A beginner’s introduction to Sniper

So, you finally finished your 100 hours of unranked playtime, and you decided you want to play Sniper? Here’s some help.

Once a player has stepped up to the plate, ready to face the daunting challenges of Ranked Dota 2, they still need to figure out their new path forward. Choosing the right hero is just the first step, but building and laning can all quickly cause problems. However, there are a few easier heroes that can make your early days in Ranked feel a little better, and the first is Sniper.

Long-range destruction with a versatile touch

When it comes to heroes friendly to new players, Sniper is one of the first that comes to mind. A Nuke heavy damage dealer with excessive range, that can keep himself alive without much effort. While his range is definitely a huge factor, Sniper does need to be wary of enemies that can get on top of him easily, as he will succumb to the smallest form of crowd control.

However, the most interesting part about Sniper is the ability to play him in almost any role. Mid-lane, carry, and even support are all in the ballpark for the hero, with his range being the greatest tool in his kit.

A specific skill set

Innate: Keen Scope. Increases Sniper’s range as the game progresses. His innate levels up with his ultimate, Assassinate, giving him a bonus attack range of 160/260/360/460 through the game.

Facets

• Scattershot: Shrapnel's slow and damage are increased, but duration is decreased.
• Ghillie Suit: While Take Aim is active, Sniper's attacks do not reveal him from the fog of war.

While Scattershot is the most picked Facet, Ghillie Suit has some fantastic synergy in the late game.

Itemisation made easy

• Early items: Wraith Bands – Power Treads
• Core items: Hurricane Pike – Mjollnir – Daedalus
• Useful items: Boots of Travel – Eye of Skadi – Swiftblink – Monkey King Bar – Black King Bar - Aghanim’s Scepter - Aether Lens

Sniper’s early game, especially in the mid-lane, can be that of a lane bully. When faced against short-range or melee opponents, the hero is exceptional at taking all the farm and pushing the lane. While Take Aim is widely regarded as pointless in the early game period, it can be utilised later to land a few valuable shots of damage onto fleeting opponents. However, the skill definitely has some fun utility if used correctly.

With three charges of Shrapnel on hand, Sniper can also scout high ground for possible ganks, while keeping himself safe on his own high ground. Items such as Silver Edge and Swiftblink can also completely change the way the hero is played, giving him a strong initiate or escape over and above Hurricane Pike. At its core, Hurricane Pike is one of the best items for Sniper, granting him extra range and a way to keep melee attackers at bay. Combine that with his Aghanim’s Shard Concussive Grenade ability, and you can stay alive through almost any situation.

Support Sniper

When it comes to support, Sniper excels due to his impact with low-cost items. Due to the simple fact that his toolkit offers great damage and siege abilities while keeping him at a safe distance. Both Headshot and Shrapnel can hold an enemy carry back, while offering their team vision.

The bonus of his Aghanim’s Scepter upgrade, providing a stun, makes his lockdown ability one of the strongest out there. While items such as Kaya and Aether Lens bring more utility to the fight.

While support Sniper might get you a bit of harassment in games, your team could quickly understand its value when built and played to feed kills to your carry. The best way to win is to get under your opponent’s skin, and support Sniper will do exactly that, tilting your opponent to no end.

Sniper still suffers against heroes such as Phantom Assassin, Anti-Mage, or anyone who can get in melee range. Your carry might get frustrated if you get caught out, so management of mana, Shrapnel charges, and positioning becomes your bread and butter.

Although this guide may not help the most veteran players, your early ranked games as a new player will be tough. Keep in mind that each hero can be built in many different ways, and one team fight can always turn the tides if you find the right moment.