Reaper is my main- haven't used the SS much since I leveled it up.
I have two reapers, one with a Hawkens (my main) and one with a Slug Rifle (secondary).
Scout and Tech are the other mechs i usually pilot, selected based upon the Needs of the Team,
such as who's already equipped what,who/what we're fighting, etc.
It is RARE that more than one sniper is useful on most teams in most circumstances;
if you're sure that person is You, cover your teammates and don't get killed.
The best snipers most often have way more assists than kills in a team match.
Follow a good SS/Reaper around with a tech (Hawkens equipped) on the maps to learn the sweet/vulnerable spots.
Best Reaping maps:
Facility- absolute Best for reaping, can use Hawkens or Slug.
Bazaar- Good base side substantially better, do better myself Scouting from the congested base.
If you're Reaping from the lesser base location, use a Hawkens- you'll need the ability to CQC in the narrow passages isolating your base from the rest of the map. Slug can be used from better base side.
Last Eco- Takes quite a while to learn the lines- the real trick of which is knowing where you are vulnerable.
Bunker- a little wide open, which is as bad as it is good (Those pesky Predators and Assaults will come after you fast). Working the high points and cover is fun, though can be difficult.
Front Line- Good lines, open enough with plenty of places to hide, and escape.
Maps not as great for sniping:
Uptown- can be easy to get caught in the open or in a narrow corridor, but much better than Origin.
Origin- not as many lines as it seems, most of them obstructed, easy to get snuck up on/ ambushed unless you have a Scout/Tech/other teammate watching your back. Lots of dead ends, making escape difficult.
General tactics with a Reaper/ sniping:
Cover your teammates.
Know the map, where your team will be engaging, locations that provide good lines and cover,
and is out of radar range of mechs in the engagement zone.
Hit the enemy hard once or a few times then get to the next spot.
Be aware of your vulnerable spots.
Know your escape routes.
Frequently unscope and check your radar, ready to hit accuracy skill and CQC with a Hawkens unscoped.
For all A Class:
Air Compressor and Air 180 internals are vital for getting out of bad spots.
A Small Repair Kit, well placed behind cover, can get you out of an otherwise impossible situation,
take just a nip off of it, pop out of cover, fire, get back behind cover and take another nip.
Edited by FirstRaven, May 03 2014 - 10:21 AM.