Today I’m continuing my weapon guide series by looking at the Marksman Rifle in The Division 2. Marksman Rifles, or Sniper Rifles as some like to call them, are the most damaging single-shot weapons in the game; a well built Sniper build can see even the most hardened enemies fold from a well placed headshot. The Sniper Rifles in The Division 2 come in two different variants: The single-shot bolt action Rifles, capable of devastating damage with a sacrifice to fire rate, or the faster, semi-automatic versions that can spam shots at targets with a little less damage.
If pop-shotting from cover is your thing, then here’s 4 Marksman Rifles you will want to get your hands on. As always, I’ve included the talents which i believe would benefit each Marksman Rifle the most, specifically the first two weapon slots (the third holstered talent isn’t as important). Remember, one weapon talent can be rerolled at the recalibration station, so if you find a Marksman Rifle with a single bad talent, reroll it for one more suitable.
Here are my Top 4 Marksman Rifles in The Division 2:
Nemesis
The exotic Marksman Rifle, The Nemesis, shares similarities with the exotic SMG, The Chatterbox. Both of these weapons have absolutely insane holstered talents which means that you often find yourself running with them, but rarely using them:
Preparation – While holstered, gain 25% headshot damage when scoped with your current weapon.
I really like the design of this talent as it promotes skillful play (a good aim!). To activate the 25% extra headshot damage you need to use a (X) scope, one that takes you into a first-person view. I personally prefer to use a (4x) one on a Marksman Rifle, but try it out and see what works best for you. The 25% extra headshot damage makes a huge difference in both PvE and PvP, so much so that I’ve finally stopped using the Chatterbox.
The other weapon talents on the Nemesis are also great fun to use, promoting both team play and a shooting mechanic that’s unique to this weapon.
Counter-Sniper – Shots fired from this weapon deal 0-100% weapon damage based on how long the trigger is held before releasing. The time to reach max weapon damage is reduced whenever a shot does not kill an enemy it hits.
Nemesis – Aiming at an enemy marks them as your nemesis for 15 seconds, letting you see them through walls.
Your shots gain 5% damage to your nemesis for each second they are marked, to a max of 50%.
Counter-Snipe allows for some high damage single shots when fully charged, and it’s pretty satisfying to kill an enemy from long range with a charged up headshot. The Nemesis talent is also a fantastic and unique talent that is extremely useful in group PvE, both for its damage boost and its mark.
The Nemesis is not only a fun and unique Sniper to use, but is also a very powerful weapon in its own right. As it stands, this is currently my favourite weapon in The Division 2, both to use and for its holstered talent.
Need help with obtaining the Nemesis Marksman Rifle? Check out my simple step to step guide here.
Surplus SVD/Paratropper SVD
The SVD is my semi-automatic Marksman Rifle of choice. I’ll pick an SVD over an MK20 almost every time. That’s not to say the MK20 is a bad weapon, because it’s not—hell, it even features on this list—but for me, the SVD’s superior base damage and much tighter reticle mean that, for ease of use when landing headshots and for burst damaging those enemies that rush you, the SVD is just ahead.
Best Talents – Ranger and Stable/Allegro
Model 700/Model 700 Replica/M700 Carbon/M700 Carbon Replica/M700 Tactical
It wasn’t long ago that the Model 700 was one of the most sort after weapons in the game for PvP, due to the fact that even with a fairly average build you could one-shot other players with it. Fast forward to the present, however, and a 13% damage nerf has halted its popularity. Nevertheless, the Model 700 is still the sniper with the highest single-bullet damage, and if built correctly with the right gear and stats it can continue to one-shot undergeared players in PvP (by undergeared, i mean less tanky).
I’ve never really found bolt action Marksman Rifles to be that useful for PvE, and I much prefer to use a semi auto version—such as the SVD—which can handle rushing enemies easier. If you want high numbers, however, the Model 700 is still capable of just that.
Best Talents PvP – First Blood/Ranger and Jazz Hands/Accurate
PvE – Ranger and Accurate
SOCOM Mk20 SSR/SOCOM Mk20 SSR Replica
The Mk20 might fall behind the SVD with its damage and larger bloom, but it closes the gap in other areas, most notably in range, where it has almost double the optimal range of the SVD. Talking of double, the MK20 features a magazine size of 20, whereas the SVD has a far smaller 10 bullet mag. What all of this means is that if you can control the MK20, it will have a greater sustained damage output than the SVD. Give both weapons a try and see what feels best for you.
Best Talents – Ranger and Stable/Allegro
So, that’s my top 4 Marksman Rifles in The Division 2: The unique and powerful, both in use and holstered, exotic Nemesis; the powerful one-shot damage of the Model 700; the easy to use medium range of the SVD; and the sustained damage of the semi-automatic MK20.
If you found this guide useful then please check out my top 5 lists for Assault Rifles, LMG’s, Rifles, and SMG’s. My best weapon talents guide might also be helpful, as it explains some of the talents recommended in this guide in greater detail.
Have I missed something? Maybe I’ve overlooked your favourite weapon? If that’s the case then please let me know in the comments section below – any feedback is greatly appreciated.
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