Behind Enemy Lines – 5 Tips for the Allied Sniper

Sniper Elite: The Board Game is the upcoming one-vs-many hidden movement game from David Thompson and Roger Tankersley, bringing the hit video game to your tabletop. Order your copy today!

Playing as the Allied sniper in Sniper Elite: The Board Game takes cunning, composure, and courage. You’re all alone deep behind enemy lines, and while you have the advantage of elite training, specialist equipment, and your trusty bolt action rifle, it’s still a tense situation to be in.

Here are a few tips to help you out as you get ready to drop into enemy territory!

Know your enemy

At the start of each game, the Defenders will select specialist officers to lead their squads, each with a unique ability. These can give them added mobility, bring back wounded soldiers, or offer some extra firepower to help them take you out.

Once they’ve selected their officers, take a moment to check what abilities they are bringing to the battlefield and which squad has each specialist. That way you won’t get surprised if a Jager fires at you from a space away, or if the Medic saves one of their squad from your expert marksmanship.

Information isn’t always a bad thing

Over the course of the game, your enemy will be attempting to gain intel on where you are. Unless you are very sneaky, they’ll likely get some information about where you are, but if you’re cunning you can use this to your advantage.

Dart into sectors you aren’t interested in, take out enemies on routes you don’t need to take, and use your equipment to make your opponent think you are heading in a direction that you’re not. Deception is one of the key weapons in your arsenal and can help to open up a route to your objectives.

Make sure you watch the clock

Well, the countdown track to be precise, but same idea! Remember that you only have 10 turns to complete each objective. Don’t get too caught up in sneaking through the shadows at the expense of your objectives – Allied HQ is relying on you to get the job done!

Of course, if you rush things you might find the enemies close in around you. This game is all about balancing risk and reward, and that countdown adds an extra element you need to keep in the back of your mind.

Choose your shots carefully

This wouldn’t be a Sniper Elite game without some sniping, but think carefully about when you want to reach for your rifle. Sometimes the enemy will be blocking your path, and at others you might want to attempt a shot to throw the enemy off your trail, but it is risky.

If you draw two noise tokens you’ll reveal your position, which could completely undo all the hard work you’ve put into misdirecting your enemy. Remember that the risk is there, and make sure the reward is worth it.

Practice your poker face

The feeling of the enemies closing in around makes for incredibly tense situations, but try to keep your composure even if things start to look bleak. Squirming in your chair and sweating profusely as a soldier moves into the space you are hiding in might give the game away – keep your cool and make sure the only information you are giving them is on the tabletop itself!

Those are just a few tips to help you as you head out on your first missions. Good luck, Sniper!

Sniper Elite: The Board Game is currently available to preorder on our webstore. Order your copy today!