I’ve crafted a comprehensive list of every Sniper Elite game, their release dates, and a little bit about why they’re so significant. The series isn’t lauded like other third-person shooter contemporaries, but it deserves acclaim. 2025 brings the latest sequel, so let’s give Sniper Elite its dues after 20 years of World War warfare.
Sniper Elite’s niche combat mechanics and sometimes punishing difficulty make it unique. This is a good thing in a market saturated and overpopulated with hero shooters (look what happened to Concord) and FPS gameplay. Missions usually take around an hour or so, with your mileage varying based on how thorough you are and how often you give away your position—causing half of Germany to rain down its wrath on you.
The scenery has changed from time to time, as has reality and the aliveness of the inhabitants. But Sniper Elite constantly retains its identity, and it’s been a hell of a journey so far, with Sniper Elite Resistance being the latest target in our sights.
There are 10 mainline Sniper Elite games with two mini-Zombie Army expansions.
The franchise has ebbed and flowed throughout history from the first Sniper Elite to Sniper Elite Resistance. We’ve had VR and Zombie games, explored tropical climates, and even more Zombies games. Nazi Zombie Army and Nazi Zombie Army 2 are not considered full releases and joined Zombie Army Trilogy anyway.
It all started with 2005’s Sniper Elite. Rebellion tried something new, and it was a different take on other war shooters like Call of Duty, Battlefield, and Medal of Honor. It’s very primitive compared to its successors and a product of its time, but we’ll always be thankful it was made.
Sniper Elite sequels became more frequent as time went on, but it wasn’t always the case. Rebellion was dipping its toes in several properties, so it took seven years before Sniper Elite V2 saw the light of day. The title’s clever wordplay aside, the now-famous X-Ray bullet feature played a prominent role in the sequel’s gameplay and marketing, and the series was starting to hot up.
Sniper Elite 3 only needed two years, not seven. However, we get a big change of location here as we venture into North Africa’s sizzling scorch. The third game proved to be my entry point, and its inconsistent AI and focus on gameplay rather than character development and story are complaints I still have with sequels to this day. However, Sniper Elite had a market, and as a result, more games were commissioned.
Zombie Army Trilogy arrived a few months later to revamp the formula. I reviewed this elsewhere in my early writing days, and it was an effort to capitalize on the growing Zombie game trend. It packaged all three Zombie Army games in a more linear and narrow-sighted effort. Repetition does creep in as you progress, but it was a welcome change to the Sniper Elite name.
The Zombies are asleep for now as Sniper Elite 4 brings back the classic sandbox-based gameplay from the dead. The fourth mainline entry is the best-received release to this point from a critical standpoint, with reviewers enjoying the improved AI and enhancement of X-Ray kills. It sold well, meaning Sniper Elite 5 was an absolute given to be the next game.
Had you for a moment, didn’t I? Zombie Army 4: Dead War comes next and adds many new ideas compared to Trilogy. New enemy types look to mutilate you (see the image above) and you gain ways to combat demons. We’ll see if Rebellion ever does another Zombie spin-off, and if not, Zombie Army 4 is a fine auf Wiedersehen.
It’s time for another Sniper Elite first with VR! Rebellion understands trends, and 2021 had the PSVR headset in full flow with competing headsets. When it comes to VR, how do you make the thrill of looking down the lens of a Sniper Rifle more immersive? The short and sweet affair wouldn’t be the last in the virtual space.
Sniper Elite 5 represents the series’ next-gen bow. The graphics are noticeably sharper (as is Karl’s aim) and the content hits harder in all the right places. Yes, I sound like a broken record, but the gameplay feels consistent and fun. I had a great time, but it feels like some key improvements are needed to elevate the franchise. SE5 is a great starting point for the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S era, and Rebellion has used the hardware well.
Winter Warrior arrived two years later, featuring a limited release schedule on Meta Quest devices. It’s the first time a SE title has embraced snow. Like the Zombies spin-offs, we’ll have to see if Rebellion goes cold with future Sniper Elite VR titles.
And now we’ve come full circle to Sniper Elite Resistance. The sequel is a spin-off of sorts of the fifth main game, putting us in the shoes of Harry Hawker. Whatever happens, the Sniper Elite legacy is established at this point. Millions of copies have been sold, countless fans are vying for new releases, and as long as Rebellion is about, a Sniper Rifle won’t be too far away.
Which is your favorite Sniper Elite game in the whole series? What is it about SE that sucks you in for every sequel? Leave a comment and reveal all.
Keep up to date with the latest news including a Sniper Elite Battle Royale game being canceled.
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