Ready to jump into Valorant on console after the beta? Or maybe you just need a quick refresher? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with all the essential tips and tricks! Valorant is a fast-paced shooter where two teams of six face off, taking turns to attack or defend. The first team to win 13 rounds takes the victory!
As an attacker, your job is to plant the spike and make it go boom. Defenders? They’re there to stop that from happening. That spike is key, and as an attacker, you need to plant it at specific spots on the map (called Reactor Sites) and guard it until it blows up. Meanwhile, defenders will try to disarm or stop you from planting the spike in the first place. Each round is intense, lasting no more than 1 minute and 40 seconds—seriously, the clock’s always ticking! Let’s break it down further.
Valorant throws you into a 5v5 match, where you play as one of several agents—each with their own unique abilities. And here’s the catch: you can’t have more than one of the same agent on your team. It’s all about teamwork and strategy!
The basic setup is attackers versus defenders. The game is divided into rounds, with each team getting a chance to attack and defend. After 12 rounds, the sides switch. The first team to win 13 rounds wins the game.
As an attacker, you’ll be trying to plant the spike in one of the marked sites. If you’re successful and protect it for 45 seconds, your team wins the round. Defenders, on the other hand, are focused on stopping that spike from being planted or disarming it once it’s set. Of course, if you manage to eliminate all the enemies, that works too.
Before the action kicks off, there’s a Buy Phase where you can spend your hard-earned Creds on weapons, shields, and abilities to help give you an edge in the next round. If you survive the round, you get to keep your gear for the next one.
Valorant’s roster of agents is split into four classes, each designed for different playstyles. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose your best fit:
Duelists: Love charging in with guns blazing? Duelists are your go-to! They’re all about attacking and leading the charge. Enforcers: Need someone to disrupt the enemy’s plans? Enforcers excel at breaking enemy lines and causing chaos. Controllers: If you like to plan and control the flow of the game, Controllers are perfect for you. They can create opportunities for the team to attack or defend. Sentinels: More of a defensive player? Sentinels focus on protecting their teammates and ensuring the team stays strong as the round progresses. Once you’ve chosen your class, get to know your agent’s special abilities. Each agent has two abilities to start with and an Ultimate Ability that you can charge up throughout the game. These abilities can make all the difference, so use them wisely!
There are 18 weapons in Valorant, ranging from pistols to rifles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. You start each round with a basic pistol, the Classic, but you can buy stronger weapons using Creds. Managing your Creds is crucial buy smart to give yourself the best chance to win.
Also, don’t forget about shields! You start with 100 HP, but you can buy Light Shields (400 Creds) to boost your HP to 125, or Heavy Shields (1000 Creds) to max it out at 150 HP. If you have the Creds, go for the Heavy Shields they’re totally worth it!
Tip: It’s always better to buy shields over weapons if you’re short on Creds. Surviving the round is the key!
Abilities are what make each agent unique, and they’re essential to your success. You get two abilities each round, plus an Ultimate Ability that can turn the tide of the game. You can buy abilities at the start of each round, and the price will vary depending on the agent you’re playing.
Make sure to use your Signature Ability and Ultimate Ability to the fullest. These can be game-changers, so don’t waste them! Collect orbs throughout the game to charge up your Ultimate Ability, and use it wisely—it could win you a round when everything’s on the line.
Valorant’s maps are based on lanes, and each one is a little different, but they all follow a similar structure. The current map pool includes: Pearl, Ascent, Icebox, Breeze, Fracture, Haven, Ascend, and Bind. Get to know these maps inside and out, because understanding the layout and knowing the callouts (the terms used to describe locations) will give you a major edge.
Take the time to learn the paths in and out of Reactor Sites. Knowing when to push and when to hold back is key to being a successful attacker or defender. And don’t forget about those sneaky angles—if you know where the enemy might be hiding, you’ll have a much easier time taking them down.
The most important thing in Valorant? Be a good teammate! Whether you’re playing for fun or trying to climb the ranks, communication and cooperation are the keys to success.
Also, remember that Riot Games has rules to keep things fair. If you’re toxic or ruin the experience for others, you might face penalties. So, play nice and have fun!
Stand still when shooting movement messes with your accuracy! Keep practicing and trying new combos. Experiment with your agent’s abilities to see what works best. Most importantly, have fun! That’s what gaming’s all about. Good luck out there! You’re ready to jump into Valorant and start dominating the battlefield!
Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Valorant's Best Weapons
