All Sniper Elite games ranked from worst to best

Sniper Elite games are quite special in the shooter genre because of their realistic depiction of bullet physics, as well as their infamous bullet time perspective, which provides players with an x-ray vision of their victim as the fired bullet pierces their body. This gory detail makes sniping extremely enjoyable, as players are always on the hunt for the next satisfying bullet event sequence.

Since the release of its first installment in 2005, the series has had multiple mainline iterations and spin-offs over the course of twenty years. The latest installment, Sniper Elite Resistance, has set a high benchmark for the upcoming title in the same genre.

However, not every game in the series is worth your time. Some titles may feel monotonous and less engaging due to repetitive missions and graphics that don't compare well to current standards. Hence, in this article, we evaluate all the Sniper Elite games ranking them from worst to best, to give you an idea of which one to pick and enjoy the best sniping experience.

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All Sniper Elite games ranked (updated 2025)

Here is our ranked list of all Sniper Elite titles ranked from worst to best:

7) Sniper Elite 1

Sniper Elite 1 was the first game in the popular franchise to set the precedent for its successors. The game was released in 2005 by Rebellion when World War era shooters were abundant on the market, making it a rather saturated genre. However, the game sets itself apart from its peers with its strong approach to combat.

SE 1 gameplay (Image via Rebellion)

Compared to other titles in the genre that were available at the time, this game had slower and more simulation-based tactical combat mechanics. With an outdated pale graphics quality and several glitches like shooting and movement block of enemies the game somehow retained the worst position of the franchise.

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6) Sniper Elite 3

The third installment of the series was released in 2014 and takes the setting to the continent of Africa during World War II. Unlike its predecessors, the third installment is more graphically and mechanically refined and that is where the positives end. Unfortunately, the game suffers from the success of previous titles, as it has a rather high bar to meet and fails to deliver.

SE 3 gameplay (Image via Rebellion)

Gameplay and missions have been described by many as repetitive and monotonous. The narrative, set three years prior to the events of the second game, also fails to capitalize on Africa's inclusion in the series. The game also attempts to provide a non-linear experience to players through a semi-open world, but the execution of the idea itself is poor. Furthermore, the stealth-based mechanics seem forced and redundant.

Overall, despite having the advantage of time and technology, the third installment only narrowly edges out the first game of the series on this list.

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5) Sniper Elite v2

Sniper Elite v2 is the second installment of the series was released in 2012. It is probably the title that most fans associate their first experience of the franchise with. The series was revived after a considerable hiatus and brought to a newer generation of gaming.

SE v2 gameplay (Image via Rebellion)

The game is set in the same timeframe as the first but with a different narrative. It took the realism and simulation-based philosophy of its predecessor and improved on it with upgraded graphics, animations, and mechanics. The kill cam was also replaced by an X-ray version, which has since become an iconic part of the series.

Though it is not a perfect game by any stretch of the imagination, it sets the blueprint for future games in the series to follow. The game has also aged well, scoring nostalgic points and securing its spot on this list.

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4) Sniper Elite Zombie Army series

As the name suggests, The Zombie Army series is based on Zombie gameplay which is the spin-off of the Sniper Elite series. These games completely deviate from the classic formula and offer players a thrilling experience. The bundled version of the first three spin-off games was released in 2015, with a fourth title in 2020.

Players here use the same shooting mechanics of the series to take down hordes of Nazi zombies deployed by Hitler. This serves as the perfect premise for some over-the-top destruction and mayhem, as players can abandon all logic and stealth, and go wild.

A co-op multiplayer mode with up to 8 players was also introduced in the series, making it an even more enjoyable experience for players looking to have fun with their friends.

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3) Sniper Elite 4

The fourth mainline installment in the series is widely considered by many to be one of the best and most innovative shooting games of all time. Released in 2017, it refined all aspects of its predecessors and combined them with the technological capabilities of newer-gen consoles to provide a polished experience.

SE 4 gameplay (Image via Rebellion)

The area where this game improves the most when compared to earlier games is the viability and execution of the stealth mechanics. Enemy Al was buffed significantly, making stealth a necessity in certain scenarios. Larger maps and the ability to scale vertical obstacles and platforms give the world an open-ended feel as well.

Despite lacking in the plot department, the game provides a balanced and engaging experience with nuanced shooting mechanics, fun kill cams, and improved stealth-based gameplay.

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2) Sniper Elite 5

It is rare for a modern video game franchise to improve consistently over time. Usually, the first few games in a series set the standard before the quality of its successors gradually declines. However, the fifth installment defies these norms, by securing the second spot in our list of the best game in the entire series.

SE 5 gameplay (Image via Rebellion)

The game doesn't necessarily do anything new or different when compared to its predecessors; it just does everything better. Every aspect of the game is more refined and polished than the previous titles, with buffed enemy Al, larger sandbox-style semi-open worlds, and improved shooting mechanics. The game also features a new Invasion game mode, where players can join another player's session as an enemy sniper.

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1) Sniper Elite Resistance

Sniper Elite Resistance is the latest entry in the series, maintaining the same gameplay elements as its predecessor. Released on January 28, 2025, the game grabbed the attention of many players. The missions are highly engaging, as the protagonist Espionage Nazi’s deadly territory to complete various objectives.

SE Resistance gameplay (Image via Rebellion)

Similar to the previous installment, this game features improved shooting mechanics, and a semi-open world, and offers a small but powerful arsenal. The graphics quality has not received a huge treatment, but overall, the game feels smooth throughout the journey. Moreover, to get rid of the monotonous gameplay, the devs have introduced propaganda missions where players can showcase their aim skills to win medals.

With the latest game outshining all of the previous iterations, the future of the series certainly appears bright. One can only hope that Rebellion continues to innovate and improve and provide players with even more entertainment in the future.

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This was our ranking for all the Sniper Elite titles from best to worst. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda for more FPS-related news and guides.