The core of Sniper Elite 5 remains the trademark sniping mechanics the series is famous for. The game emphasizes realism, requiring players to account for bullet drop, wind speed, and heart rate when taking shots.

The game’s campaign is set predominantly in France in 1944. Karl Fairburne uncovers "Operation Kraken," a mysterious Nazi plot that threatens to turn the tide of the war back in Germany's favor. The narrative drives the player through various diverse environments, from the sun-drenched streets of a French town to the cold, industrial heart of a massive U-boat base. The story serves as a backdrop for the gameplay, focusing on sabotage, assassination, and intelligence gathering.

A comprehensive repack typically based on the includes the core game plus two seasons of expansion content.