Hey GAMPIONS! Are you tired of other TPP games? Want to explore something else? Then, if you're looking for something like this tactical 5v5 shooter, the game you should check out is Valorant. Just getting started? Well, you're in for some serious action, and it's both gunplay and character-specific abilities.
Whether you come here to hone your aim, figure out what's the best crosshair for you, or want to learn the basics of this game, this guide is for you. Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty and basic strategies and tips to make you a master in the game of Valorant.
Valorant is a 5-on-5 multiplayer game; you join a team composed of Agents, each representing different abilities, competing over rounds of fast-paced rounds of attack and defence in which strategy and teamwork define winning.
This way, your objective as an attacker is to plant that bomb-like device called Spike, while the defenders need to prevent it from planting or have to defuse it when one has already been planted. With a mix of strategies, quick reflexes, and teamwork, Valorant brings a fresh take to traditional FPS gameplay.
It will download Valorant, and from the official Riot Games website, you can find a section on Valorant from where you can download it.
The download size is just about 20-30 GB and keeps growing so ensure that your PC has considerable space for it.
The first thing to do is set up your account. So, you basically create a Riot Games account, which will allow you not only access to Valorant but other Riot games, such as League of Legends, for instance. Valorant is not available on the mobile yet, but from what I have heard about it, there might already be a mobile version up for release.
Before jumping into the game, configure your settings for an optimal experience. To get smooth gameplay, lower your graphic settings if you’re on a mid-range PC to reduce any lag or stuttering.
Sensitivity settings in Valorant are a huge factor—pro players typically use lower sensitivity for greater control during aim. If you’ve played other FPS games, try similar sensitivity settings to ease into Valorant. Once you’re comfortable with your controls and graphics, you’re ready to start your first match.
Valorant offers a few game modes that let you explore different aspects of gameplay:
Unrated (Casual Play): Perfect for learning the ropes or experimenting with new strategies. Unrated mode is a full match without the pressure of rankings.
Competitive (Ranked): This is where things get serious. Once you reach level 20, you can access Competitive, where each match affects your rank. The ranking system is progressive, starting from iron and moving up to radiant, which is the highest level. Winning consistently and performing well in each match is essential for climbing the ranks.
Spike Rush: A shorter game mode where rounds are condensed. It’s a fast-paced way to improve your aim and reaction time without committing to a full-length match.
Deathmatch: Purely focused on aiming practice, this mode lets you respawn continuously without worrying about the Spike or objectives. It’s great for warming up.
Each game mode has something to offer, from practising with Spike Rush to ranking up in Competitive.
In Valorant, you don’t just play as yourself—you play as an Agent, each with unique abilities that define their playstyle. Agents are divided into four categories based on their primary role:
Duelists: Think of them as the “entry fraggers.” Duelists like Jett and Reyna are designed for aggressive plays and taking out opponents first.
Controllers: They control the battlefield with smokes and other abilities. Omen and Brimstone can create advantageous positions by blocking enemy vision.
Initiators: These Agents help break enemy defences, offering abilities that force opponents out of hiding spots. Sova and Breach are great examples, with skills that reveal or disrupt enemies.
Sentinels: They’re your team’s last line of defence, setting up traps or healing allies. Sage and Killjoy are known for their supportive roles, providing healing or creating barriers to control areas.
Try each Agent to find one that suits your playstyle. Are you the aggressive type who wants to rush the enemy? Go with a Duelist. Prefer to support your team? Sentinel might be the role for you.
Valorant isn’t just about shooting—managing your resources is just as important. Each round, you earn Creds, which you can use to buy weapons, shields, and abilities. Here’s a breakdown of the economy:
Save Rounds: Sometimes it’s better to save your Credits for a full buy in the following round. Low-budget rounds are a good opportunity to get your economy back on track.
Buy Rounds: When you have enough credits, go for the best weapons, shields, and abilities. Primary weapons like the Phantom, Vandal, and Operator are highly effective but costly. Pairing these with full armour provides a good chance of survival.
Mastering the Valorant economy means knowing when to buy and when to hold back. Poorly managed resources can lose a match, so strategize carefully.
Your crosshair is crucial for aiming accuracy. In Valorant, crosshairs are fully customizable, and you can even copy popular crosshair codes used by pro players. Experiment with crosshair colours, thicknesses, and styles until you find the perfect setup for your game.
If you’re just starting, try a classic small green crosshair, which is highly visible against most backgrounds. Fine-tune it as you gain more experience in the game.
Knowing the maps is essential in Valorant. Each map, from Bind to Fracture, has unique features and bomb sites, which can make or break your strategies. Familiarize yourself with map callouts—knowing what “Heaven” or “A-Site” means can improve your communication with teammates, leading to better coordination.
Valorant currently has seven maps in rotation, each offering different styles of play and strategies. Map knowledge is a huge advantage, so spend some time exploring each map or watching gameplay to see common strategies.
Valorant is free to play, though cosmetic elements can be unlocked via a currency called Valorant Points (VP). In turn, you can spend them buying skins, gun buddies, player cards, as well as many more types of skins. There's bound to be something always on its way since Riot drops some new skins regularly.
The Battle Pass is another amazing feature. You can buy the Battle Pass for 1,000 VP, and it has exclusive rewards that unlock as you level up. It is divided into tiers and rewards with skins, sprays, and many other items as you complete challenges.
As it is currently only on PC, Riot Games has indicated the possibility of releasing the Valorant mobile version, a customized app for mobile phones with some controls and gameplay set adjustments.
For PC players, you may want to ensure your machine is capable of running a game without lag. You probably need a decent set of hardware, such as an average GPU and at least 8 GB of RAM to run it smoothly.
As you progress, here are some additional tips to help you elevate your game:
Learn from Pros: Watch streams, read guides, and observe pro players to see their strategies and techniques.
Use Your Agent Abilities Wisely: Focusing completely on shooting is one of the biggest mistakes of most players. Learning how and when to use your abilities can win you a close match.
Deathmatch Practice: This mode is perfect for the fast improvement of your reflexes and accuracy. Spare a few minutes in Deathmatch before each session to warm up.
Stay Cool and Smart Play: Sometimes Valorant is just too aggressive. The game just gets people really frustrated at some points. It would take their breath, have the person sit tight, focus on his objectives, and learn each game.
It's a game that rewards patience, skill, and strategy. Every aspect of the game - mastering your aim and economy, understanding each Agent and map - offers room for improvement.
Jump into the world of Valorant, experiment with Agents, refine your aim, and enjoy the journey. With practice and dedication, you will find yourself climbing the ranks and mastering the game.
Also Read: Tiered Guide for Choosing the Best Valorant Characters
