Our PUBG guide to the best Sniper Rifles in the game covers the AWM, Kar98K, M24, and VSS.
When it comes to dropping enemies at a distance, there’s simply no better tool for getting the job done than a Sniper Rifle. The ability to zoom in with a powerful scope and rattle off bullets isn’t exclusive to this class of weapon – Assault Rifles and DMRs are capable of this as well – but snipers set themselves apart from the competition with their unrivalled accuracy and ultra-powerful single shots. All in all they’re a must-have weapon when it comes to challenging targets at range in PUBG.
In your average game of PUBG you’re unlikely to stumble across many Sniper Rifles while rooting through buildings or looting players. They’re pretty rare weapon all-round, and are usually found in hotly contested areas, populated cities and most commonly – Supply Drops. It’s definitely worth fighting and looting your way through these locations and chasing down Supply Drops for a chance at getting hold of one though, as a Sniper can significantly increase your chances of outlasting the competition.
Snipers do suffer from low magazine sizes and low rates of fire though, so you have to wield them with extreme caution. Missing a single shot can spell disaster if the enemy spots you, but land them just right and you’ll drop targets in no time at all.
Below we’ve listed all the main Sniper Rifles in the game from best to worst, with strengths and weaknesses outlined for each gun.
Editor’s Note: It’s worth noting that this is by no means a definitive list. Almost all of these Sniper Rifles can have a significant impact in certain situations, and we understand that you’ve got to work with what you’re given in each match!
The Best Sniper Rifles in PUBG: #5 SKS
This isn’t technically a sniper, but it can function similarly with the right attachments. It’s main asset is its semi-automatic fire rate which means it can pack a punch in close to medium range combat. To get the most out of it, you’ll want to slap a 4x or 8x scope on it, as well as any other extras you can find to reduce recoil, sway and the like.
It’s main downfall is its severe bullet drop at long ranges, meaning you’ll need to lead your shots significantly. With this in mind, make sure you line up your target carefully. One missed shot will likely lead them to run off, find cover, and eventually return fire.
Finally, if you’re feeling particularly brave, you can even equip it with a short range scope and treat it like a true DMR.
The Best Sniper Rifles in PUBG: #4 VSS Vintorez
The VSS Vintorez shoots commonly found 9mm ammo in both semi-automatic and fully automatic firing modes. It’s the least powerful Sniper Rifle in the game, with the lowest bullet velocity, making it very difficult to hit long distance shots.
The VSS’s main strength is its suppressor – it’s the most effective in the game. Enemies from a distance won’t have a clue where your shots are coming from!
While we don’t recommend using this weapon over a more powerful counterpart, the VSS comes into its own in the late-game thanks to its very quiet shots and surprising effectiveness at closer ranges. Perfect for assassinating targets in the final circle!
The Best Sniper Rifles in PUBG: #3 Kar98K
Currently the only bolt-action Sniper Rifle available as a common drop, the Karabiner 98 Kurz is an excellent long distance damage dealer. Tagging enemies with body shots will hit their health bars hard, while a well placed shot to the head will usually mean insta-death.
It’s main drawback is the time it takes to reload a round between every shot, and the lengthy reload time for an entire magazine. This means you’ll have to maintain pinpoint accuracy for an extended period of time as targets flee once they’ve been shot – this isn’t easy.
On top of this, it’s also extremely loud. One shot without a Suppressor will give away your position to everyone nearby.
The Best Sniper Rifles in PUBG: #2 M24
Another Sniper Rifle that’s exclusive to Crates, think of the M24 as an upgraded Kar98K. It’s got higher damage, bullet velocity and reload times between each round which makes it much easier to use than its vintage counterpart.
Just be wary that if you’re used to using the Kar98K, the M24’s higher bullet velocity means that you don’t need to aim as high when firing at targets in the distance.
More PUBG guides
- PUBG Guide – All of our essential, in-depth PUBG guide content in one place – PUBG: Guide
- Best Assault Rifle – How to pick the most powerful Assault Rifle every time – PUBG: Best Assault Rifle
- Best Handgun – Our guide to packing the most powerful pistol in the game – PUBG: Best Handgun
- Best Melee Weapon – The game’s melee weapons ranked from worst to best – PUBG: Best Melee Weapon
- Best Sniper Rifle – Essential advice for selecting the correct sniper rifle – PUBG: Best Sniper Rifle
The Best Sniper Rifles in PUBG: #1 AWM
Without a doubt the most powerful weapon in the game, the AWM devastates anyone unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of one of its enormous .300 bullets. This Sniper Rifle feels weighty, and every shot thunders out of the barrel at such a blistering pace that there’s hardly any bullet drop, even at extreme distances – it’s like a laser beam.
Video by WackyJacky101
Top of the range helmets don’t stand a chance here. Get clunked in the cranium by an AWM and you’ll be dropping dead to the floor no matter how snazzy your armour is.
The AWM’s main weakness is its bolt-action, which can make it a pretty unforgiving weapon if you do miss your first few shots. Additionally, it only accepts .300 ammunition that’s found exclusively in Crates. Oh well, you can’t have it all eh?
