Sniper Elite 5: Invasion
I was playing Sniper Elite 5 on launch day, slowly working my way through the single player campaign, when I came face to face with the new “invasion mode” that’s been added to the game. It is enabled by default and allows for another player to enter your game and hunt you down. The game does inform you of this mechanic and gives you the option to disable it if you so wish. However, I was so focused on fighting my way through the hedgerows of Normandy, I really didn’t pay attention to any of these prompts. Hence, when a message popped up stating “Axis Invasion”, I just assumed that reinforcements had been called after I alerted enemy NPCs to my presence. The next thing I knew, I was cut down in a hail of SMG fire only to be informed that I had been killed by another player. It didn’t take me long to figure out what happened and despite my initial surprise, I couldn’t help but feel that this is a pretty cool game mechanic.
Every now and then, I like to step outside of my comfort zone when gaming. Technically, “invasion mode” in Sniper Elite 5 is PVP and usually that’s Kryptonite to me. Yet I decided to try it myself so I invaded someone else's game and I must admit I found the experience compelling. Other players are not predictable like AI controlled NPCs plus there are lots of other factors that make this a more subtle affair. If I invade another player’s game, they not only have to fend off the German NPCs but they also have to deal with me. I have one job to do, where they have to contend with the mission goals, hostile NPCs and another player. However, to balance that situation, developer’s Rebellion has given the player’s being invaded a wider set of abilities. This includes “focus” which temporarily highlights close by enemies. They can also carry a wider range of weapons. So with this in mind, it may come as a surprise that I’ve been playing the shit out of “invasion mode” in Sniper Elite 5 over the last few weeks.
As I’ve been having such fun as well as achieving a degree of success, I feel sufficiently emboldened to offer a few tips regarding “invasion mode”. Firstly, let us consider playing as an Axis player (German), invading a single player campaign in Sniper Elite 5.
To begin with, although you can unlock a variety of uniforms as you play, it makes a lot of sense to select a standard German infantry uniform, so that you blend in with all the NPCs. Pick something less common and you’ll stand out like a sore thumb.
As soon as you join someone else's game, press the escape key and see if they’re playing in co-op mode. If that is the case, you’ll have two enemies to hunt. Forewarned is forearmed.
Tag all friendly NPCs that you encounter, either by using your binoculars or pressing the left alt key and invoking focus. Tagged NPCs remain marked on your map as blue triangles. When they encounter the enemy their colour changes reflecting their status. Yellow for on alert and red for actively engaging the enemy.
Investigate alarms as and when they occur, as they’ll indicate where your enemy is.
Each map has specific objectives for the allied sniper to complete. Once you become familiar with these, you can sometimes anticipate where your enemy is heading. If you arrive ahead of them, it is worthwhile to tag all NPCs and boobytrapping key targets.
Familiarise yourself with the terrain and make use of cover. Do not camp but it does pay to stake out certain areas.
Take advantage of high ground. Cover routes that are likely to be used.
Become proficient with using an SMG as often you will encounter the enemy in a confined space or environment that doesn’t lend itself to using a rifle and scope.
Listen out for voice dialogue that plays when the allied player completes specific tasks. If you hear it, then you’re close to the other player. Cutscenes can also provide clear clues as to an enemies location.
When invading another player’s game, remember that they have set the difficulty setting. Health regeneration, weapon difficulty and HUD details may vary from game to game.
Don’t be afraid to take risks. Until you become competent you will more than likely die when initially playing “invasion mode”. You will get better with practice.
Remember that the player whose game you’re invading may complete the level before you find them. They may also die at the hands of NPCs. Therefore, be prepared to have a few games of cat and mouse that end without a kill.
Secondly, if you are playing as an allied player whose game is invaded, bear in mind the following.
The moment you’re notified that your game has been invaded, focus on hunting down the enemy player. If you try to juggle the ongoing mission objectives, while risking aggravating enemy NPCs, you’ll inevitably lead your enemy to your location.
Use focus regularly to determine who and what is nearby.
Don’t camp but choose carefully an appropriate area to face down your foe. Again high ground offers much advantage. If you retrace your footsteps you stand a good chance of tracking down the invader.
As an allied player you have a greater variety of explosives at your disposal. You can also loot bodies which the invader cannot do, so you can replenish your supply. Therefore lay boobytraps around choke points or anticipated routes.
Create distractions to attract enemy NPCs. You may also draw out the invading player.
Finally, here’s some general advice for both players. When you spot your enemy, take time to set up your shot. Do not panic fire.
If using an SMG, fire in short controlled bursts.
Avoid showboating such as melee kills or using grenades.
Use your binoculars for general reconnaissance. Remember that the scope on your rifle glints and that can give away your position.
