XCOM 2 Tips: Sharpshooter / Sniper Build & Equipment Guide (How to Level Up & Equip Snipers)

[@chickendrawsdogs3343]

When you gain "Aim" as an ability at the second-to-top rank in the army, you know how screwed up the whole XCOM training regime is.

[@RainOn2SunnyDay]

Super aggressive suicide squads not meant for survival "just run in and shoot point blank!!!"

[@baddragonite]

Explains why I keep missing at 99.9999% accuracy from 3 feet away

[@karvenman]

@@baddragonite just git gud

[@brokengood3621]

​@@karvenmanI lol'd pretty hard at that, thank you.

[@arch_..]

I just finished the game for the first time this weekend and KZbin is slowly recommending me your videos and I find them very entertaining and informative. Thank you for the amazing tips!

[@Keri-Kerigan]

Using serial, and bluescreen rounds, plus scope and an autoloader. I once took out 4 codexes, 1 full health androdemon shell and a heavy mec in one turn with my sniper. Ended the turn with a reload and Killzone setup. Where he took out 2 more mechs, and missed a 95% third shot hitting an explosive barrel killing the friggen vip. He was a full Sniper setup. Best, and most useless round ever.

[@toe_sucker_4165]

I mean, hey, I'd say "too good at killing" isn't much to complain about.

[@johnmartin9294]

instaBlaster.

[@toe_sucker_4165]

I have grown as a person. Too good at killing can be a big problem.

[@FluffiestPrince]

@@toe_sucker_4165 Straight up character development right here.

[@LiroRaeriyo]

Id like to note that with death from above, a sniper is able to hunker down at the end of his firing to take advantage of the aim boost, this not only helps to offset long range aim penalties one may face as well as the penalties you take from using dead eye, it also helps defensively if the sniper is being approached very closely, giving him an aim boost to offset the aim loss of close range enemies while also boosting his defence making attacks on the sniper less likely to actually land, of course this is dependent on having higher ground to use, but in most maps where a sniper can get in a good position he can easily get four or five consecutive shots before he really does have to move, either to reach new targets or because the mission timer is closing in. Though that's not to knock the desirability of steady aim and its very mundane but powerful boosts, extra critical chance using a sniper is always desirable. Though in the end, the build should always be tweaked if needed dependent on the AWC skill that is unlocked, I once got implacable on a sniper, which made me think very hard if i wanted to retrain death from above to quickdraw, but after a minute of thinking, i realized "wait, no this would give me TWO moves! their effects aren't the same at all, in fact they compound together to give the sniper amazing mobility AND assist options after every kill from high ground!" it was god tier OP and renamed my sniper to Snipester, a kind of wordplay joke between speedster and sniper, and yet on a different sniper i got shredder... my mind was so flabbergasted at having a sniper having shredder, the godly power of kill zone with shredder? nothing was allowed to have armor ever again in that game, nothing like having one sniper destroy the entire stock of a gate keepers armor in one kill-zone. You know, now that i think about it, i only ever recall my snipers getting insanely useful skills, all my other characters would usually get more... "situational" skills like volatile mix, blast padding, deep cover, aim and not to knock the potential they have but... cmon man... where is my rapid fire grenadier? id love to have a better version of chain shot that has no cool down and combine it with holo targeting because EPIC COMBO! take two shots, first shot has a penalty to aim, holo targeting kicks in and nullifies the penalty of the second shot, its friggen magic formula type stuff man! Though now that i think about it... how would deep cover work with ever vigilant? would one overwrite the other? would they both trigger? hey a guy on over-watch with +30 defence and 50 dodge and has super crazy mobility actually sounds pretty useful, might want that guy to be a specialist so he can get cover fire or guardian angel to max out that combo potential, since all of rangers skills in general are much more active then passive, or no wait.. ever vigilant is on the same point as guardian angel... crap that cant work, cover fire it is then! Basically just goes to show that while having a good idea of what you want a character to be is great, if you can spare the time, take into consideration the AWC skill you receive, if it happens to be amazing (shredder on ranger, covering fire on sniper, untouchable on grenadier) you might want to consider a retrain if you can spec them to be more effective with it in consideration. ... Was this tirade sparked by the simple glancing over of aim longer then this entire video?

[@thegamersadventures4196]

yup, a really good skill

[@generalmars3855]

I've found that Aim is incredibly effective with "eye in the sky" type snipers, who focus on setting up important alpha-strike shots rather than getting massive streaks. Aim is also great for ambush snipers, if AWC grants you a stealthy sharpshooter. Sneak into a flank and hunker down, then pop up the next turn with deadeye + blue screen rounds to drop that pesky Sectoid patrolling towards you.

[@MomJeans1738]

Appreciate the insight white boy

[@Dwamak]

Sniper's "Aim" ability is only lethal when your sniper gets a Major rank Ranger "Deep Cover" perk from the Advanced Warfare Center. With the "Deep Cover" ability If you did not attack this turn, hunker down automatically. Serial + Kill Zone ability and with superior autoloader addition you can get a quite fine kill streak easily at one turn ;) Otherwise Aim ability is mostly useless.

[@charterhold1469]

Marcus A. so it's usefullness depends souly on if RNGezus shines on you.

