Sniper Elite 5 review starts with one simple question: Does this new release really move the series forward?
When the game launched, it promised bigger maps, more freedom, and deeper sniping moments. I jumped in, hoping it would feel fresh but still familiar.
Right away, it feels like the developers knew what fans liked and focused on that. This review looks at how the game plays, how it feels compared to older titles, and where it shines or falls short.
I’ll talk about the sniping, the missions, the story setup, and the extra modes that add replay value. I’ll also touch on performance and what critics are saying overall.
My first impression is mostly positive. The game feels confident and polished. It doesn’t try to change everything, but the upgrades are clear.
If you enjoy slow, careful gameplay with tense moments, this one gives you plenty to work with.
What is Sniper Elite 5?
Sniper Elite 5 is the latest entry in a long-running World War II shooter series that focuses on patience, planning, and long-range shots.
If you are new to the series, the idea is simple. You play as an elite sniper dropped behind enemy lines, where careful movement matters more than rushing in.
The games have always leaned toward stealth, but you can still fight head-on if things go wrong.
This is a tactical third-person shooter with large maps that let you choose how to approach each mission. You can sneak, set traps, or line up shots from far away.
The game was released in May 2022 and is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
At launch, the standard edition was priced like a full AAA game, with deluxe editions offering extra weapons and future content.
Sniper Elite 5 Review: What the Experts Think
Major critics see Sniper Elite 5 from different angles, but most agree it builds on familiar ideas rather than fully reinventing the series.
1. IGN
IGN sees Sniper Elite 5 as a careful step forward rather than a big leap.
They praise smoother movement, weapon changes, better co-op, and the Axis Invasion mode, which flips the hunter role in fun ways.
Still, they feel the game plays it too safe and leans on repeated objectives, making it feel very close to Sniper Elite 4.
2. The Scientific Gamer
Scientific Gamer takes a much harsher view. They describe the game as average and unfocused, with ideas that never fully come together.
Many of the best moments feel reused from earlier games, and the engine feels old for a 2022 release.
While the levels look good, they believe the gameplay underneath feels dated and limited.
3. Eurogamer
Eurogamer focuses on how well the game balances sniping and stealth.
They explain that no single tactic works every time. Suppressors help but are not silent, ammo choice matters, and close-range kills carry risks.
This forces players to think before every move. They see this balance as one of the game’s strongest design choices.
4. XboxEra
Xbox Era is very positive overall. They believe the added depth and systems make this entry better than Sniper Elite 4.
Instead of recycling ideas, the game builds on them in smart ways.
They also highlight its value for fans of the series, especially with its availability on Xbox Game Pass from day one.
5. WayTooManyGames
Way Too Many Games calls Sniper Elite 5 the best game in the series so far.
They praise the larger maps, freedom of approach, and meaningful updates to the core gameplay.
The invasion feature stands out for adding tension and surprise. For them, these changes help the series grow while staying true to what makes it fun.
Sniper Elite 5: Gameplay and Mechanics
Gameplay in Sniper Elite 5 focuses on slow planning, smart moves, and clean shots, while adding small changes that make each mission feel more open.
1. Core Sniping Mechanics
Sniping still feels like the heart of the game. Long shots take patience and focus. You check wind, distance, and timing before pulling the trigger.
The famous X-ray kill cam returns and looks just as detailed. Shots feel heavy and rewarding, especially at long range.
Missed shots matter, since enemies react fast. I liked how each successful hit feels earned, not random. It keeps tension high during every mission.
2. Improvements from Previous Games
The most significant upgrade is how open the levels feel. Maps are larger and give more paths to reach objectives. You can climb, flank, or sneak through hidden routes.
Invasion mode is also new and adds surprise moments when another player hunts you. Controls feel smoother, too.
Small changes like better climbing and cover use help a lot. These updates don’t change the core formula but make it more flexible and fun.
3. Weapon Customization Options
Weapon customization is deeper than before. You can change scopes, barrels, stocks, and ammo types. Each part affects handling, noise, and damage.
Silencers matter more now, especially during stealth play. Workbenches scattered across maps unlock new parts, which encourages exploration.
I liked tweaking weapons to match my style instead of using one setup for every mission. It adds choice without feeling confusing or forced.
4. Movement and Stealth Elements
Movement feels tighter and more natural. You can crouch, crawl, climb, and hide with ease. Tall grass, shadows, and sound masking help you stay hidden.
Loud actions attract enemies fast, so quiet movement matters. You can disable alarms, hide bodies, and use distractions to stay unseen.
Stealth feels fair, not cheap. When you get spotted, it’s usually your fault, which makes careful play more rewarding.
