Sniper Elite 5: Choosing a difficulty level Sniper Elite 5 guide, walkthrough

In the game Sniper Elite 5 you have 4 difficulty levels to choose from. Our guide explains the main differences between them and the assumptions of the realistic level.

Last update: 22 June 2022

Sniper Elite 5 allows you to adjust the difficulty level to your preferences. In our guide, you will learn about the 4 main difficulty levels, the differences between them, and the unique rules of the authentic difficulty level.

• Choosing and changing a difficulty level
• Authentic difficulty level and 3 other
• Custom difficulty settings

Choosing and changing a difficulty level

In the game, you choose the difficulty level for the first time when you start a new campaign. This doesn't need to be a final decision because the previously selected difficulty level can be changed in the pause menu (option marked in the picture above).

Authentic difficulty level and 3 other

There are four main difficulty levels in the game (detailed options are described in the next section):

1. Civilian is the equivalent of a very low difficulty level,
2. Cadet is the equivalent of a low difficulty level,
3. Sharpshooter is the equivalent of the normal difficulty level,
4. Sniper Elite is the equivalent of the high difficulty level,
5. Authentic is the highest difficulty level with some unique features.

It is best to play the game for the first time on the Sharpshooter or Sniper Elite level (if you know the previous games in the series well). They offer a sufficient challenge, but you don't have to stress about the lack of hints and aiming support, which would make it difficult to avoid detection or take precise shots. The normal or high difficulty will also make it easier to find collectibles and complete optional mission objectives.

Leave the Authentic difficulty for the second playthrough. It has several features that make it much more demanding than the other levels:

1. The user interface is removed - you cannot use help for aiming or, for example, tracking enemies.
2. Realistic projectile physics - you have to consider, among other things, target distance or the current direction and strength of the wind. You should make corrections while taking long-distance shots, and it's easier to miss the target.
3. Opponents are better at combat, and even ordinary soldiers can be quite challenging.
4. There is no health regeneration. The only way to restore lost health is to use Med Kits and bandages (it is worth taking more of them with you on a mission and be careful).

Custom difficulty settings

Instead of selecting the main difficulty level, you can adjust its options to your preferences. This is possible in 2 ways. The first method is to use separate settings in 3 categories:

1. Combat - The options here involve the perception and resilience of opponents, your character resilience, or the amount of ammunition.
2. Sniping - The options here involve how the wind affects the bullet trajectory, projectile physics (on or off), and the Empty Lung mechanic.
3. Tactical options - The options here involve, among others, how much information is displayed on the screen (and enabling or disabling HUD), and health or ammunition visibility.

Additionally, you can go o the advanced difficulty level settings with a list of dozens of options. This tab offers the most opportunity to customize the game for yourself. For example, it is a good idea to use it if you want to turn off the Focus while keeping the rest of the settings. Or to increase the character's health while increasing the effectiveness of enemy attacks.