Question for Snipers - Crawling Through Open Fields

[Obsolescence 129]

Hi everyone. This is my first post.

I've only been playing for a couple dayz (harhar) and I was wondering whether it is better to run or crawl through an open field if I'm worried about sniper fire. I've noticed in this game, like many others, that the grass doesn't render as far as entities (players, animals, etc). So, if I crawl through a field how easy would it be for a sniper to spot me without his scope and then zoom in to just shoot through the grass where he believes me to be?

Ultimately, I'm wondering if faced with crossing an open field is it better to zig-zag run or slowly crawl?

Thanks and good luck out there!

[Elexo 10]

I rather run zig-zag over an open field, i been shot at while doing this but never been hit.

But maybe its better to crawl i just think it takes to long time ^^.

Edited July 25, 2012 by Elexo

[asaguda 8]

When I cross fields I just run or crouch-run straight. Crawling is baaaad if you're worried about sniper fire, even if he misses, you stand completely still when you try to get up, so he can follow up with a killshot.

If I hear fire and it's not anyone I know, I start zig-zagging while using ALT to look towards the shooter, see if I can spot him. That said, open field encounters have only happened me a few times, and I've played quite a while.

[slyder73 94]

Welcome to the game.

The answer is no, it is not a good idea to crawl through open fields.

This is the Arma2 mechanics. The grass that you are crawling through on your screen is drawn around you for a certain radius. Outside of that radius there is no grass and consequently from someone else looking towards you they see no grass around you.

This means that a distant sniper, on a hillside for example looking down at you in that field would see ONLY you and no grass. The grass obscures your vision but from the perspective of the distance person there is no grass around you.

Take a look next time at distant fields etc, you will notice from your perpsective there is no grass. Someone crawling out there would be wide open and naked to the shot. The poor guy crawling would think he has the cover of grass but that would be true only withing that small radius to someone else also in that drawn grass area.

Best to avoid open fields and when you have to cross them, find the narrowest point and run in a straight fast line. Zig zagging will catch the eye of anyone watching and puts you in the field for a longer period of time.

Edited July 25, 2012 by Slyder73

[zenatsu (DayZ) 96]

Honestly, around 150m-200m snipers can spot you even in the treelines.

Its actually better to run through a field than crawl, since you are far slower and a sniper can line up the shot a lot easier (free kill basically). If you haft to run through a field, move about sporadically. And if you're under fire, Run around like a mad man. The more shots they miss, the less ammo they have.

[Puffler 36]

Best to run from Cover to Cover if there is any. If not, best to take the nearest treeline.

If you hear any gunfire your way, start zig-zagging. Then head for the nearest building a take base of action.

Crawling through a field will be more easy for you to get spotted but is faster.

Going prone through a field is slow but is great if you do not want to get spotted.

Hope this helped.

[Obsolescence 129]

This means that a distant sniper, on a hillside for example looking down at you in that field would see ONLY you and no grass. The grass obscures your vision but from the perspective of the distance person there is no grass around you.

My understanding was that the grass is drawn when the sniper zooms in on you, just not while no-scoping. Is that not true?

[Steven89 22]

the worst thing u can do is go prone....the problem is...some servers have nametags enabled that is the first problem. the second problem is u can only see the gras up to 150 metres so that makes it easy to spot u....

if a sniper is on your ass run left an right and dont put any structure in your zig-zag :D

good luck buddy..

Edited July 25, 2012 by Steven89

[Suzie (DayZ) 13]

It's usually the best to avoid open fields to begin with.

If you, however, have to cross one and expect possible sniper fire, just run.

Remember that snipers don't have large clips and will work to make every shot count.

If you run like a mofo, they are most likely to miss, thus wasting ammo on you.

Look at it this way: Every time a sniper misses a shot, equals one less kill for that player.

[slyder73 94]

My understanding was that the grass is drawn when the sniper zooms in on you, just not while no-scoping. Is that not true?

No, from a distance there is no grass, not even drawn in for snipers. Grass is only visible on YOUR screen in close and not visible to other players outside of that radius.

Do not crawl through fields because you actually do not have any grass cover.

[herrjon 478]

If absolutely can't avoid the field, or road for that matter, just run, crouch run if chance of zeds. Scope out the treeline before you go, and keep your ears open for gunfire. If you hear a shot, zig-zag randomly, being sure to run through any brush and what not and change direction there. It's up to you if you want to engage them but I don't recommend it, since most snipers have an automatic in their packs.

Now if you are caught under sniper fire while prone (say in a town or w/e), DO NOT STAND UP. The animation is more than enough time for them to line up an easy kill shot. Do roll a number of times in both directions until you can put cover between you and them, then stand up and zig-zag run and what not until you can leave the area.

[tarin4med@gmail.com 10]

If a sniper can hit you while you are running, the only reason you aren't dead is because you aren't a worthwhile target for them.

The worst thing you can do with a sniper in the area is to stop or move slowly anywhere they have LOS on you.

[:VADER: 88]

RUN!!! get the hell out of there run to cover never laydown your just a sitting duck