The Hard Target sniper rifle in Starfield has been getting significant attention within the gaming community. While the weapon is in high demand, it is rare and the acquisition is a bit challenging.
What Is Hard Target?
The Hard-Target is a powerful ballistic sniper rifle. This weapon has impressive accuracy and devastating damage, making it the best sniper rifle in Starfield. However, there's a deliberate pause between shots, and those unfamiliar with its bolt cycle mechanism might find its reload speed a little slow.
In comparison with Magsniper, the Hard Target consistently delivers high damage and the Magsniper's damage can be inconsistent. The Magsniper needs to be charged to reach its maximum damage whereas Hard Target's damage is consistently high.
Hard Target Stats
| Weapon Name | Hard Target |
| Type | Ballistic |
| Class | Rifle |
| Ammo | .50 Caliber Caseless |
| Mass | 9.15 |
| Value | 20510 |
| Mod Slots | 7 |
| Base Damage | Phys 116 |
| Base Damage 2 | N/A |
| Mag | 5 |
| Fire Rate | 25 |
| Range | 100 |
| Accuracy | 74.2% |
| Mods | 7 |
| Value | 20000 |
How To Find Hard Target
If you're pursuing a sniper-style of gameplay, the Hard Target sniper rifle should be on your radar. This formidable weapon delivers impressive ballistic damage, making it a must-have for long-range engagements. However, finding it can be difficult.
Here are a few ways to get Hard Target:
- New Atlantis Gun Store: One of the most straightforward methods is to purchase the Hard Target from a gun store located in New Atlantis. This store is known for its diverse range of weapons, with the Hard Target being one of its prime offerings.
- Special Vendors: Apart from the regular gun store, there's a special vendor in Starfield who deals in unique weapons. While it's unclear if players need to reach a specific level to access this vendor, it's worth exploring this option.
- Roswell Hog Star System: For those who prefer a challenge, the Roswell Hog Star System have a deserted biotics lab. Here, players can obtain the Hard Target by defeating a group of pirates. However, be wary; these pirates are not to be underestimated. One player recounted a friendly encounter with these pirates during a storyline for the Crimson Fleet. But things took a dark turn when a confrontation led to a shooting.
Once you reach level 30, the Hard Target starts appearing in the inventory of various vendors. If you find one available, you can expect to spend around 20,000 credits for this rifle. Check these locations often:
- UC Surplus at The Well, New Atlantis
- Centaurian Arsenal in New Atlantis
- Rowland Arms in Akila City
- Neon Tactical in Neon
The Hard Target can also be looted. Explore a high-level star system and seek out enemies of level 60 or above. The tougher the enemy and the higher your game difficulty, the better your odds of finding this top-tier weapon.
Hard Target Modifications and Variants
The Hard Target comes in various modifications and variants, each with its unique attributes. Some players have discussed the differences between these variants, such as the calibrated version, and their impact on gameplay.
| Category | Modifications |
| Barrel | Standard (default) |
| Long | Enhanced Accuracy, Recoil Control, Range; slower ADS |
| Fluted | Lighter; better Accuracy, Recoil Control |
| Bull | Enhanced Accuracy, Stability |
| Stabilizing | Better Accuracy, Recoil Control; slower ADS when stationary |
| Laser | None (default) |
| Sight | Assists target acquisition; boosts Accuracy |
| Recon Sight | Marks enemies; greatly boosts Accuracy |
| Optic | Medium scope for 4× magnified view |
| Reflex | Quick target acquisition |
| Long | 6.5× magnification |
| Recon | Marks enemies during aim |
| Muzzle | None (default) |
| Brake | Boosts long-range Accuracy, Stability; reduces Hip-Fire accuracy |
| Suppressor | Quieter; boosts Accuracy; reduces Range |
| Compensator | Boosts Stability, Hip-Fire accuracy; reduces long-range Accuracy |
| Grip/Stock | Standard (default) |
| Tactical | Lighter; faster ADS, Reload; better Stability |
| Magazine/Battery | Standard (default) |
| Armor-Piercing | Boosts Damage; adds Armor Penetration |
| Large | More Ammo; slower ADS, Reload |
| Penetrator | Boosts Damage; hits multiple enemies |
| Tactical | Lighter; faster ADS, Reload |
| Whitehot | Adds burning Energy Damage |
| Internal | None (default) |
| High Powered | Boosts Damage |
| High Velocity | Boosts Accuracy, Range |