engagements. DMRs, in particular, draw attention to the weaknesses of snipers, offering a similar damage profile without the burden of bolt-action. This disparity in firepower and firing rate seriously diminishes the viability of snipers. It is crucial to acknowledge, however, that a sweeping adjustment to make all snipers mimic the NTW-50's performance is not the solution, as this approach inadvertently transforms snipers into pseudo shotguns, causing dissatisfaction within the community.
Historically, the sniper class has demanded a higher degree of skill compared to other weapon classes. Missing the first shot in a close or medium-range encounter would almost certainly result in death, creating a natural balance that defined sniping gameplay. Regrettably, recent sniper nerfs have made this balance precarious. In Battlefield 2042, players are no longer rewarded for well-placed medium-range shots but are instead forced to achieve near-perfect accuracy. In order for snipers to remain viable, the player using them must possess an almost superhuman ability for headshot accuracy.
In light of these concerns, it might be worth revisiting the mechanics of snipers as seen in Battlefield 1. In that iteration, sniper rifles were known for their consistency and required skill to use effectively. They would only be a one-shot kill at close and long ranges if the player hit a headshot, and for medium ranges, a chest shot and upwards were necessary for a kill. This approach maintained the sniper's integrity by preventing them from being used as shotguns while also curtailing their potential for overpowered long-range engagements. Returning to this balanced model from Battlefield 1 could provide a much-needed solution to restore the viability and skill-based gameplay associated with the sniper class.
