The Ultimate Starter's Handbook for Valorant

Beginner’s Guide to Valorant: Essential Information You Should Know

Introducing our comprehensive guide for complete newcomers to Valorant.

This is intended for beginners who are just beginning their journey and finding their footing.

Let’s assume that you have no prior experience with Counterstrike or games of that nature.

Throughout the article, we will incorporate commonly asked questions.

What exactly is Valorant?

Valorant is classified as a “tactical shooter.”

The tempo is significantly more gradual compared to other shooting games such as Overwatch and Call of Duty.

While targeting is certainly important, the gameplay frequently resembles a game of chess, highlighting the significance of strategic choices.

This is due to the high lethality of firearms; there are no rechargeable shields or respawn options, making each action crucial.

What is the structure of a Valorant game? What strategies lead to victory in a Valorant match?

In Valorant’s primary gameplay mode, two teams, each consisting of five players, compete by utilizing characters known as agents.

The two squads leverage the skills of their operatives and firearms to compete in a series of brief rounds.

To secure victory in a game, teams must achieve a total of thirteen rounds.

One team starts off as the “attackers,” while the other takes on the role of the “defenders.”

After completing twelve rounds, the offensive and defensive teams change positions.

The attackers aim to place an explosive device known as a “spike” at the defenders’ base.

The objective of the defenders is to prevent them from accomplishing this.

Once the attackers place the spike, they need to defend it for 45 seconds before it detonates.

At this stage, the defenders have the opportunity to prevent it from detonating by disarming it.

A team can secure victory by eliminating every member of the opposing team, provided the attackers have not yet planted the spike.

FAQ: Is this the sole game mode available in Valorant?

Currently, there are just two available game modes: the standard mode, which is utilized in both unrated and ranked matches, and Spike Rush.

Spike Rush is created as a quicker game mode, perfect for those who want a brief gaming experience when time is limited.

The match is played until one team secures four victories, with the offensive side receiving five spikes—one for each agent—to speed up the gameplay.

Every player receives a randomly assigned identical weapon, eliminating any concerns about the shop.

The map features unique power-ups that provide advantages, including increased running speed and access to superior weapons.

Agents

At present, Valorant features a total of eleven agents that players can choose from.

Each agent possesses distinct playstyles, along with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Each agent possesses four skills, one of which is an exceptionally strong ability known as an ultimate.

Certain skills can be acquired with credits at the start of a round, while others can be activated without cost, though they require a cooldown period before they can be reused.

Each team is allowed to select an agent only once, meaning no duplicates are permitted within the same team.

This enables you to create a team that focuses on various synergies and approaches.

Below are several illustrations of the four distinct agent categories and the functions they serve within a team setup.

Initiator

In Valorant, players frequently position themselves behind cover to control and safeguard key locations of interest.

Initiators pave the path for their team with skills perfectly suited for active confrontation.

Breach exemplifies the role of an initiator, possessing various crowd control skills that can be activated through obstacles and terrain.

For instance, he has the ability to generate a seismic shock that disorients foes or launch a flash grenade that temporarily incapacitates their vision.

This enables his allies to advance and eliminate foes when they are exposed and in disarray.

His final ability, Rolling Thunder, can be launched from a distance and sends all enemies in its trajectory airborne.

This is an excellent resource for deploying on a site to secure the spike or to attempt to neutralize the spike by eliminating the defending opponents.

Duelist

As the initiators prepare the groundwork for their team, duelists stand out as the top combatants in Valorant.

Their abilities tend to focus more on combat rather than on offering support, and they are typically designed to be self-reliant.

An illustration of a duelist is Phoenix, a master of pyromancy who wields his fire to control the arena of combat.

Phoenix possesses a flashbang, a fireball that detonates upon impact and remains active, as well as a wall of fire that he can bend to trap foes and obstruct their sight.

His flames incinerate foes and simultaneously restore Phoenix’s health while he remains within them.

This positions him as a formidable offensive asset capable of dealing damage while maintaining his own resilience.

Phoenix’s ultimate ability, Run it Back, enables him to effectively take on an opponent in a 2v1 scenario by himself.

When Run it Back is triggered, Phoenix is able to confront an opponent. If he is defeated while the ability is active or the time limit expires, he will respawn at the location where he initially used the ability, fully healed.

This enables him to execute bold and dynamic moves that can shift the momentum of the game in favor of his team.

Sentinel

As previously noted, Valorant requires players to engage in both offensive and defensive strategies.

Having a team packed with numerous initiators and duelists can lead to strong offensive performance, but it might create challenges when it comes to defense.

Sentinels possess skills that are particularly effective in decelerating gameplay and strengthening specific locations on the map.

In this session, we will focus on Sage, a versatile Sentinel that can seamlessly integrate into any team composition.

