I've been maining a sniper build for a long time (potentially since I jumped on the M700 Carbon bandwagon when it was strong), and what I've realised now is that there feels like a genuinely significant gulf in capability between Nemesis and I suppose the next best, a Ranger White Death. I've watched alternatives come and go - Mantis and Dread conform to entirely different playing styles other than chaining headshot damage, and I'm not here for that. Not interested in it.

Nemesis is a frustrating weapon to use. Aside from having to break from cover to use it (a death sentence in the only game modes and difficulties it really excels in), it conforms to a slow and heavy playing style that is now essentially entirely at odds with how this game fundamentally works. It's fast-paced, and you're competing with the umpteenth shotgun/SMG build out there on a series of maps where you have to deal with messy environments, ridiculous levels of head-bobbing and frankly laughable levels of blind cover fire accuracy. I don't really feel Nemesis has a place, but it hits so freaking hard there's no alternative. I can't use White Death because there aren't always going to be reds and purples to proc Headhunter, and if I get into the trap of chunking away at an elites' health, I'll just as soon see yet _another_ Heartbreaker roll up and steal the kill. This isn't even on Legendary, I don't bother sniping on there unless it's on Floor 100.

And please don't tell me I need to get good: (https://giant.gfycat.com/QuaintHappygoluckyDuckling.mp4). I'm a skilled, smart player that takes time to place their shots and routinely one-taps Hunters (either on Countdown or Legendary Summit) - this isn't a skill issue. Nemesis simply shouldn't be the only option to do this though. Something without a dumb charge time, and something that sits in between White Death and Nemesis in terms of straight numbers (that preferably doesn't sound like a gerbil fart either).