CS2 sniper tier list: All Counter-Strike 2 snipers ranked from best to worst

All snipers ranked from best to worst in CS2 (Image via Valve & Sportskeeda)
All snipers ranked from best to worst in CS2. (Image via Valve & Sportskeeda)

Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) has been captivating players with its intense gameplay since its release. And the variety of sniper rifles lends another degree of strategic intricacy to the experience. Among the plethora of arsenals that CS2 offers, snipers have earned an iconic status and proved reliable in long-range fights. In a distinct ecosystem of Counter-Strike 2, players must select their preferences carefully.

This article will provide you with a tier list consisting of all the sniper rifles available in CS2 ranked from best to worst.

Note: This tier list is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.


Tier list of the best snipers in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)

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Valve has introduced a total of four snipers in their latest iteration, Counter-Strike 2. Among those, two are bolt actions, whereas the other two are automatic. In this following list, we will specify the tiers of the sniper rifles based on these parameters:

  • Pick rate
  • Recoil, handling, and damage
  • Cost

According to these parameters, we have categorized these weapons into S, A, and B-tiers, respectively.


S-Tier

1) AWP

AWP in CS2 (Image via Valve)
AWP in CS2 (Image via Valve)

The AWP is perhaps the most famous sniper rifle not only in CS2 but within the entire gaming community. Its one of the most picked weapons alongside AK47, the Desert Eagle, and M4A4. At $4750 in the game, you can always see some players save money specifically so they can purchase the AWP. Perhaps its high scoped-in accuracy is its biggest asset.

Or maybe its biggest asset is the raw power that it offers. The AWP is incredibly stable and fairly light for a sniper its size. And on top of that it can one-shot kill any enemy at any distance making it a killing-machine like no other. Of course, getting the kills requires skill and timing.

No armor can protect enemies from the gun and even shots to the legs cause great damage. Because of its sheer power, accuracy, and value for money, AWP sits at the top of the list.

  • Cost: $4750
  • Bullets per Magazine: 5
  • Bullets (Reserve): 30
  • Damage: 115
  • Rate of Fire: 41 Rounds Per Minute
  • Accurate Range: 69 meters
  • Reload Time: 3.7 seconds

A-tier

1) SSG-08

SSG-08 in CS2 (Image via Valve)
SSG-08 in CS2 (Image via Valve)

The lower-cost alternative to the AWP, SSG-08 is yet another bolt action sniper rifle and the only other one in the game. Perhaps its biggest asset is its smooth and light mobility. It offers players a two-body shot kill, incredible accuracy, and movement speed that none of the other snipers in the game can offer.

A headshot naturally destroys the enemy instantly in-spite of having armor on. Armor piercing for the gun stands at 85% which is impressive at a price point of $1700. The perfect eco round weapon if you’re trying to take down enemies at a longer range and hold angles. Popularly also known as Scout, it has a 10 bullet magazine capacity and is used by many snipers when running low on that economy front.

  • Cost: $1700
  • Bullets per Magazine: 10
  • Bullets (Reserve): 90
  • Damage: 88
  • Rate of Fire: 48 Rounds Per Minute
  • Accurate Range: 47 meters
  • Reload Time: 3.7 seconds

B-tier

1) SCAR-20

SCAR-20 in CS2 (Image via Valve)
SCAR-20 in CS2 (Image via Valve)

The SCAR-20 is an automatic sniper rifle that’s exclusive to the CT-side players. Its key components include great stability while firing, a large magazine thanks to it being an auto-rifle and high damage. However, it’s very important to keep in mind that the gun costs $5000 inside the game. This makes it more expensive thant the AWP but it has its benefits.

Since it’s an auto rifle, it is capable of mowing down an enemy team. It may take a couple shots as it cannot one-shot enemies but its accuracy will be rewarding. Hip firing at close ranges is also rewarding. It could be suited to some players but for most, it may not be the right choice because the AWP costs less thant the SCAR-20. And comparatively, the former is a much safer and more effective option especially during competitive matches.

  • Cost: $5000
  • Bullets per Magazine: 20
  • Bullets (Reserve): 90
  • Damage: 80
  • Rate of Fire: 240 Rounds Per Minute
  • Accurate Range: 66 meters
  • Reload Time: 3.1 seconds

2) G3SG1

G3SG1 in CS2 (Image via Valve)
G3SG1 in CS2 (Image via Valve)

Finally, the last sniper on the list is the G3SG1 which is the SCAR-20 counterpart on the T-side. It is also an automatic sniper but it is much heavier than the other guns in the list. It’s hip fire is not great even though it is just as accurate as the SCAR 20 at 66 meters. Yet again, the auto sniper costs $5000 and may be suited to a very specific playstyle only.

It also has a reload time of 4.7 seconds which is longer than any other sniper on the list. Because of these drawbacks, it isn’t a popular choice among Terrorists who would also much rather go for the AWP with the given funds.

  • Cost: $5000
  • Bullets per Magazine: 20
  • Bullets (Reserve): 90
  • Damage: 80
  • Rate of Fire: 240 Rounds Per Minute
  • Accurate Range: 66 meters
  • Reload Time: 4.7 seconds

This sums up the tier list for all the snipers available in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). Now, depending on the nuances, players have to decide which will be the suitable one that helps them master the art of long-range fights.

For more news related to CS2, stay tuned to Sportskeeda.

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