Set during the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II, one of the deadliest battles in human history, the story centers around Vassili Zaitsev, a sharpshooter in the Soviet Army. Zaitsev rises from being an ordinary infantry soldier to a celebrated hero through his incredible sniper skills. Amidst the chaos and devastation of the siege, his exploits earn him legendary status among his fellow soldiers and the Soviet people. His achievements are amplified by a Soviet political officer, who masterfully uses propaganda to boost soldier morale and portray Vassili as a symbol of hope and resilience against the invading Germans.

The Germans, recognizing Vassili's impact on Soviet morale and the threat he poses to their officers, dispatch their best sniper, Major Erwin König, to eliminate him. This sets the stage for a tense and strategic duel between the two expert marksmen amidst the ruins of the city. Both snipers, aware of the significance of their personal battle, engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse, each trying to outwit and kill the other. Through their encounters, the film explores themes of valor, friendship, rivalry, and the psychological toll of warfare, while providing a stark look at the brutal reality of combat and the personal sacrifices made in wartime.