TL;DR [spoiler] 1) statistically speaking, snipers and shotguns are balanced in 6v6. 2) sniper rifles dominate 3v3 activities. 3) availability of special weapon ammo needs to be adjusted for 3v3 and free-for-all. [/spoiler] Anyone else tired of all these conjecture posts about snipers being over powered? What I see is “snipers are OP due to aim assist (curves bullets, aims for you), no sway, quick scopes and therefore every kill is not skill, but a function of a game mechanic.” [b]Aim Assist [from the “experts”]:[/b] [spoiler: it's not what you think] [spoiler] [b]Planet Destiny[/b]: How Helpful is Hidden Hand? What is Aim Assistance? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1WIVLXxfPFM [b]Jon Weisnewski [BUNGIE] [/b]Explains Range, Aim Assist, & Accuracy https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DtkK9OagUnY [/spoiler] If aim assist isn’t aiming for us or curving our bullets, how are snipers overpowered? I think it’s the power of perception and a Reddit user (Pwadigy) wrote an amazing article with what I think nails the topic head on. [b]Article:[/b] https://www.reddit.com/r/DestinyTheGame/comments/3w7o1g/on_snipers_being_overpowered_perception/ Now, in that article is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen: a link to GUARDIAN.GG, a website that allows users to view weapon stats across crucible game modes. Here is the link: PSN: http://guardian.gg/en/weapon-stats?platform=2&start=2016-02-01&end=2016-02-09&mode=10&activity=0 Xbox Live: http://guardian.gg/en/weapon-stats?platform=1&start=2016-02-01&end=2016-02-09&mode=10&activity=0 [u][make sure to update the date range of these links for current information][/u] [b]What does this show us?[/b] It shows, that in 6v6 crucible game modes, shotguns are the dominate secondary, counting for 16% of kills, with snipers at 12% of overall). In 3v3 it shows us sniper rifles are by far and away the most lethal weapon period (Trials = 29%, Skirmish = 20%, Elimination 38%). It also shows that side arms and fusion rifles need some love... [b]What does this mean?[/b] I think it means that 6v6 crucible game modes are balanced. I think it also means that 3v3 game modes are heavily decided on the availability of special weapon ammo. Rumble is also heavily decided by special weapons where shotguns net 21% of all kills (snipers net around 7%). But don’t take my word for it! Click on the link and see for yourself!!! [b]Possible fix?[/b] Maybe snipers could stand to have a small amount of sway; seems reasonable, but I say leave the weapons alone for now and take a look at special weapon ammo in 3v3 and free-for-all game modes. What isn’t constructive is coming up with phantom notions about aim assist. Get to the heart of the problem. [b]Edit:[/b] [spoiler]Be sure to update the date range in GUARDIAN.GG for the latest stats. Pay "special" attention to the special weapons category. Notice 1000-Yard Stare at the top and Conspiracy Theory-D below it. They are given out by the Vanguard as quest rewards and are also amazing weapons, so of course they'll take spots 1 and 2. Also notice that list consists of "top 10" weapons: PSN: 6 shotguns, 4 snipers and ... XBL: 6 shotguns, 4 snipers and .... Compare the percentage differences between the three most used shotguns to snipers and the amount of shotguns listed.[/spoiler]