Sniper Elite: Resistance is a third-person shooter that emphasizes stealth, tactical combat, and precision sniping set against the backdrop of World War II in occupied France. As Harry Hawker, an SOE agent, players uncover a secret Nazi superweapon while aiding the French Resistance in a story that parallels events in Sniper Elite 5. Released in January 2025, this entry builds on the series' signature mechanics, offering a mix of single-player and multiplayer experiences across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms.
Gameplay
The core of Sniper Elite: Resistance revolves around strategic infiltration and elimination in large, open maps filled with Nazi forces. Players rely on advanced sniping systems that account for factors like wind, gravity, and heart rate, making each shot a calculated risk. Stealth plays a key role, with options to sneak past guards, set traps, or use silenced weapons for quiet takedowns. The visceral X-ray kill cam highlights successful hits, displaying bullet paths through enemy bodies in slow motion, which extends to submachine guns and pistols for added impact.
Weapon customization enhances tactical choices, allowing adjustments to scopes, stocks, barrels, and ammo types at workbenches scattered throughout levels. Authentic World War II firearms return, including rifles and sidearms that can be upgraded for different playstyles, such as armor-piercing rounds for heavy targets or non-lethal options for subdued approaches. Combat feels grounded, with third-person shooting that rewards positioning and environmental awareness over run-and-gun action.
Game Modes
The campaign mode forms the heart of the experience, where players tackle objectives like sabotaging Nazi operations with flexible infiltration and extraction points. It supports co-op play, letting a partner join to share resources and revive each other during intense firefights.
Axis Invasion mode adds tension by allowing another player to invade your campaign as an enemy sniper, turning solo runs into cat-and-mouse pursuits. Propaganda Missions shift focus to time-sensitive tasks as a Resistance fighter, emphasizing quick sniping and stealth to dismantle propaganda efforts.
Multiplayer options include competitive 16-player battles for earning rewards like XP and medals, alongside a Survival mode where up to four players defend against enemy waves. These modes encourage customized loadouts and character setups for varied strategies.
Is It Worth Playing?
For those who enjoy methodical stealth shooters with satisfying sniping, Sniper Elite: Resistance delivers a solid package, especially if you appreciated earlier entries in the series. Reviews highlight its deep mechanics and replayable modes like Invasion, which bring innovation to the formula. However, some critics note it feels familiar, lacking major evolutions from Sniper Elite 5.
Player feedback on platforms like Steam praises the controls, visuals, and the thrill of multiplayer invasions, making it a strong choice for WWII-themed action. If tactical gameplay and co-op appeal to you, it's a worthwhile addition, though fans seeking fresh twists might find it iterative. With no major post-launch issues reported and ongoing community engagement, it holds up well in 2026.