Sage possesses the power to restore her own health or that of her teammates to maximum levels, summon a protective barrier, and generate orbs that produce zones which hinder the movement of anyone passing through them.

In a defensive role, Sage has the ability to single-handedly hinder an enemy’s advance by erecting a barrier, effectively stalling their progress until reinforcements arrive.

In offensive situations, she has the ability to utilize her wall to obstruct flankers or to seal off a chokepoint once her team has planted the spike.

Her ultimate ability, Resurrection, allows her to rectify her team’s errors by reviving a fallen ally, turning the match into a 6v5 advantage.

These skills enable Sage and other Sentinels to significantly impact a game purely through their utility, despite lacking any abilities that inflict damage.

Controller

To achieve a well-balanced team, think about incorporating versatile agents known as Controllers.

Controllers possess a combination of offensive and defensive skills that enhance their team’s tactics.

Let’s examine Brimstone, a highly adaptable agent in Valorant.

Brimstone’s distinctive gameplay focuses on monitoring the map and managing the dynamics of the combat zone.

He possesses smoke grenades that can be deployed from his minimap, a napalm grenade designed to hinder or flush out opponents, and a Stim Beacon that enhances agents, providing them with a higher firing rate and additional advantages.

While he might not match a Phoenix in combat skills or a Sage in delaying tactics, Brimstone excels in delaying more effectively than a Phoenix and possesses superior fighting abilities compared to a Sage.

Brimstone’s ultimate ability, Orbital Strike, perfectly illustrates this equilibrium, as it can be employed to eliminate defenders during an assault or to safeguard a location from incoming attackers.

Frequently Asked Questions: What is the process to unlock agents?

At the beginning of the game, you can choose from five available free agents: Brimstone, Jett, Phoenix, Sage, and Sova.

Upon finalizing your new player agreement, you will receive two complimentary free agent vouchers.

For the remaining agents, you will need to either invest in in-game currency or accumulate experience points to finish the fifth contract mission for an agent.

Frequently Asked Questions: What is the function of ultimates?

In Valorant, players can unleash their ultimate abilities once they have accumulated a certain amount of orb points.

In the existing lineup, the count of orbs varies between six and seven, depending on the specific agent.

You earn one orb for each kill, death, spike planting, and spike defusal.

Each map features two ultimate orbs that agents can gather.

Ultimate points reset when teams change sides, so make sure to utilize your ultimate ability before this occurs.

Typically, the majority of players tend to utilize their ultimate ability only a couple of times during a half.

FAQ: Are there variations in size and hitboxes among agents?

In contrast to titles such as Rainbow Six Siege or Overwatch, every character in Valorant will share identical hitbox dimensions.

While they might possess distinctive features that enhance their visibility, such as Sage’s ponytail or Cypher’s hat, these elements won’t count as a hit if targeted.

Riot has intentionally chosen to maintain a focus on gunplay and abilities, rather than complicating the game with agents of different sizes and forms.

Firearms and the Economy

At the start of each round, you’ll have a brief window to spend credits on acquiring weapons, armor, and special skills.

There is a diverse range of firearms available, each with varying costs and intended uses.

The primary classifications include handguns, shotguns, submachine guns, rifles, sniper rifles, and heavy guns.

Here’s a brief overview of their typical areas of focus:

• Sidearms
  • The most affordable choices, each priced at 800 credits or less.
  • A diverse range of choices is available, from a suppressed handgun to a shortened shotgun.
  • Take down foes with one or two shots from a short distance.
  • You can accurately fire shotguns even while in mid-air.
  • Firearms that perform exceptionally well at short to medium distances.
  • A great option for those who enjoy using sprays.
  • The most adaptable firearms in Valorant.
  • The Vandal and the Phantom are the two firearms that are most frequently utilized.
  • The optimal option for extended-range confrontations.
  • A single shot to the head guarantees a kill.
  • Heavy artillery provides the most enduring firepower, equipped with large ammunition reserves.
  • Ideal for firing through barriers.

  Each firearm possesses distinct characteristics that reflect its effectiveness across various aspects.

  • Shooting mode
    • Certain firearms feature two distinct firing modes, with the primary fire activated by the left mouse button and the alternate fire by the right mouse button.
    • For instance, the Classic pistol discharges a single round with its main firing mode, while its secondary firing mode releases a burst of three rounds.
    • Rifles with alternate fire modes, such as the Vandal, enable you to aim through the sights, enhancing your precision for distant targets.
    • Indicates the number of rounds a firearm can discharge in one second.
    • Shows the count of shots discharged prior to reloading.
    • Numerous walls can be breached on the maps of Valorant.
    • Firearms with high penetration capabilities will inflict greater damage when shooting through walls, while those with lower penetration will experience reduced damage.
    • Continuously discharging a firearm in rapid succession or in a spraying manner will amplify its recoil.
    • Certain firearms offer greater precision, whereas others may discharge erratically.
    • The spray pattern reveals the behavior of a gun’s recoil when it is not being managed properly.

