Sniper Guide

Sniper Rifles can be argued to be both the strongest and weakest of weapons in Mass Effect. Using them requires a bit more skill and strategy than other weapons, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Heat
Most rifles are designed only to fire one shot at a time, or two in quick succession before needing to cool, with ratings typically between 1.1 and 1.5 shots before overheating. However, this can be taken advantage of by using explosive ammunition. The major drawback with the ammo type is the ungodly +500% heat generation, but given that Sniper Rifles almost invariably need to cool after every shot, this drawback is of little consequence.

Although the heat is much higher than other weapons, the damage for each shot can easily make up for it in the right hands. Most of the time, a single shot can eliminate a typical threat, but tougher enemies such as Krogan, Geth Prime/Armatures, or turrets will likely take more shots, or an entirely different approach depending on the difficulty setting.

Strategy
Sniper Rifles are excellent in situations where the target(s) are further away than other weapons can accurately hit their marks. Most missions involving the Mako, for example, will often give you plenty of distance from the threats so that their shots will rarely hit you at all, and give you time to leisurely dodge projectile attacks like rockets and seige pulses.

Close Quarters Combat
Avoid, at all costs. If a target is too close, or charging you, it is advisable to use the pistol or another weapon for better results. If, for whatever reason, other weapons are unavailable, or if you want to save time by not switching weapons, a quick melee attack will typically floor an enemy long enough to get a comfortable distance between you.

Mid-Range Combat
Often times, the area you're in is not suitable for genuine sniping, but there is a simple way to make the Sniper Rifle shine: While maintaining a crouch, target an enemy, but don't zoom in. When the reticule turns red, take the shot, and you can usually nail middle-range threats.

Long Range Combat
The shining jewel of Sniper Rifles. With few points spent into the skill, when zoomed in, the rifle sways in unpredictable ways, but as more points are spent, the swaying is reduced until the rifle only moves when the player isn't stationary or under fire. The immense damage and high heat generation generally inclines a user to find cover, peeking around/over an obstruction only long enough to take the shot. On lower difficulty settings, or against weaker targets, it may only take a single shot to neutralize a target.