[@FrostSylph]

I actually got that exact combo for my sniper, but had to reset after my game bugged out and made me not get the vial from the blacksite.

[@linkinparkroxx]

I replay the game every couple of years and rewatch your videos at the same time. Still very enjoyable & helpful.

[@mofire5674]

Realizing the grappling hook was a free action in this game (unlike EW, where it costed one) was such an awesome realization when I tried this thing out. It seriously helps reposition when most missions are time sensitive, and having a round where your sniper doesn't shoot can be fatal.

[@kubluu]

The tooltips on the skills never explain the effects fully, which means you have to choose blind. This annoys me a great deal.

[@TapCat]

I agree with you, I wish the in-game descriptions for abilities were more clear and complete.

[@nemomoriarty4303]

I mean, you can look up videos on KZbin that help explain... Oh yeah...

[@Fletch85uk]

Great guide and very clear! I'd like to add that auto loader works well with serial, whether you have it as a 3rd upgrade slot or instead of scope (if base aim reaches 90). That way, after weakening targets you can spam kill them, even when your clip runs dry, reload and continue. In my experience, scope has been unnecessary when the base aim reaches 90+.

[@TapCat]

For my money, a scope is never unnecessary unless I have 100% shots even against opponents in full cover, but to each their own.

[@moth8550]

Thanks for always providing consistently good tips at a very fast pace

[@TapCat]

While this was a bit longer than the other class guides, I definitely try to keep them short but informative. It's difficult because I always want to delve into "why" and various tactical implications but that would end up making the videos frustrating to the point of being unwatchable for a lot of people who would just want me to get to the friggin' point. Glad you're enjoying them, thank you for taking the time both to watch and leave positive feedback!

[@moth8550]

TapCatVids well, once you're done with class setups, you could start making more tactically focused videos

[@TapCat]

Hey, no spoilers! I'm currently working on a video with some battlefield tactics suggestions (he said, spoiling his own upcoming video). Covering everything you need to know about winning on the battlefield in 10 minutes... what could possibly go wrong?

[@moth8550]

+TapCatVids would that cover both single and multiplayer? I was on the verge of asking for multiplayer tips, but you beat me to it

[@TapCat]

Sorry, I've never tried multiplayer so my only tip would probably be "Kill them before they kill you!" Helpful? Well, the hopefully more useful single player version will go live tomorrow. Even at 10 minutes, I feel like it's hopelessly incomplete, but my hope is that it will point inexperienced players in the right direction.

[@SwedishLatino]

I do not understand why or how you only have 13K followers.. Your channel and way of spreading information is top notch. Thank you for a great video!

[@TapCat]

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words!

[@maddlarkin]

As an alternative view, autoloader and a scope, superior autoloader and serial will in theory get you more shots and an expanded magazine than a extended mag, to go through a serial chain, yeah you have a set number of free reloads but with only 3-4 pods on the most maps and it being only most useful when you trigger 2 or more you shouldn't need it more than twice in most situations

[@orarinnsnorrason4614]

I usually pick either of 2 ammo types for my long range sniper. Depending on the enemy I'll be facing (after securing the shadow facility that shows you what enemies are on mission), I either pick AP rounds or Bluescreen rounds. For a gunslinger sniper I'd pick either dragon rounds or venom rounds. And when you get the final rifle, the beam rifle, for the 3rd upgrade slot I pick auto-loader so that you don't spend an action reloading, so your sniper can continue to dominate the field.

[@Jackerco]

I may be an odd case but I usually take lightning hands and quick draw even with a sniper build. Later in the game you get much better pistols which means that since you can fire your pistol with your first action without ending your turn you can: *Shoot once with your pistol Shoot once with lightning hands and then shoot once again with your pistol* With the pistol that I usually end up having in the end game, this combo does 18 max damage and because of the sniper's amazing aim he will still have a pretty good shot with the pistol, even from mid range. I never really found deadeye or death from above too useful anyways.

[@richardbohacik2685]

I had the same build with my sniper and enjoyed it a lot :) That Lightning hands skills was often a bless in tight situations or great for softening before moving them down.

[@searssokudobros3489]

Today, when I was playing Xcom 2, I used the proving grounds to unlock two types of experimental armour, E.X.O. suit, and spider suit. I equipped my E.X.O. suit to my main specialist, and my spider suit to my sniper! That next mission I was able to use the spider suit and it DEFINITELY helped me massively. It is also incredible because, as soon as I have used the spider suit, I can sniper, giving me a greater aim bonus from the height, so that, plus a superior scope, is definitely really effective. Also, thanks for the videos. I love them and I'm currently trying to jam all of the incredible tips into my brain. I've also subscribed and liked all of your videos I've watched!

[@zethicalyt2406]

Any updates on your playthrough? Its been 2 months you prob finished it already...

[@chrispeters2645]

My goto class/build, from EU to EW and through to XCOM2, especially paired with a spotter / Phantom, or to paraphrase the succinct words of Drill Sergeant Zim.... "the enemy cannot push a button if you disable his hand" into "the enemy can't hit/hurt/kill you if you blow his head off without him even being able to see you"

[@RecklessInternetting]

I never take deadeye. Lightning Hands, if used properly, can be combined with Death From Above for that little bit more damage output. It can also be the difference between making Serial last that little bit longer. I don't use gunslingers ever. But Lightning Hands is just too good.

