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After its debut in Sniper Elite 5, Axis Invasion made a comeback inSniper Elite: Resistance, giving you the chance to become the enemy and crash other players' campaigns. Inspired by mechanics like the Souls' series invasion, Axis Invasion can be a lot of fun if you know what you’re doing.
Whether you’re the one being invaded, or want to start taking down players in their own games, it’s a mode that’d definitely worth trying out at least one.
Updated by Allyson Cochran on July 12, 2025:Want to invade your friends? We added a section detailing how to do so.
What Is Axis Invasion?
Axis Invasion is a mode that letsyou invade otherwise single-payer campaigns.
Once an invasion is underway, the goal is simple:kill or be killed. If the invaded player dies, they’lllose progress in the missionand the invader will gain a rank. Each kill will unlock either a weapon or modifcation, or a skin for the invader.
Axis Invasion is enabled by default, however youcan choose to turn it offthrough the main menu if you’d rather play the campaign in peace. To do this, go toOptions,thenGame,and setAllow Axis Invasionto eitherOff, or Invite Only.
Being Invaded
You can be invaded inmost missions of the campaign, with the exceptions beingthe first and last chapters. In general, though, youcan’t be invaded straight away, and must progress through the level before it can happen. The exact point invasion is enabled islisted in the pause menu.
NPC enemies are still a threat when you’re being invaded, butshouldn’t be your priority. Instead, finding and taking down the axis sniper should be the sole thing you focus on; this is because if you are killed, you can restart progress from the moment you were invaded. Progressing too far into the mission couldresult in progress lost.
That being said, if you are near the end of a mission,extracting will automatically win the encounter. Sometimes, dashing for the exit might be the best call.
The best weapon you have against an invading sniper is in yourfocus ability. By focusing, the minimap will give thevague direction of the enemy, with the whole minimap lighting up when they’re close enough. Use this liberally totrack your opponent, as it’s a tool they don’t have.
You and the invader both also have access to phones spread across the map. After some time has passed without either of you seeing the other, the phones can be used toimmediately show both players' locations.It is a risky move to give yourself away, but it can be invaluable to know how safely you can move..
Tips For Being Invaded
Playing As The Axis Invader
When you first invade a player, you’ll spawn into a random position on the map. This will always bequite far awayfrom your opponent, giving you time to get to cover, scope out the environment, and work out what your next move it.
Playing as the Axis Invader works slightly differently to playing as Harry Hawker. You have anumber of unique skills, but also a few severe limitations.
Description
Eagle Eyes
Tagging NPCs will show you the location ofthe last time they saw your opponent.
Stay Sharp
NPCs within range of you willdetect your opponent quicker. This skill is on a cooldown, souse it sparingly.
You’ll receive a notification if the enemy manages totag you.
Wire Trapper
you’re able to rig the phones dotted throughout the level toexplode when your opponent uses them.
Using a bandage or med kit alsoreduces your heartrate.
Speedy Recovery
Your health willbegin to regeneratemore quickly.
The invader can safely move around the level, as they don’t need tohide from NPCs.This lets you sprint from sniping position to sniping position, withonly the opposing sniperposing any danger to you.
However, you also receivemuch less informationabout the location of your opponent. You can’t track their movements, and instead need torely on NPCsspotting them for updated intel on where they are. You also don’t knowhow far along in the mission they are, so you’ll need to physically check mission objectives to help determine where they’re going to head to next.
When making the loadout for your invading sniper, you don’t need to prioritisequietnessas much as you normally would. Your shots won’t alert nearby enemies, so instead focus onrecoil, damage,andstabilityto ensure you can hit your target when the time comes.
Tips For Playing The Axis Invader
How To Invade Your Friends
To invade your friends, you’ll need touse the Invite Code system. First, for a more controlled experience, your friend will need toset the invasion mode to ‘Invite Only’to ensure that only those with the invite code can join the session. Simply go to thesettings menutoenable this option.
Then, your friend will need toenter their selected campaign mission’s preparatory options menuin order to generate an invite code. To find this invite code, they’ll need tonavigate to the top-right social menu(click their username) where it will be displayed and ready to share. When you’re ready to join your friend’s game,head to the same top-right menu,enter their invite code, andselect ‘Join Game As Invader’when prompted.
Once everything is set, you’ll join their campaign and invade their mission.