    Firearms will inflict different levels of damage depending on the distance to the target and the location of the bullet impact.

    Certain firearms are designed to inflict greater damage when used at short distances, but their effectiveness diminishes as the range increases.

    Firearms designed for extended distances often have slower rates of fire and tend to perform poorly in close-quarters engagements.

    Headshots cause the highest amount of damage, followed by body shots, while shots to the legs result in the least damage.

    Let’s examine the Phantom and Vandal rifles, two highly favored firearms that share the same price point and are frequently contrasted with one another.

    The Phantom exhibits varying damage levels depending on the distance to the target, categorized into three ranges: 0-15 meters, 15-30 meters, and 30-50 meters.

    

    In contrast, the Vandal will sustain a consistent level of damage from 0 to 50 meters.

    

    Considering the statistics regarding range and damage alone, one might conclude that the Vandal is the superior choice.

    If you examine their other models, you’ll notice that the Phantom boasts a quicker rate of fire and a bigger magazine capacity.

    In summary, while the two are alike in several aspects, the Phantom excels in close-quarters combat thanks to its quicker rate of fire.

    In close quarters, the Vandal can be outpaced by quicker bursts, but it demonstrates greater reliability over longer distances.

    This results in the two firearms excelling in various scenarios, even though they are priced similarly, ultimately depending on your individual taste and style of play.

    Make it a point to regularly visit the shooting range to familiarize yourself with the handling of various firearms suited for different scenarios.

    

    It’s advisable to familiarize yourself with two to three firearms as you begin your journey. While the choice is yours, a balanced selection might include:

    • The Classic is the go-to choice for pistol rounds, and the best part is that it’s always available for free.
    • You can choose either the Phantom or the Vandal, as both are the go-to versatile firearms.
    • A firearm that falls within the range of pistols and rifles, like a shotgun, submachine gun, or a heavy machine gun.

    If you’re new to shooting games, it’s advisable to steer clear of sniper rifles until you gain some experience with more straightforward firearms.

    Shields

    In Valorant, you can enhance your agent’s durability by acquiring shield armor.

    There are two categories: light shields offering 25 armor and heavy shields that grant 50 armor.

    Shields will mitigate 66% of all incoming damage, while the remaining damage will be deducted from your health.

    

    They do not replenish between rounds, so if you perish or lose some, you will need to purchase additional supplies.

    In Valorant, every point of health is crucial, so make sure to buy armor whenever your budget allows.

    Basics of the Valorant Financial System

    At the conclusion of a round, you will earn credits depending on your performance and that of your team.

    We won’t delve into every detail, as this is a guide for beginners, but essentially, the more skillfully you and your team perform, the more earnings you can expect.

    

    Below are several instances illustrating the ways in which credits can be accumulated during a game:

    • Eliminating an opponent grants you 200 credits.
    • Securing a round earns you 3,000 credits.
    • Losing a round results in a deduction of 1,900 credits.

    Additionally, there are mechanisms in place to help teams recover. If a team experiences a losing streak of two rounds or more, they will receive an additional 500 credits for a two-round loss, and 1,000 credits for streaks that exceed two rounds.

    In general, overseeing your credits introduces an additional dimension to the gameplay, as you must find a balance between immediate achievements and long-term goals.

    The significance of effectively overseeing your finances.

    Imagine your team loses an early round in a match, resulting in a credit deficit compared to the opposing team.

    In the upcoming round, the opposing team will possess all their skills and sufficient funds to acquire Vandals or Phantoms, along with heavy armor.

    

    Imagine your team utilized its remaining credits to acquire the top choices available: Stingers, Buckys, light armor, and a selection of abilities.

    

    You might still emerge victorious even if you face a disadvantage and succeed in clinching the round.

    In general, when players of similar skill levels compete, those with superior equipment tend to emerge victorious more often.

    Following another defeat, you would begin the next round with nearly depleted resources.

    This would create a significant disparity in the economy between the two teams, leading to a snowball effect in the match.

    A more prudent choice would have been to conserve funds by opting for more affordable alternatives, commonly referred to as a “save round.”

    

    The core concept is to maximize your efforts despite having restricted resources.

    If your team doesn’t win, that’s alright; you’ll have the opportunity to compete with them on equal footing in the next match.

    If you somehow achieve victory, that’s fantastic! You’ve taken a significant leap forward.

    In truth, you might end up losing the round, but you could potentially eliminate a few opponents and acquire their weapons for the next round, which would help your team save some cash.

    

    Remember that this is always contingent upon the context.

    If the game is nearing a side switch or the opposing team is just one round away from victory, it’s likely a good idea to go all-in with your current resources.