[@ricwalker6600]

Thats the first and only xcom 2 guide video i can agree with your comments totally.

[@TapCat]

That''s cool, I'm not trying to convince everyone to play "my way." These guides are intended to give new/struggling players a solid foundation to build on so they can get past the most frustrating part of the learning curve. Beyond that, I think it's a given that everyone is going to find a play style that works best for them and will adjust their approach to accommodate that.

[@commandercritic9036]

For me personally, I quite like taking a laser sight + talon rounds + auto loader and expanded mag Reason? Aim pcs + elevation + flanking = 100% hit chance, so why do I need a scope However, flanking only nets a 40% crit chance, and the sniper's inherent crit chance is mitigated by squadsight, so by taking a laser sight, even just the basic one, I automatically bag a 5% crit chance as that will always be the base chance on a laser sight, and then talon rounds buff me by another 25%, bringing me up to 30% base crit chance, + flanking, that's a 70% crit chance baby, whose shot before hand got a 100% chance to hit Then of course we have the deadshot perk too from the GTS which adds another 10% to the crit, so now it's 80% chance to crit, WITH ONLY THE BASIC LASER SIGHT!!!!!!!! The superior Laser sight easily takes us to 90%, add in the 8-10 dmg for the plasma lance, and I say, bring on the pain M*%#^] F^%*}# This means I can safely use my grenadier, or a rocket, to expose the squisher enemies in a group, and then clean them up with my serial sniper, then if there's anything left standing, like say a Sectopod, Andromedon, Beserker, etc, I still have FOUR more team members to deal with them, additionally, if I gave the rocket TO my grenadier, and they have salvo, well, THEY still get the rest of their turn too So yea, scopes, while good early game for sniper while your building up their aim, I give them to other soldiers later on, and switch out for the laser sight instead on my sharpshooters, everything else you said about this class though, 100% agree

[@Skai1013]

Seems like an effective combination, except weapons are limited to 2 slots. I'm guessing you ditch the auto loader since you should be getting Death from Above procs to reload?

[@yulfine1688]

Skai1013 or a mod to add another slot...or mod for stats ..

[@impalacrush2439]

Beauty of xcom: there is no wrong build except the guy who takes ranger deep cover upgrade

[@rufusbot4710]

@@Skai1013 my weapons have 3 slots.

[@electric_boogaloo496]

2 Grenadiers are the perfect support for a long range sniper. Eliminate all but the toughest pods in a single turn, with actions remaining for the rest of the squad. Absolutely OP. One can fire 2 grenades per turn carry an extra grenade in the same slot, and has bigger blast radius, the other has shredder, hail of bullets (guaranteed hits), AP ammo, halo sight, and can also destroy cover and hit multiple targets with cone fire ability when out of grenades. Even in the early game, I had my heavy gunner with halo sight shoot at the enemy that I would attempt a dead-eye on.

[@emileriksson6292]

For people playing with war of the chosen all i have to say is Death from above + Icarus armor + The sniper from the hunter is just to good and Serial is a good backup in case there is no highground available.

[@TheVVildHunt]

Tapcat, I’ve been sort of binging your videos and I absolutely love them for the XCOM2 series. Because of you I did end up buying XCOM1 as well. Would you ever consider going back and doing tutorials and tips and tricks for XCOM 1?

[@TapCat]

I would consider it, but I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to making guides. I'm only satisfied with them if I spend a ridiculous amount of time making it but then it's almost impossible to carve out the time to make one for any game, so you see very few on the channel compared to simple gameplay videos.

[@twinkiemonster4412]

The superior auto-loader is basically the only alternative to the magazine if you can't get one, but if you can use covert missions to get your snipers aim to a decent height on its own, then I see no reason to not equip both the magazine and auto-loader on your sniper. I also just keep tracer rounds, for the extra boost (even though it's not necessary) just because. But more damaging ammo types are also great. I also run flash bangs or mimic beacons until I get a grapple hook suit , since my snipers are typically further away from from the enemy, just in case I get into trouble. My sniper is typically the second to last soldier I use, with my last being the specialist, since both of them can typically turn even the worst of combat phases into more manageable situations. I also like to bond my snipers and specialists to keep them closer together to make them both even more effective.

[@tommyvercetti9434]

Death from above + Darklance turns legendary into veteran.

[@academyofstreetdance1107]

Xcom fan since terror of the deep here! Great videos, subd ✌🏽

[@davidtarnawski9904]

After playing Long War 2, I think I'd be a bit more willing to give Aim a shot. It's basically Steady Weapon, but with the defensive bonus, and unlike Steady Hands, you can reposition and still get the bonus, especially if you can combo with Death From Above.

[@terminatorhellspawn]

The Kevin Smith of Xcom2 :p

[@eekajmoneybaby9309]

I got so lucky and got a sniper with run and gun so if I ever needed to relocate or draw a sniper out of a bad situation but still wanted to hold a area it became very useful. Second I actually prefer Dodge on a sniper because they are often on roof tops for most coverage and accuracy but they also have the least amount of cover if anything at all so keeping the chance of getting hit as low as possible is great. I also provide a spider suit. The extra mobility without wasting a opportunity to use the rifle is great. I've used it to move from one building to another for a better kill zone which allowed me to fire at two pods.