5. AI Behavior and Enemy Difficulty
Enemy AI is smarter than before, but not perfect. Guards react to noise, missing allies, and broken equipment. They search areas instead of giving up right away.
Difficulty settings change how sharp they are, which helps new players and veterans alike. On higher levels, mistakes are punished quickly.
Some enemies still behave oddly at times, but overall, they keep pressure on you and make each mission feel tense and focused.
Sniper Elite 5: Campaign and Mission Design
The campaign in Sniper Elite 5 is set in occupied France during World War II, where you take on missions to weaken enemy plans from behind the lines.
The story stays simple and focuses more on your role in stopping key threats rather than deep character moments.
Missions are varied and give you clear goals, but how you complete them is mostly up to you. Each mission takes place on a large map with towns, fields, and military areas to explore.
These open spaces reward slow movement and scouting. Optional targets and hidden paths encourage exploration instead of rushing.
Replay value is strong because you can return to missions, try new routes, change difficulty, or use different weapons to create a fresh experience each time.
Sniper Elite 5: Graphics and Sound
Graphics and sound play a big role in how tense each mission feels, helping the game stay grounded and pull you into its wartime setting.
1. Visual Quality and Art Direction
The game looks clean and detailed, especially in outdoor areas. Towns, forests, and bases feel lived in and realistic.
Lighting is used well, with shadows helping stealth play. Character models are solid, though not amazing up close. The art style stays grounded and avoids flashy effects.
I liked how the environments tell small stories through damage, clutter, and layout. It fits the serious tone and keeps the focus on gameplay.
2. Performance on Different Platforms
Performance is mostly smooth across platforms. On newer consoles and PC, frame rates stay steady during combat and long shots.
Load times are short, which helps with retries. On older systems, there can be small dips during busy moments, but nothing game-breaking.
PC players get more settings to tweak for balance. Overall, the game runs well enough that technical issues rarely get in the way of playing or enjoying missions.
3. Sound Design
Gun sounds feel sharp and powerful, especially with sniper rifles. Each shot has weight, which makes timing important. Suppressed weapons sound quieter but still clear.
The kill cam sound effects add impact without feeling overdone. Ambient audio, like distant gunfire, planes, and footsteps, adds tension.
Sound masking works well, letting you hide shots during loud moments. Audio cues help gameplay while also making the world feel active and alive.
4. Atmosphere and Immersion
The mix of visuals and sound creates a strong sense of place. Enemy chatter, background noise, and open spaces make missions feel tense and slow-paced.
Night missions feel darker and riskier, while daytime maps reward long shots. I often felt the need to stop and observe before moving.
That careful pace helps immersion. The game rarely breaks the mood, which makes each successful mission feel earned and satisfying.
Multiplayer and Co-op
Multiplayer and co-op add more ways to enjoy the game beyond the main campaign. Campaign co-op lets you team up with a friend and play complete missions together.
You can plan shots, split paths, and revive each other, which makes missions feel less lonely and more strategic. It works well and fits the slow pace of the game.
Invasion mode is a standout feature. Another player can join your campaign as an enemy sniper and hunt you.
This creates tension and forces you to stay alert. There are also standard multiplayer modes like team deathmatch and objective-based matches.
While these modes are simple, they add variety and keep the game feeling fresh long after the campaign ends.
What Shines and What Falls Short in Sniper Elite 5
Every game has strong points and weak spots. Sniper Elite 5 does many things right, but a few areas still feel rough or familiar.
What Works Well
- Large, open maps that support many playstyles
- Sniping feels rewarding and skill-based
- Weapon customization adds real choice
- Invasion mode adds tension and surprise
- Stealth systems feel fair and consistent
What Could Be Better
- The story feels basic and easy to forget
- Enemy AI can act strangely at times
- Some animations feel stiff
- Side objectives can feel repetitive
- Minor performance dips on older systems
Conclusion
Sniper Elite 5 review ends on a strong note after spending time with its campaign, modes, and mechanics.
I’d give the game a solid 8 out of 10. It delivers tense sniping, open levels, and smart upgrades without losing its identity.
This game is an excellent pick for players who enjoy slow, tactical shooters and careful planning instead of nonstop action. If you like stealth games or long-range combat, it fits well.
Compared to earlier entries, this feels like a natural step forward. It doesn’t reinvent the series, but it improves movement, map design, and replay value in clear ways.
Fans of Sniper Elite 4 will feel right at home, while new players can jump in without trouble.
If you want a focused shooter that rewards patience and skill, this one is worth your time. Give it a shot and see how you handle the pressure.