    FAQ: What is the process for purchasing a firearm for a teammate or making a firearm request?

    Overseeing your finances is not solely an individual responsibility; it extends to your entire team as well.

    When your team’s top performer is excelling, they will accumulate additional credits that can be utilized to support their less skilled teammates.

    

    To order a firearm, simply right-click on it in your store.

    

    When you or a colleague submit a request, it will be displayed for your team in this location. The first individual to click the button, provided they have sufficient credits, will purchase the weapon, and it will instantly be delivered to the requester.

    

    An alternative method to obtain a firearm for your squad is to purchase it and subsequently drop it by pressing the G key.

    FAQ: Are there any free methods to obtain gun skins?

    Regrettably, that’s not possible at the moment.

    

    Gun skins can only be obtained through currency that is bought with actual money.

    Additional Tips and Tricks for Valorant Newcomers

    Here are additional quick tips that are essential to keep in mind. We will continue to update this section, so make sure to revisit it regularly!

    Audio is crucial – don’t forget to put on your headphones!

    Paying careful attention to your environment is crucial when playing Valorant.

    You can pick up on a variety of sounds, including footsteps, abilities, agents descending from elevated positions, and even the sound of reloading.

    

    Not using headphones puts you at a significant disadvantage compared to those who do.

    Regrettably, this implies that you should avoid listening to music while you engage in gameplay.

    The large white circle indicates the distance from which enemies can detect your sound.

    When it comes to noise, pay attention to the volume of your sounds, particularly when your team is trying to be stealthy.

    Sound travels further than you might expect. When you check your map during your run, you’ll notice a white circle that shows the distance within which enemies can detect your noise.

    

    The nearer you are to an adversary, the more pronounced your sounds will be to them.

    In general, opting to walk instead of running while navigating the map is advisable, as walking is entirely silent in Valorant.

    Remain still while taking the shot.

    In contrast to many other first-person shooters, firing your weapon while on the move in Valorant can be highly disadvantageous, as it significantly heightens the recoil of your gun.

    Taking damage in Valorant significantly slows down your movement, making you a more vulnerable target.

    In general, it’s advisable to remain stationary or to crouch while you line up your shot to eliminate your opponent.

    

    When engaging at short distances or utilizing a shotgun or submachine gun, you might want to think about advancing while firing, as recoil becomes less significant when you’re in close proximity to your targets.

    Glance at the minimap, but don’t linger for too long.

    If you’re transitioning from League of Legends, you might be accustomed to frequently monitoring the minimap (and ideally, you are).

    In Valorant, the minimap serves as a valuable tool, allowing players to observe various elements such as:

    • Where your companions are focusing their attention.
    • In locations where agents lost their lives.
    • Where the peak is located
    • Where skills reside

    Given the significance of aim in Valorant and the importance of every moment, you should glance at your minimap far less frequently than you would in League.

    Here’s an illustration of this from ex-League of Legends professional player, Scarra:

    Scarra is positioned at an angle, anticipating an enemy’s approach. As he shifts his focus to the minimap, he fails to notice the enemy entering his line of sight.

    Fortunately, he had a companion close by who came to his rescue; without that support, he probably wouldn’t have survived.

    In summary, keep in mind that the minimap serves to provide you with information, but make sure to glance at it only when it is safe.

    In moments of uncertainty, maintain your focus ahead, scanning for potential dangers, and be prepared to take action.

    If you’re uncertain, always have your weapon ready.

    Given the plethora of incredible agent abilities, the urge to utilize them during intense combat situations can be quite strong.

    Nonetheless, the process of transitioning between your weapons and skills can be time-consuming, which may leave you vulnerable and lead to your demise before you have the chance to respond.

    To prevent this, make it a practice to utilize skills from a position behind or near cover.

    For instance, while playing as Sova, you would draw your bow while concealed, swiftly glance out to take your shot, and then retreat to your hiding spot to safely switch to your firearm.

    

    This approach is significantly more secure than stepping into the open and attempting to draw your bow.

    If you sense an enemy in the vicinity or have the impression that one is nearby, it’s wise to err on the side of caution. Keep your weapon ready until you can confirm that the area is secure.

    Press G to release the spike (or any other item).

    As previously stated, you can release a firearm by pressing the G key (default setting).

    

    This command can also be utilized to discard the spike if you picked it up by mistake or if you wish to pass it to a teammate.

    While it may appear straightforward, this is among the most frequently posed inquiries by newcomers in the gaming world.

    Identify the types of terrain that can be traversed.

    In the firearms segment, we noted that many walls and surfaces in Valorant maps can be penetrated by gunfire.

    The primary method to determine this is to observe the interaction between your shots and the surface.

    If it can escape a black hole, it implies that it is possible to breach it.

    

    If it fails to leave an impression and ignites a flame, it remains impenetrable.

    Thank you for taking the