[@Dragonblaster1]

I like a Gunslinger with Plasma Pistol and Fan Fire to set up Serial for a dedicated sniper. On my last campaign, that was a deadly combination. If the sniper was out wounded, I had a Ranger with Reaper to follow up the Fan Fire. Not much use in retaliation attacks, but there is no one class fits all for those.

[@lwblack64]

Superior auto loader is tops with superior scope and best pcs aim and spider armor to get the advantage of height over enemies.

[@lemoncardboard4877]

For snipers I always go for the superior auto reloaded becuase instead of having three extra and having normal reloads, its essentially like having 12 rounds since the reloads wknt cost any action and you can still fire

[@bonogiamboni4830]

Four months late but still want to reply. The sniper is pretty much the only character with which i prefer bigger mag size instead of auto reloads, because all other classes (even the madman of death and breakneck speed, the ranger) only fire one or two shots per total combat round and if they have to fire more then it happens during their active turn so i can make them reload for free, but the sniper turns this on its head since it's the main overwatch class, especially with killzone. If you're lucky and line up the zone well, you can get way more than 2 shots of overwatch during a killzone, more than the normal magazine allows, so boosting it up to 5 or 6 means shooting 6 times in a single turn and being able to reload after everything is dead.

[@cotymckinney4335]

Thanks bud. Your videos are literally saving my squad.

[@TapCat]

Happy to help and good luck, Commander!

[@DileepNow]

Dont forget superior stock. My sniper turned around the last mission in a single turn because of superior stock and serial. Finished off a lot of enemies including a few Codex clones with a chance to hit below 40% but had only 3 health or lower.

[@justinvanvolkenburg5298]

Personally, I believe that sniper Sharpshooter is probably the most common build.

[@brentthomas6576]

I have the viper king suit on my sharpshooter, its work really well for setting up kills by pulling enemies out into the open an freezing them in place for 1 or 2 turn, depends on the type of enemy, plus the grapple too.

[@TapCat]

That's true. And while WotC didn't exist when I made this, the Hunter's rifle is also insanely powerful and a game-changer for long range sniping.

[@brentthomas6576]

@@TapCat Yes that's exactly why I love the cone overwatch ability. When used right. You could possibly wipe out an portal enemy squad, ik I did a few times. It's a fun way to play

[@kotsifis250]

getting lightning hands and fan fire is super good on top of that. i killed a gatekeeper with fan fire and it was glorious

[@TapCat]

My preferred build is actually the gunslinger and agree that Lightning Hands and Fan Fire are crazy good. My first sharpshooter guide broke that down in detail. But of all the classes, sharpshooter was the only one that I made a second video for just because I knew how many people prefer a sniper build and I wanted to give them a model to work with. So, yeah, I'm with you all the way in my admiration for the abilities you mentioned.

[@SuperRoboPopoto]

I find Killzone more useful than serial for that, fan fire and lightning hands for the, "Surprise enemies from over here."

[@sammayes948]

this has been very handy. thank you.

[@AJB-jr6ll]

I ran my Sniper with Scope, Expanded Mag, and Auto load and took out 6 enemies and severely wounded a 7th (which specialist) finished off with covering fire.

[@PostTraumaticChessDisorder]

Have a gunslinger sniper use Quickdraw and Fan Fire with a high power pistol and blue screen rounds and it will finish off a Sectopod by its own (provided a few pips of armor have been taken away)

[@TapCat]

I actually prefer the gunslinger myself and made a video guide for that build. But so many people requested a build for the long-range sniper that I went ahead and made this one as well... and to this day, this is the one gets far more views. Go figure! ;)

[@Malacite]

I would strongly recommend an autoloader for the early game for a Sniper rifle, just in case you end up in a situation (and it can happen for sure) where you have been firing every turn without time for a reload, and having to forego a shot at a critical moment obviously blows. Mid-late game yes absolutely throw on a superior mag. Also I prefer to stick with Tracer Rounds even at endgame just because I absolutely HATE missing, and going over 100 AIM stat isn't pointless (near as I can tell anyway) every single point helps. Is a few extra points of damage worth it over a miss? No (especially during Serial). Similarly, while AP rounds can be very good, you should generally be using your Grenadiers or whomever else has shredding capabilities to soften any critical targets and Sectopods beforehand (and of course once that armor is off the AP rounds lose all value). Oh and if you're running WotC, I believe the special rifle that one of the 3 singleberries drops if you kill him can actually fire on any action, not just the first so yeah lategame sharpshooters are hilariously broken. Saw a video of one guy getting 10 kills in a single turn....

[@birnodin]

As always a very good video from you! I smiled when you talked about "the 100%". Oh yes, 100% changes everything. No need to think about what if when that stupid alien stays alive... I hope you make another XCOM 2 run, maybe with more PSI soldiers?

[@TapCat]

I'd like to. I expect Civilization VI to my next series, but would really like to do another XCOM 2 campaign where I rush psionics research and make those soldiers a key part of the campaign. So I can't promise anything, but it could happen at some point.

