Can You Use the Bayonet in Sniper Elite 5?
In the latest installment of the hit stealth-action franchise, yes absolutely – expert marksmen and close-quarters fighters alike can affix bayonets to their arsenal. As an iconic yet underutilized weapon attachment making a triumphant return, mastering the bayonet offers Sniper Elite 5 players a tactical edge.
Image source: Sniper Elite Subreddit /u/Feenz1234
This guide will provide an in-depth look at unlocking the full potential of bayonets.
A Legacy Born from Blood
Since originating as 17th century plug blades, bayonets have become indelibly etched into the history of warfare. Despite their decreased relevance in modern conflicts, video games like Sniper Elite continue honoring the lethal legacy of the bayonet.
Previous Series Installments:
- Sniper Elite V2 – Players could fix standard triangle blades underneath weapon barrels.
- Sniper Elite 3 – Saw the introduction of new variant knife bayonets for certain rifles.
- Sniper Elite 4 – Expanded number of attachable knife bayonets across both Axis and Allied forces.
Now in the latest title, Rebellion Developments brings back bayonets while enhancing their versatility and lethality.
Attaching a Bayonet in Sniper Elite 5
Equipping a bayonet functions similarly to previous games.
To affix a bayonet in Sniper Elite 5:
- Approach one of the weapon workbench locations scattered across the game‘s maps.
- Interact with the workbench and select the firearm model you wish to attach a bayonet onto from your inventory.
- Choose the bayonet modification option and it will be permanently fixed below the barrel of that particular weapon.
Once attached, the bayonet remains a part of your equipped firearm unless manually removed via the workbench.
Optimal Firearms for Bayonets
Highlighted below are top rifle and SMG candidates for bayonets based on their well-balanced attributes favoring adaptability:
| Weapon Model | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Karabiner 98 | Iconic bolt-action with high accuracy for long distance shots. |
| Gewehr 43 | Hard-hitting battle rifle with 10 round magazines for close engagements. |
| SREM-1 | French semi-auto marksman rifle effective at all ranges. |
| M1A1 Carabine | American lightweight carbine for mobility during bayonet charges. |
However, as a skilled operator, the best bayonet weapons come down to playstyle and scenario.
Whether stealthily eliminating sentries or desperately fighting off closing infantry, adapting your firearm and melee strategy is imperative. Bayonets transform standard rifles into lethal CQC hybrids.
Revised Bayonet Mechanics
Evolving from previous titles, Rebellion has overhauled the functionality of bayonets in Sniper Elite 5:
Expanded Attack Inputs
- Horizontal slashes and low vertical swipes added to basic stab/thrust.
- Enable greater versatility during close-quarters engagements.
Secondary Melee Weapons
- All melee weapons like shovels and axes can now utilize additional attack types similar to bayonets.
- Closed gap differentiation between firearm-mounted and handheld melee implements.
Enemy reaching Reactions
- AI opponents will dynamically attempt to grab and redirect players’ bayonet thrusts when within reaction range.
- Forces players to adapt attack timing/angles rather than relying on same repetitive strikes.
Adjustable Embedding Angles
- Bayonets properly embed directly into targets at logical angles based on attack direction rather than awkward pre-canned animations.
- Enhances lethality feeling of impaling enemies during takedowns.
These changes help modernize bayonet combat from the last Sniper Elite release in 2017. The entire melee system feels more dynamic with control put back into the players’ hands unlike static repetitive sequences from previous games.
Smooth bayonet takedown dynamics – Image source GameRevolution YouTube
Advanced Bayonet Tactics
Becoming an expert bayonet fighter takes time adjusting to the modernized mechanics. Here are some advanced tactics to apply for different combat scenarios:
Stealth Kills
When infiltrating behind enemy fortifications, quietly eliminating lone guards allows systematically clearing zones. Equip suppressed pistols along with bayonet-fixed carbines for quickly dispatching targets at close and long ranges. Use bayonets on troublesome enemies standing just out of reach for silent pistol takedowns.
Overwhelming Force Multiplier
Sometimes when encountering clustered groups of enemies, embraces chaos and explosively charge right through their ranks! Have teammates focus fire on pinned down targets. Combine automatic bayonet slashes with brutal rifle buttstock strikes while continuously momentum pressed forward. Fighting with reckless abandon diffuses enemy coordination.
Counter Sniper
While scoping high value targets, remain vigilant of flanking counter-snipers. Once hostile snipers close distance, rapidly transition focus from precision rifle work to aggressive CQC. Leverage bayonet mobility slashes to attack confirm opposed to risky scoped shots at awkward angles. Always be adapting!
Learning to actively incorporate bayonets alongside traditional firearms takes practice but offers a substantial offensive and defensive boost. Both common infantry and elite snipers alike will find themselves continually relying on the bayonet as a lifesaving backup tool.
What the Future Holds
Sniper Elite 5’s Season Pass content suggests Rebellion will continue supporting bayonets moving forward:
- New Weapon Packs – Potential for rare and prototype rifles likely candidates for integrating updated bayonet models.
- Expanded Campaign Missions – Additional narrative content for players to utilize bayonets against in creative ways.
- Incoming Cooperative Mode – Four-player teams able synchronize bayonet charges mixing gunfire and melee perfectly.
Additionally, competitive multiplayer loadout selections indicate players will be able customize their bayonet and rifle pairings. Server admins may even restrict entire matches to bayonets only!
While mere speculation at this point, Rebellion could also develop bayonet leaderboards tracking longest melee kill distances. Currently the world record for Sniper Elite 5 is 1,113 meter shot which took incredible luck. However executing a 100+ meter bayonet charge takedown combines both player skill and timing. I for one would love to witness organized competitive bayonet kill events!
At the end of the day, successfully deploying a bayonet in Sniper Elite 5 boils down to operator creativity. Whether exploiting stealth, aggression, or countersniping, integrating secondary melee weapons expands tactical options. Future DLCs will likely keep bayonets relevant. But for now challenge yourself by increasing reliance on the iconic blade attachment!
What bayonet tactics have you found to be most effective? Which firearm and bayonet combo is your favorite? Share your insights in the comments below!
