Valorant: Tactical FPS Guide

Valorant is a free-to-play first-person shooter (FPS) that lets players control a selection of hero characters called Agents to compete against others across multiple game modes. It is considered a tactical shooter that resembles Counter-Strike more than Call of Duty. The game was developed and published by the renowned video game studio Riot Games.

Officially released on June 2, 2020, the game received numerous positive reviews and became a potential major Esports title. Although there are currently five (5) different game modes, the main mode remains a Counter-Strike-style bomb-planting series, where two (2) teams of five (5) players take turns attacking or defending bomb sites. The winning team is the first to win thirteen (13) rounds of the match.

However, what is new to the proven formula is the introduction of Agent abilities; each Agent possesses unique skills and power-ups relevant to their different playstyles and roles.

If you find yourself craving a different shooter experience, Valorant should definitely be on your list of favorite new contenders!

💻 PC Requirements

Although the game launched in 2020, the PC specs needed to play it properly are quite generous. Here are the official PC requirements revealed by Riot Games:

Aspect	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
OS	Windows 7 or later (64-bit)	Windows 7 or later (64-bit)
Processor	Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 (or equivalent)	Intel i3-4150 (or equivalent)
Memory	4 GB RAM	8 GB RAM
GPU	Intel HD 4000	NVIDIA GeForce GT 730
DirectX	Version 11	Version 11
Storage	100 GB available space	120 GB available space

These technical specs are very reasonable, especially in terms of GPU and RAM. Now that we have established the basic specs, let’s get into the action!

🕵️ Special Agents

In Valorant, Agents are heroic characters recruited into the VALORANT Protocol. Each Agent is gifted with unique abilities that can be purchased with in-game credits during each round. There are also Agent contracts to complete in order to unlock special rewards.

To date, there are about sixteen (16) different Agents. Agents have their own specific roles on the battlefield, categorized into four (4) different aspects:

Duelist: The team’s damage dealers, excelling at catching the enemy team off guard.
Initiator: Lead the charge against entrenched teams, exploiting gaps so your team can push in.
Sentinel: The team’s guardians, Agents who prioritize defensive maneuvers and tactics to protect their allies.
Controller: Take command of the battlefield, dictating the best course of action using their powerful abilities.

A well-balanced team will consist of all four Agent roles. However, nothing beats experience and skill, which can only be gained by playing each Agent. Stop hesitating and pick up that weapon, cadet!

🕹️ Unique Game Modes

Valorant’s primary game type is Spike Mode, which is essentially a Bomb Plant/Defuse mode similar to the one in Counter-Strike. In addition, other game modes are available:

Unrated

Casual, non-competitive tactical shooting sessions.
Uses the same bomb plant/defuse mechanics, but will not count toward your Rank Rating (RR).
The match ends in a Best-of-25 format; the first team to win 13 points wins.
If the score is tied (12-12), a sudden death round is played.
Attacking team: Tasked with planting the Spike (bomb).
Defending team: Tasked with preventing the Spike from detonating.
Teams switch sides after the first twelve (12) rounds.

Competitive

This is where your shooting skills are tested; the ranked equivalent of Unrated matches, where every win awards you Rank Rating (RR).
To unlock it, you must win ten (10) Unrated matches.
Your in-game prowess will be tied to different ranked tiers consisting of:
- Iron (III to I)
- Bronze (III to I)
- Silver (III to I)
- Gold (III to I)
- Platinum (III to I)
- Diamond (III to I)
- Immortal
- Radiant
The standard mode is Spike Mode, but instead of sudden death (at 12-12) there will be overtime (you must win 2 consecutive points).
Two (2) other game types in Competitive mode:

Replication

Each team plays as the same Agent (five Skyes vs. five Cyphers).
Players on each team vote for an Agent, and the game randomly picks one.
Best-of-9 format; the first team to win 5 points wins.

Spike Rush

A simplified variant of Spike Mode, in a Best-of-7 format for faster matches.
The first team to win 4 points is the winner; teams switch sides after round 3.
The weapon loadout is the same for every player.
Orbs are scattered across the entire map and grant power-ups.
Player abilities are available at the start of each round.
Every player on the attacking team gets a Spike.

Deathmatch

You play against thirteen (13) other players on the map, respawning at random every time you are killed.
You win by being the first to reach 40 kills or by being in first place on the leaderboard after 9 minutes.
Abilities are removed to put more emphasis on player skill.

