What Counts as a Scoped Weapon in Starfield? – Answered

If you’re like me, then you have started heavily investing in the ballistic weapons side of Starfield, and using scopes is one of the best ways to increase your overall damage. But not every sight counts toward the Sniper Certification, so I’m here to clear up which scopes count.

What Counts as Scope in Starfield?

Weapon sights that specifically have “scope” in their name will count as scopes for skills such as Sniper Certification in Starfield. The reason the distinction is important is that not all optics or sights fall under the same category. To make matters even more confusing, there aren’t truly any “sniper rifles” in the game.

Any weapons that have real range are simply classified as rifles, and each one can be modded in numerous ways. Something like the Grendel can be modded with a longer barrel, a medium-range scope, and semi-automatic fire. In a roundabout way, the Grendel would then fit the scoped sniper rifle category.

Optics that you find on weapons or as mods don’t count as scopes if they have “sight” in the name. A reflex sight won’t check off the criteria for Sniper Certification as a skill in Starfield, and that means you won’t get the same headshot bonuses. At a bare-bones level, any optics with significant zoom will count.

There are weapons like the Old Earth Hunting Rifle that have a scope by default and it can’t be changed. These still count as scoped rifles, and if you can get lucky at a vendor, they also sell rifles that fit the sniper aesthetic much better. Like all the other weapons in Starfield, these can be modded to fit other categories as well.

To get more attachments in Starfield, check out my guide on how to research weapon mods.