Destroying the first transformer | Mission 8 - Ratte Factory Sniper Elite III Guide
Last update: 11 May 2016
Before you reach the first transformer, it would be a good idea to explore the Northern part of the map thoroughly. First of all, locate the narrow passage shown in the screenshot (the North-most point 3 on the map), which will allow you to pass through to the other side of the canyon.
Carefully, walk into the new area and eliminate the two (or more) soldiers staying here. After you have secured this area, explore it thoroughly. Pick up the collectible card from the ground (green point 1 on the map) and unlock the first sniper nest (blue point 1 on the map).
This is not it, because there is the first schematic of the advanced weapon, on the table, on the upper balcony (point 5 on the map). Thanks to collecting the schematic (by pressing the interaction key/button), you will unlock a side objective for the mission and, you also need to find three such schematics more. To return to the eastern part of the map, it is best to take the same route, because the main Southern bridge may be under observation.
Your destination is to the South of here (point 6 on the map) and you can reach it in several ways. If you have nothing against eliminating enemies, take the main path. Along your way, take advantage of the working machinery to drown out your shots. Do not let yourself be spotted by the enemies farther away, and at least one enemy that is patrolling the balconies above. Also, along your way, look out for collectibles, because you can find here a collectible card and a War Diary - Axis Account: Completing Production.
An alternative way to reach the transformer is choosing side paths that are marked with points numbered 4 on the map provided with the walkthrough for this mission. They assume that you walk alongside the canyon. In this way, you can walk around many of the enemies, although you should watch out for the enemies that occupy the Southern bridges and the Western side of the canyon, to prevent being spotted by them.
Before you actually come close to the current target, deal with the enemies that occupy two neighboring bridges (points 3 on the map). This is very important, because you may otherwise be spotted by them, still along your path to the transformer, or right after you sabotage it. Also, you should remember to crouch at all times, thanks to which you will not be noted by the enemy soldiers ahead, to the West of here.
Apart from securing the immediate vicinity, you should also explore the area to the South-West of the transformer. In the spot shown in screenshot 1, there are wooden planks (point 7 on the map), which can be removed. Thanks to this, you will unlock access to the second sniper nest (blue point 2 on the map). After you make it over to the nest, start aiming, because this is where you get the opportunity to take the Long Shot (optional challenge). Your target is standing at the chasm, above your character, to the North of you and he has been shown in screenshot 2.
Note - ignore the marker of the third sniper nest, for the time being, because you will be able to reach it as late as towards the end of this mission.
After you have dealt with everything, return to the transformer that you have already passed by (point 6 on the map). You do not need to use any explosives here, because you only need to take a shot at the red barrel. Of course, you should make sure that you keep a safe distance of it and, right after you destroy the transformer, take cover because several enemies may come by (kill them or wait for them to leave).