[@owensmith2995]

With the WOTC expansion my sharpshooters ALWAYs have the most kills in my lineup. In my most recent play through I had a long range sharpshooter with 265 kills. Granted that’s with chosen equipment, the archon armor, but if you can crank your aim stat to about 130, your sniper cannot miss especially when you add pcs superior perception, superior scope (which is on the darklance which is perfect), and tracer rounds (which I normally never use) you can have an ultimate killing machine. With the xcom optional abilities, I got really lucky with them as well with chainshot, guardian, implacable, and phantom

[@TapCat]

WotC didn't exist when I made this video but the Darklance really ramps up the build to an insane level. Death From Above, in particular, is immensely more powerful once you only need a single action to shoot the rifle.

[@bificommander7472]

My overwatch shots with killzone seem to miss a lot more often than regular overwatch shots. Does it impose some sort of aim penalty? I can't be sure, since you don't get to see percentages on overwatch shots. Btw, if you get the Hunter's rifle, Death from above becomes amazing. Firing that thing takes only one action. It's like having a constant Serial on.

[@yulfine1688]

bificommander overwatch gives an aim penalty for all squad mates killzone doesn't thr soldier just has poor aim or is in the wrong positions

[@petitlouis5010]

Didn't even get far enough to know there is a graplin hook.... thank you.

[@MrX-ok3jq]

I've admittedly been putting Hair Triggers on my Snipers, it can be very nice when it works, but I admit its probably not got a lot of certainty to it.

[@TapCat]

It's not the most consistent upgrade, but as long as you're good with being a bit of a gambler I can see how they would offer value and some real thrills when they trigger.

[@EonHSD]

I got the best Scope and implant+ 3 free reloads. It's a beast combination

[@Scorpion122178]

I think Lightning Hands is still the superior skill. That free pistol shot is pure profit.

[@TheSuperhomosapien]

I disagree with Deadyee. I always have a Grenadier on my team whose entire purpose is to destroy cover which usually gets your sniper to get pretty close to 100% Plus, Sniper is always my first attack in an ambush. I usually try to one shot the officers in my ambushes in the early game and manage to do it more often than not.

[@karvenman]

In an ambush I usually try to use the slash ability as the first attack and have every other soldier in overwatch and sniper in killzone

[@elQueFaltaba]

These are nice, even thou the sniper/slingshot were too typical. I'm thinking you should do this with the Long War Peck pack they released, as it gives you one extra perk per tier to choose from ..

[@TapCat]

The Long War Pack would probably make for some more interesting choices, but I've never installed it so I'm not equipped to offer a recommendation there. I do also realize that I'm not exactly revolutionizing class builds, but that's not my intention. The main purpose is to give less experienced players a good foundation to build their campaign on and if there's a little food for thought and/or entertainment value for veteran XCOM fans, then that's even better.

[@zellfrainbow]

Aim is actually awesome if you get the talent from ranger as a bonus

[@iknowthings7367]

A.P. rounds & Auto-Loader ALWAYS! Auto-Loader is always so goddamn clutch. Advanced Auto-Loader is good n' plenty for most of the game.

[@bonogiamboni4830]

Two years late but what about kill zone? If you shoot more than three enemies during it wouldn't the standard mag size not be enough?

[@ScottieMacF]

This was probably created before WOTC or was meant only for the vanilla game. A sniper with the hunter's rifle and death from above might be the most powerful soldier in the game. Especially if he has the Archon King armor. This sniper can be placed up high on any visible part of the map and can get up to twelve death from above shots in one turn. It only costs one action and so works like having Serial on all the time. For me, this sniper is like calling in the cavalry. Strategically weakening some of the stronger enemies first with other soldiers, as suggested in the video, and the game gets very easy, assuming the sniper has been buffed enough with PCS implants and aim+ covert ops missions. Add in rapid fire from the training center for the occasional Sectapod and it's a breeze.

[@lloydchristmas4547]

Thanks a lot.

[@grimlocktv3169]

Honestly my opinion that's Napper is literally the best one time I was in a dire situation and my sniper literally took out all nine at once that was the best Mission I ever had

[@zoecornish]

Thanks for part 2 om sharpshooters , just how i do my snipers and they are lethal ! Tapcat you gonna do another campain ?

[@TapCat]

Happy to do it, the process of putting this together actually made me want to play a sniper again myself. Regarding another campaign, the only thing I know for sure is that I'm going to start playing Civilization VI when it is released at the end of this week. Presuming that I find it interesting, I'll be doing a Let's Play of that as my next series. If I dislike the game, then I just might be fighting aliens again. Of course, even if Civ Vi is my next series, I'd still enjoy playing another round of XCOM 2 and would like to add new videos to the channel for some time. I've learned that my intentions mean very little as time passes, however, and things tend to go in ways that I didn't expect, so I can't promise anything. I can say that I've already recorded two more XCOM 2 guides that will go live over the next few days and I have an idea for at least one more video after that which would be something different from anything else I've uploaded so far. So the one thing I can say for sure is that I'm not quite done with XCOM 2 videos just yet.

[@zoecornish]

lovely thanks ,enjoy civ 6, not my type of game though but hey . love Xcom and watching others playing now to kill some more Aliens lol

[@HauntedEvile]

I use the free reloads on the sniper. I find not having to waste a turn reloading to be more useful. Extended mags are useful too but free reloads should be mentioned as well.

