Sniper Elite 5 – The Ultimate WW2 Sandbox

Rebellion's sharpshooter sim refines its X-ray killcams and open maps for a satisfying, if familiar, tactical sandbox. Rated 8.0/10.

Game Info

Developer
Rebellion
Publisher
Rebellion
Release Date
May 26, 2022
Genre
Action, Third-Person Shooter
Platforms
PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

Verdict

8 /10

The best entry in the series, perfecting the tactical sniping formula while adding the brilliant Invasion Mode.

Pros

  • Massive, intricate open levels
  • Invasion Mode is a game-changer
  • Deep weapon customization system
  • Satisfying X-ray kill cams
  • Smooth 60fps console performance

Cons

  • Story and characters are forgettable
  • Enemy AI can be inconsistent
  • Movement can feel clunky indoors

Performance Notes

Very well optimized. Consoles stick to a solid 60fps with dynamic resolution scaling. PC version offers extensive customization but requires a decent CPU for high settings.

Sniper Elite 5 refines the series’ signature long-range combat with expansive sandbox maps based on real-world locations in 1944 France. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, the introduction of the ‘Invasion Mode’—allowing players to drop into others’ campaigns as an Axis sniper—adds a thrilling cat-and-mouse dynamic that elevates the tension significantly. Critical reception has been largely positive, praising the level design and weapon customization while noting some AI inconsistencies.

How to Play Sniper Elite 5

Master ballistics and stealth to dismantle Nazi operations across massive levels.

  1. Controls – Standard third-person shooter scheme; holding breath steadies aim and reveals an assist marker on lower difficulties.
  2. Progression – Earn XP from kills and objectives to unlock skill points; find workbenches in levels to customize weapons.
  3. Combat/Mechanics – Focus on stealth and distance; masking shots with environmental noise is key to remaining undetected.
  4. Tips – Use non-lethal ammo to disable lights/alarms, and always have a trapped escape route before taking a shot.

Who Should Play Sniper Elite 5

Perfect for patient tacticians who enjoy planning the perfect shot.

  • Player 1 – Stealth purists who love observing enemy patterns and executing silent takedowns.
  • Player 2 – WW2 history buffs who appreciate detailed period weaponry and settings.
  • Player 3 – Co-op fans looking for a slower-paced, tactical campaign to share with a friend.
  • Skip if – You prefer fast-paced, run-and-gun arcade shooters like Call of Duty.

Sniper Elite 5 Platform Performance

Runs smoothly on current-gen consoles, targeting 60fps with dynamic resolution scaling.

Platform Resolution FPS Notes
PC (High) 4K 60-120+ DLSS/FSR support available
PS5 Dynamic 4K 60 Stable performance, swift loading
Xbox Series X Dynamic 4K 60 Best console visual fidelity
Switch N/A N/A Not available on Nintendo Switch

Sniper Elite 5 System Requirements

Accessible requirements that scale well on older hardware.

Component Minimum Recommended
OS Windows 10 Windows 10/11
CPU Intel Core i3-8100 Intel Core i5-8400
GPU DX12 GPU (4GB VRAM) DX12 GPU (6GB VRAM)
RAM 8 GB 16 GB
Storage 85 GB SSD Recommended

Similar Games to Sniper Elite 5

If you enjoy tactical stealth and open-ended objectives, try these titles.

  • Hitman 3 – Focuses on social stealth and disguises rather than long-range ballistics.
  • Ghost Recon Breakpoint – Open-world military tactical shooter with similar stealth mechanics.
  • Metal Gear Solid V – The gold standard for sandbox stealth and systemic gameplay freedom.
  • Zombie Army 4 – Spiritual successor using the same engine but with supernatural horror themes.

Sniper Elite 5 vs Competitors

Comparing value and features against other tactical shooters.

Feature Sniper Elite 5 Hitman 3 Ghost Recon Breakpoint
Price $49.99 $59.99 $19.99
Playtime 15-20 Hours 10-15 Hours 30+ Hours
Multiplayer Yes (Co-op/PvP) No (Single-player) Yes (Co-op/PvP)
Metacritic 79 87 58

Sniper Elite 5 Story & World

Set in 1944 France, you play as elite marksman Karl Fairburne, working with the French Resistance to uncover and destroy a secret Nazi project known as Operation Kraken. The narrative serves largely as a backdrop for the gameplay, taking you through detailed environments ranging from coastal fortifications to occupied chateaus and secret factories, all realized with impressive photogrammetry assets.

Sniper Elite 5 Multiplayer & Online

Robust suite of modes including the standout Invasion Mode.

  • Campaign Co-op – Play the full story with a partner, sharing ammo and spotting targets.
  • Invasion Mode – A player invades your campaign as an Axis sniper for 1v1 PvP tension.
  • Survival – Wave-based horde mode for up to 4 players against increasing enemy numbers.
  • Cross-Play – Full support across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.

Sniper Elite 5 DLC & Expansions

extensive post-launch support adds new missions and weapons.

  • Season Pass One – Includes ‘Landing Force’ and ‘Conqueror’ missions ($34.99).
  • Season Pass Two – Adds ‘Rough Landing’ and ‘Kraken Awakes’ content ($29.99).
  • Target Führer – Bonus mission to assassinate Hitler in creative ways.
  • Free Updates – Several multiplayer maps and weapon packs released for free.

Sniper Elite 5 Community & Support

Active community driven by Rebellion’s consistent updates.

  • Official Forums – Hub for patch notes and developer feedback.
  • Discord – Active LFG channels for Co-op and Invasion matches.
  • Mod Support – Limited official support; focus is on developer content.
  • Updates – Regular patches for stability and anti-cheat improvements.