Escalation

A Team Deathmatch version of the normal Deathmatch mode (teams of 5 players).
Victory is achieved by accumulating kills; your team progresses through different weapon loadouts.
You win if you are the first to complete all segments of the meter or are ahead after 10 minutes.

Practice

Lets you get familiar with the game’s basic mechanics before playing online.
Three (3) drills:
- Shooting Test: Various challenges to improve your aim and shooting.
- Spike Planting: An introduction to planting the Spike.
- Spike Defusal: An introduction to defending sites and defusing the Spike.

🔫 Weapons of Mass Destruction

In Valorant, you currently have seventeen (17) different types of weapons at your disposal, excluding the classic tactical knife. Weapons are divided into six (6) different categories:

Sidearm

A reliable companion when your primary weapons run out of bullets.
Deal significant damage in mid-range encounters, but require precision for headshots.
Variants: Classic, Shorty, Frenzy, Ghost, Sheriff.
Mantra: “Switching to your sidearm is faster than reloading.”

Sub-Machine Gun (SMG)

Essentially upgraded versions of sidearms.
Good running speed.
Very good for close- and mid-range fights thanks to their high rate of fire.
Variants: Stinger, Spectre.

Heavy Machine Gun (HMG)

The most powerful version of SMGs and assault rifles.
Destructive, dealing massive damage with large magazines and high bullet penetration (dangerous for enemies behind cover).
Bulky, slow to reload and less accurate.
Variants: Ares, Odin.

Assault Rifle (AR)

The best all-round gun type, balancing damage, recoil, magazine size, penetration and range.
Headshot damage is the second highest, after sniper rifles.
Variants: Bulldog, Guardian, Phantom, Vandal.

Sniper Rifle

The most damaging weapon type in the game.
Requires fast aiming reflexes.
The trade-off for high damage is a slow rate of fire, reduced movement speed and a minimal magazine size.
Variants: Marshal, Operator.

Shotgun

Designed for Close-Quarters Combat (CQC).
Deadly in close-range scenarios thanks to their spread.
Very weak for long-range shooting.
Variants: Bucky, Judge.

💰 Credits, Everywhere!

Credits (Creds for short) are the in-game currency used to buy weapons and abilities during the buy phase between rounds.

Credit management is vital.
Teammates can “donate” certain weapons if you don’t have credits.
You can hold a maximum of 9,000 credits.
Main ways to earn credits:
- Winning a round: 3,000 Creds
- Losing a round: 1,900 Creds
- Killing an enemy: 200 credits
- Staying alive after a round: 1,000 credits

Your survival means a lot in Valorant; don’t get killed easily.

💡 Tips and Tricks Up Your Sleeve

If you want to level up, these important tips are sure to help you:

Set up your in-game settings: Experiment with mouse sensitivity and adjust your graphics settings and minimap settings.
Get around with your knife: Use the knife to move around the map faster, switching to your primary gun before an encounter.
Remember, controlled shots!: Always fire in short bursts instead of spraying bullets, for better accuracy and recoil control.
Keep your crosshair around head level: Increase your chances of a headshot by keeping your crosshair at the expected height of a player’s head.
Prepare your abilities behind cover: Use your abilities behind cover so you don’t get killed.
Weapon + ability combo: Learn which weapons complement your Agent’s abilities.
Armor is the best medicine: Buy Shields (Light: 400 creds / Heavy: 1,000 creds) to increase your survivability.
Steal that weapon on the floor!: Pick up weapons dropped on the floor if you don’t have credits (you can often get an Operator for free!).
Don’t be stingy with your abilities, especially Ultimates!: Use your powers strategically. Your Ultimate ability is cleared after switching sides.
Intel is everything: Information about the enemy team’s location and equipment is very valuable.
Hear that? (Footsteps): Use Silent Walk (Shift) to move silently and avoid giving away your location.
Learn the maps: Understanding the terrain and flanking routes is key.
Shooting through walls: Some weapons can shoot through thin walls (check penetration).
Plant those Spikes!: Planting the Spike rewards the whole team with 300 credits and one Ultimate Ability point.
Time the Spike timer: Knowing the timings is key: Planting (4s), Defusing (7s), Detonation (45s).
Formations and covering fire!: Coordination and team support are essential, especially when attacking or defending bomb sites.
You only have one life: Survival earns you 1,000 credits per round.
Teamwork is life: Communicate and put the team’s win first.