The 99SV is a reliable semi-automatic sniper rifle, sometimes favored by new infiltrator recruits. The 99SV allows the shooter to hit multiple follow-up shots at long range.
The 99 Sniper Variant is a simple and balanced semi-automatic rifle designed for longer ranges. Though the weapon isn't quite capable of the raw single-shot damage of its bolt-action brethren, like the standard-issue M77-B, the rifle's quick refire time makes it forgiving and gives it the potential to kill bulkier targets faster than those higher damage rifles, further aided by a simple recoil pattern.
The 99SV and Gauss SPR are statistically identical weapons, although the Vanu equivalent in the VA39 Spectre deviates quite significantly in ballistics and ranged performance.
The 6x magnified S3 comes standard on many Terran sniper rifles. Its moderate zoom level and mil-dot sighting makes it perfect for mid-to-long range combat.
The TR's Advanced Precision Scope 10x is responsible for record-setting long distance kills on Auraxis. It comes equipped with a standard mil-dot reticle.
The weapon's muzzle flash and noise generation is reduced, and the player no longer appears on the minimap when firing. In exchange, the weapon's damage falls off 20 meters sooner and bullet velocity is reduced by 15%.
The rail mounted Darklight Flashlight can illuminate hostile cloaked infiltrators and dark areas but the light can give away your position. The light can be turned on and off with Toggle Attachment hotkey.
It is possible to earn both Ribbons and Medals while using the 99SV. Each ribbon is a standard reward for achieving a set amount of kills with the rifle. Medals are awarded upon reaching kill milestones with the weapon.
Anti-infantry sniper rifles now use a separate Sniper Rifles resistance (type 20).
Being struck by a sniper rifle now has more prominent audio.
Dev Note: The damage values for this new resistance are equivalent to small arms. This change will allow us to do is modify the bodyshot damage output from Nanoweave, as mentioned above.
Dev Note: Traditional Forward Grips offered no functional benefits to slow firing semi-auto weapons, so swapping them for Comfort Grips (which reduce the equip and unequip time of a weapon,) can be interpreted as a buff in almost all cases.