[@TapCat]

Death From Above gives plentiful reloads on most missions and the extended mag empowers the two most powerful abilities available to the sniper. In my eyes, it fits the build significantly better.

[@MrGeorocks]

Agreed, with free reloads my sniper can fire 18 times(+3 expanded magazine) before needing to reload. I Serialed 4 psi zombies, 2 half Hp Archons and Deadeyed a Gatekeeper to half Hp and still fired next turn. Better aim at the start is needed but later free reloads can keep a serial action going right after a good kill zone and can mean you're other soldiers can keep moving which is vital in 8 turn missions.

[@gustavohc18]

Hey TapCat, First of all, awesome channel. Keep it up! Have you considered using auto-loader on your weapon? Is it any good? I'm new to the game and haven't tested it yet, but auto-loader and the Serial skill should be pretty deadly, right?

[@TapCat]

Thank you, I appreciate that! I have indeed used auto-loaders. I prefer an expanded magazine because for Kill Zone the auto loader is literally useless. Also, you may have the actions to spare when you reload early in the mission, but you'll be using up the benefit of the auto-loader regardless. Then, when you need the extra help, it's got nothing left. The bigger magazine is good every mission, all mission long and will do a much better job of feeding Kill Zone. The two soldiers that most need the larger magazines are grenadiers with gunner abilities and long range snipers. If you simply can't get enough of those upgrades to equip all of those on your team then use an auto-loader and do the best you can with it. It will still be a whole lot better than something like a hair trigger.

[@gustavohc18]

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. I'm using an auto-loader on my sharpshooter for now, but I just got Kill Zone and I see what you mean...

[@Soonzuh]

@TapCatVids Could you make a guide on what's worth buying and selling on the Black Market?

[@TapCat]

That's something I hadn't thought about at all, but now that you've said it I can see how that could be helpful. I've added it to my list of possible future topics and will definitely consider it.

[@foxunix101]

I think have the gun mod that gives you one to 3 free reloads is really good too because you never waste an action.

[@tylerallison70]

I prefer the superior expanded mag and superior auto loader. Play to killzone and serial.

[@jaserart]

Hello... newbie here, so, sorry for this question but what does he means by PCS boost and how do I manage it? Thanks...

[@stanklepoot]

I only play my sharpshooter as a straight up sniper, and I always take lightning hands and keep it. I can't tell you just how many times I was able to use lightning hands to wipe out a low health enemy or make a full health enemy a one-shot sniper kill. It also comes in real handy when you're moving your sharpshooter and still want to get a kill. You simply move up, lightning hands attack, and finish with a normal pistol shot. If you have the alien hunters dlc, it's even better since that special pistol will allow you to do this and put you in stealth if you're successful. Similarly, death from above is a must. As you said, you can use it to reload or relocate, but you can also use it to take a pistol shot as well. Serial is just a beautiful thing. I think my highest single turn kill with serial was 10 enemies in the final area of the final mission. Of course, I had the perk that allows you to put a 3rd weapon mod on. So, I had the Superior scope, extended mag, auto-loader set up...which turns a Col. Sharpshooter into a total map devastator. As for loadout, I already mentioned the optimal sniper loadout. If you can't add a third mod, then I'd go Superior scope and auto-loader...prioritizing serial potential over kill zone as serial gives you more control over battlefield. For armor, Serpent Armor if you have alien hunters, Wraith if you don't. That will leave you with only one item you can carry. I go with Armor Piercing rounds every time here.

[@saisriram4262]

Get chosen rifle death from above can be used with rifle

[@Skr4x]

The only thing I do different is take a wraith suit instead of spider. The extra dodge isn't needed if you are staying at a good distance. The wraiths added travel bonus from phasing helps to reposition and cover ground while still having a grapple.

[@genghiskhan7041]

Faceoff is usually more effective/useful than Kill Zone.

[@volimcvarke8437]

Thank you very much for this,

[@TapCat]

You're very welcome!

[@volimcvarke8437]

@@TapCat didn t excpect a replay awsome content I have been watching your chanel for 2 days and you helped me with Xcom2 and I discoverd one of my new favorite game

[@loxyloafcake5184]

Course I find this the day after two of my shooters die, and the last one is sqauddie kidnapped by The Assassin.

[@michaelhejna7864]

I do prefer the sniper sharpshooter... I'm in late game now and my "Baroness" has a record of 18 missions and 66 kills thanks to Series and auto reload :o)

[@georgiababylon3160]

Oh Hello Tapcat!

[@DrGaryGreen]

Good Shit. Going back to try your set up.

[@TapCat]

Good luck, I hope it helps!

[@dragangalic3199]

Ty buddy your setupp is Awsome. U save my sq .keep good work bro. Ty sooo much .

[@TapCat]

You're more than welcome!

[@dragangalic3199]

Bro i have other big Q for u . Howe u doing Squad Composition ? Who u take with u in the fight ? Help :-) Do u have some video about that ?

[@AEA1111]

wouldn't a auto reload "no action cost to reload be better than expanded , if so why?

