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The first mission in Sniper Elite: Resistance, titled “Behind Enemy Lines,” is relatively small in scale. The map features just a couple of main areas where you’ll spend your time at the dam practicing your skills in sniping and stealth as Harry Hawker.
Even with its size, there are several alternate paths to explore, and you might overlook the earliest workbench in the game. This guide will help you successfully tackle the dam during the first chapter of Resistance.
Pressurize The Dam
While your first task is labeled as Neutralize The Flak Batteries, your initial objective is to pressurize the dam by going beneath it. You’ll take care of the flak cannons later on.
The level starts at the Observation Tower, giving Harry a vantage point to survey the entire area. Use your binoculars to scout for enemies and tag as many as you can, focusing on two important targets:
- On the left side, there’s a raised wooden platform with a sniper on it. Eliminate him first to avoid long-range attacks. There are more snipers on the lower walkways of the dam, but they are less critical to take down.
- At the beginning of the level, look to the right of the dam for a jeep carrying four enemies. They will park near a cluster of buildings at the bottom right, which puts them within earshot when you fire. Eliminate them to make things easier for yourself later on.

There are enemies not only on the dam, but also on the walkways beneath it and atop the Flak Batteries. Additionally, keep an eye out for enemies to the far right.
After dealing with all visible threats, descend from the tower using the pipes and wires. Harry will slide down a hill onto a platform overlooking the dam. Crouch down and sneak up on the enemy here for a silent takedown. Loot his body for resources, then either trap it or toss it into the abyss.
From your position, take a look to your right at the bottom of the dam to notice two large pipes. Shoot the control panels next to both pipes with your rifle to pressurize the dam and complete your first objective.
Neutralize The Flak Batteries
Now it’s time to focus on the main objective of the mission. Begin by climbing up the grates and pipes from the platform overlooking the dam until you reach the buildings where the jeep was parked earlier.
Harry suggests that you make some noise if you’d like, but it’s best to head into the barn ahead. Instead of rushing upstairs, pick up the crowbar from the box and pry open the planks on the left wall to gain access to the first workbench in the game. This will allow you to make a few upgrades to your pistol.
Be cautious as some enemy soldiers might hear you prying the planks or climbing the stairs if you haven’t eliminated them earlier. Move slowly and use melee attacks whenever possible.
One enemy may be hiding in the ruined building across from the barn, making him tricky to spot. This soldier can notice your movements whether you approach from the barn or the stairs to your right.
Continue up the hill where you’ll reach a fork in the path. You can either scale the vines, take the road upward, or go through the bunker. Climbing the vines and following the road lead to the same end point, so choose the bunker route.
Within the bunker, you can find a pair of bolt cutters and a lock that, when picked, will give you ammunition and other supplies. Ascend the stairs, and you’ll emerge at the top of the cliff where you previously eliminated three enemies.
On this rooftop, locate a silenced sniper rifle, which offers a significantly reduced sound range compared to your current weapon. This will allow you to eliminate any remaining enemies on the dam quietly. You’ll notice a zipline leading down to the dam walkway, but hold off on using it for now.
On the far side of the dam, you’ll spot two soldiers under a crane. Take out the crane to achieve an easy environmental double kill.
Instead of using the zipline, make your way to the first flak battery. Pick up a satchel charge along the way. Upon arrival, Harry will hint that you could make one flak cannon fire upon the other.
It’s up to you whether you follow through with this suggestion, but it simplifies the task. Rather than placing the satchel charge on the first cannon, go to the other side and utilize the prompt to fire it. This action will destroy the opposing flak cannon on the opposite side of the dam, prompting any nearby soldiers to investigate.
After taking one down, attach your satchel charge to the remaining flak cannon and set a long or short fuse. Ensure you get some distance before it detonates to successfully complete the main task. Now it’s time for your extraction.
Exfiltrate
Thanks to your earlier efforts in eliminating threats at the beginning, you can now navigate along the dam safely using one of three methods:
- Return to the roof where you acquired the silenced rifle and zipline down to the walkway. There are few enemies in this area, making it the safest route to traverse and climb the ladders beyond.
- Cross over the dam’s main road, utilizing cover as needed. Although you may encounter remaining soldiers, you can also find plenty of resources to aid in your combat.
- Tread the path behind the dam. This route offers ample cover, but keep in mind you’ll need to ascend back to the main road before reaching the end.
Upon reaching the other side of the dam, you’ll notice two guards monitoring the extraction zone. Their patrol patterns are predictable, so wait for one to turn their back before taking out the other or simply eliminate them with your pistol.
With the area cleared, you can now safely reach the van and complete your extraction, finishing the mission. If you discovered the workbench in the barn, you’ll have collected every collectible in this mission.