Sniper Guide for DotA Allstars 6.83: Positioning, Skills and Item Build

Sniper is a ranged carry who wins fights by standing back and dealing damage from a long distance. He is simple to learn but unforgiving: he has little health and no escape skill, so positioning matters more than anything else. This guide explains his skills, a simple build, and how to avoid the mistakes that get Sniper killed.

Note: numbers change between map versions. Use the in-game tooltips for exact values; the principles below carry across 6.8x versions.

Skill overview infographic (original illustration)

Sniper's four skills

• Shrapnel: Rains damage over time on an area and slows enemies in it. Use it to zone enemies away from creeps, to slow a chase, or to cover a retreat.
• Headshot: A passive chance for an attack to deal bonus damage and briefly interrupt the target. It makes his normal attacks more dangerous.
• Take Aim: Increases his attack range. A longer range lets him hit enemies without being hit back, so it is the key to his kiting style.
• Assassinate (ultimate): After a short channel, a high-damage shot hits a single target from a long distance. The delay means enemies can break line of sight or use an escape, so use it on targets that are slowed, stunned or already occupied.

Recommended skill build

1. Level 1: Shrapnel, because the slow and zone control help you farm and survive the lane.
2. Level 2 onward: alternate between Take Aim and Headshot, adding a Shrapnel point when you need more control.
3. Levels 6, 11 and 16: Assassinate.

Item path

Sniper wants attack speed and damage, and a way to survive the one or two seconds when he is caught. Start with boots and items that raise attack speed. Add a defensive or escape item before you go for pure damage. If the enemy team has fast initiators, buying a single protective item early is often better than a third damage item.

How to position

• Stand behind your tanks and next to a tree line or a cliff you can retreat to.
• Attack the closest enemy, not the most dangerous one, unless you are safe. Kiting means shooting, moving back, and shooting again.
• Do not walk first into unwarded areas. Sniper dies fast to a surprise initiation.

Playing Sniper against bots

AI heroes tend to push in a group and commit hard to targets they can reach. Use that: stay behind your front line, use Shrapnel on the lane to stop their advance, and kill creeps from range while the bots take tower damage. Save Assassinate for a hero who is low and trying to run.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sniper good for beginners? He is easy to play when you are ahead and hard when you are behind, so he suits players who can farm safely.

What is Sniper weak against? Heroes that can jump or run onto him, and silences or stuns that stop him from attacking.

Should I always take Assassinate at level 6? Yes. It is his strongest skill for ending fights.