[@TapCat]

No, not really. First, you don't get to choose when the free reloads come and you may well have used up the freebies by the time you find yourself genuinely in need of that free action. In contrast, the expanded magazine is helping you take care of business for the entire mission. The autoloader also does nothing to make Killzone better, you'll get a max of 3 shots and that's it. A bigger magazine gives you as many as 6 shots for Killzone or Serial and it's very rare you'll ever need more than that. Finally, the autoloader does something that you'll already be able to do most of the time if you take Death from Above. On most missions, you'll get all the free reloads you need that way. The expanded magazine is a better fit for the long range sniper in every way. I would only use an autoloader if I couldn't get one.

[@colt1903]

At what point(in terms of an alien popping up for the first time) would you suggest switching to dead eye? After a berserker first shows up? Archon?

[@TapCat]

If you could get the sharpshooter's aim high enough to support that -20% chance to hit, then the earlier the better. In practice, I've always found that I need to get up to the rank of major or colonel and have a superior scope for Dead Eye to be worth using unless you enjoy missing a lot of shots. If you're playing in War of the Chosen, you might get lucky and get some stealth missions that offer a boost to aim, and then you could send a particular sharpshooter on as many of those as possible... that would help make it viable a little sooner. So, it isn't really tied to the level of your opponents. I'd use Dead Eye against Sectoids if I could. You just have to get your aim high enough so that you can still hit with some consistency. I hope this helps, good luck!

[@kraigshall]

For any of my long-range sniper builds I will pour all of the aim buffs I can into them from ammunition to Scopes and even PCS mods. I want every round fired from my long range sniper to be 100% and when I do pop deadeye I want to be sure that, whatever poor unfortunate xeno stupid enough to poke their head out is turned into just one more reason why the aliens should just pack it in.

[@josueaguilar5011]

I had a sniper with 112 aim I use laser sight and superior reload and ap rounds/talon rounds my crit sniper

[@jasonbateman9355]

Hey TapCat, wondering if you could help me out with something regarding this build. Is there a reason why you choose the Spider Suit over the Wraith Suit? Both offer grapple hooks but the Wraith Suit offers better health, mobility and dodge. Also, to anyone new to the game. I would highly suggest getting the Armed to the Teeth continent bonus allowing for 3 weapon mods on weapons. This makes for some pretty insane setups. I also managed to bag Chain Shot on my Sniper 👌

[@TapCat]

I think it was probably just an oversight because I was so used to having the Spider Suit for most of the campaign and often didn't bother to upgrade even once the Wraith Suit became available. So while you would obviously start with the Spider Suit, you're right that the other would be objectively better for the late game. As long as you've got the resources available, then the Wraith Suit is worth building for your sniper.

[@Nurr0]

Why did you recommend the Spider Suit over the Wraith Suit when they both have grappling hooks? Was this patched in later on and I'm unaware? I was confused by this choice.

[@TapCat]

I focused on the Spider Suit because it's available much earlier in the game but not mentioning the Wraith Armor was definitely an oversight.

[@Nurr0]

TapCat Thanks for responding, I'm glad to hear the Wraith Suit isn't overtly bad. I guess I'm more used to it playing on easier difficulties. I really appreciate all the tip videos, they've given me a big head start.

[@TapCat]

Oh, the wraith suit is definitely not bad. I don't think long range snipers benefit from its abilities as much as some classes might but if you have the time to spare in the Proving Grounds and the resources to make one then it is definitely an upgrade over the Spider Suit. Glad to hear you're finding the videos helpful, good luck in your campaign!

[@jmorris023]

Rangers lead the way. 6 Rangers with bladestorm and implacable are unstoppable.

[@NoiseMarines]

Wait so does an auto-loader still prevent you from shooting, even though the reload is a free action? I ask because I, frankly, don't see much difference, utility-wise, between the auto-loader and the expanded mag.

[@kawapatch]

A free reload from an auto-loader is completely free, you can still shoot after using it. Choosing between an expanded mag and an auto-loader is situational. For example, an expanded mag allows for more kill zone shots, and an auto-loader can keep a serial chain from ending since you don't need to reload normally which usually ends the serial.

[@CivilCaine]

I honestly had no idea what Kill Zone did during my game, so I never used it. Now, I really regret it...

[@TapCat]

I can understand that. It can be pretty scary to try an ability that you're unsure of when your soldiers so often feel like they could be killed at any moment.

[@CivilCaine]

+TapCat Agreed. The most difficult learning curve in XCOM that you need to break out of as soon as possible is the fact that you're bound to get stuck in a point where you just don't want to explore new techniques. Because of this, you'll likely go up against something new and the technique you've used throughout won't cut it. Anyway, great video! You've earnt yourself another subscriber.

[@aloafoftoast7160]

Get a mod that adds more upgrade slots, and get either stock, repeater, or hair trigger (HT for free pistols panics)

[@andrewhodges7366]

Why wouldn't I just but an autoloader instead of the extended mag for the free reloads? 6 shots in a magazine vs. 3 free reloads of a 3 shot magazine makes it a 6 vs. 12 advantage.

[@TapCat]

There are two main reasons. First, free reloads do nothing to help Killzone. Not having the larger magazine really limits that ability. Second, the larger mag is ALWAYS there and offers a benefit for the entire mission. The free reloads must be used up each time you need to top off even if you don't need that free action at the time. I've had a number of missions when I had used up the free reloads and then had the small mag size screwed me over at the end. That said, it's much more common for that to happen with the lesser versions of the reloader. If you can get the superior version then it really comes down to how important Killzone is to you. Personally, I like it a lot but if you don't mind leaving it out of your build or knowing that it just won't be as good then the reloader can certainly do good work for you.

[@andrewhodges7366]

@@TapCat Oh, now I feel stupid. That does make a lot more sense. Thanks for clearing it up

[@DustoVonSusto]

My long range sniper has 136 aim and the game punishes me for camping ona roof by making squadsight -56 percent aim. Is it ridiculous that i still get 100 percent typucally?

[@TapCat]

Not to me. Especially if you've invested in an aim PCS and a Superior Scope, a sniper with an elevated position should be hitting almost every shot in my opinion.

[@roninroy81]

I had a 6 kill streak with my sharpshooter with seriel activated. Fuck! Yes!

[@DarthDionius]

I'd personally say that the Superior Auto Loader is just as good as the Expanded Magazine, though they each have different benefits and drawbacks. For Kill Zone, the Expanded Magazine is obviously far superior, however I tend to find that I will often use Kill Zone just once each mission, when setting up the initial ambush with a Proximity Mine combo, which makes the Expanded Magazine something of a waste, as you won't need more than 3 shots to deal with that first pack. For that reason, I personally far prefer the Auto Loader as you can continue firing your rifle every turn without fail, pumping out higher sustained damage on longer battles. This becomes even more of a thing in WotC since the Reaper needs the Superior Expanded Magazine even more for their Banish with Superior Repeater combo, but then obviously this is just the baseline game stuff so that's fair enough. Still, even in the baseline game, I think valuing the Expanded Magazine as highly as you do isn't necessarily correct in all cases.

[@LaatiMafia]

Superior Autoloader: 3 shots. Free reload. 3 shots. Free reload. 3 shots. Free reload. 3 Shots. Each reload ends Kill Zone. You get 12 shots in a row. After that, you reload after each 3 shots. We can put it this way: 12+3+3+3+3+3+3+3+3, where + is a reload. Superior Expanded Mag. 6 shots. Reload. 6 shots. 6+6+6+6+6+6+6+6... After 12 shots, the Autoloader only has one turn advantage. After 15 shots, the magazine becomes more effective. So in conclusion. The Magazine upgrade is clearly better in Kill Zone situations (I have gotten 6-shot Kill zones quite often) and in prolonged battles. Also a fact remains: With Death from above skill, the free reload means absolutely nothing.

[@Jochumvideos]

Does anyone know how you activate special ammo in a mission? Or is this a passive active thing?

[@TapCat]

It's passive. Just equip it in the utility slot for that soldier and it will automatically apply to any shot fired. In the case of sharpshooters, it will work for both the pistol and rifle.

[@Jochumvideos]

Thanks for taking the time to reply!

[@thrillcosby9961]

Ok but I get so stressed when I need to evac and my sniper is the only one left and the enemy reinforcements just spawned in and he’s not to the evac point yet and everyone else is gone and at that point I want to turn off the game and cry

[@TheValiantBob]

Is there ever a reason to go for a gunslinger build?

[@TapCat]

Yes, it's actually my preferred build for a sharpshooter.

[@PittBullBytes]

pistol is pretty lethal. it makes the rifle seem secondary to me

[@uniorbrown]

What would normally be a single turn feels never ending when you play as a gunslinger due to none action-taking moves and etc.

[@themoosemanguy1537]

can you take upgrades off of weapons?

[@TapCat]

No, once equipped it there is no way to remove an upgrade. you can, however, equip a new weapon to that soldier and someone else can then pick up the one with that upgrade so it is possible to trade upgraded weapons.

[@hmq2007]

There is a potential continent bonus that does allow you to replace the upgrade and reuse the old one, but whether that continent bonus appears in any given game is random.

[@majorfallacy5926]

I find snipers really not that useful, even with darkclaw. All they can do is a lot of damage *if* the setup is right, which rangers can do better, and they already aren't worth it for a good part of the game. The only real use I've found for them is pistol skills + bluescreen rounds to melt mechanics. The squadsight still comes in handy, you just don't have to play around it

[@BenjiPrice502]

TapCat...TopCat...TopHan...TomHanks!!! OMG!!!!!

[@TapCat]

Shh, some secrets are best kept!

[@greenghost2212]

TapCat lol u do kinda sound like Tom hanks bro lol. New sub here. I'm another new youtuber and I'm thinking about putting together some xcom videos. Good tutorial bro.

[@justjordan2301]

Can aim go higher then 100

[@TapCat]

Your total aim can easily get over 100 and that goes a long way toward helping you hit enemies even if they're in cover.

[@matthewnunya8483]

I take snipers all day every day over gunslingers

[@damienmiller1302]

Spidersuit + sniper build = Widowmaker

[@thepurplepanda4]

Damien Miller ... glad to see intelligence is still a highly used trait in human society * rolls eyes *

[@MrODST57]

anyone want to play some online xcom 2

[@PostTraumaticChessDisorder]

Xcom 2: Deadeye small aim penalty Me: Bruh

[@iancasleton6356]

If you French fry when you should have pizza'd... You're gonna have a bad time.

[@bronsontoronto6194]

Tom!!!!!!

[@kevinhardy8997]

I like the “Furry” perk. No need to explain.