Many tactical shooter games come and go; some survive, leaving a lasting impact. Valorant stands out as one such game. Initially challenging for beginners, it becomes immensely rewarding with mastery. Here, we unveil a plethora of tips and tricks to elevate your Valorant prowess, ensuring you outshine your peers and allies. Delve into these insights, for the advanced techniques hold immense value.
Essential Advice for Novice Valorant Players
Before delving into transformative tips for enhancing your Valorant experience, let’s review some fundamental aspects essential for a comprehensive grasp of the game. These basics serve as the cornerstone for understanding the game mechanics.
1. Familiarize Yourself with Agents
Valorant features 22 distinct agents, each varying in abilities, roles, and collision size. Agents play a pivotal role in shaping gameplay dynamics. Begin your agent selection journey with characters such as Phoenix or Sova. Engage in game modes like Team Deathmatch or Swiftplay to master agent abilities effectively.
Master an agent thoroughly before entering competitive mode. Valorant consistently introduces new agents, such as the latest addition, Deadlock. While experimenting with agents in other game modes is viable, it may disrupt serious gameplay for both you and your teammates. Hone your skills with unlocked Valorant agents to enhance your proficiency. Unlock agents using VP or Kingdom Credits, and prioritize which agents to unlock by familiarizing yourself with their abilities.
2. Familiarize Yourself with Maps and Callouts
Learning the maps is essential in Valorant. With a variety of maps, each with distinct gameplay styles and mechanics, mastering the callout locations is crucial. Once familiar with these callouts, identifying enemy positions becomes easier, aiding in strategic decisions to either hold positions or push forward. Understanding hiding spots and map-specific strategies further enhances gameplay. Explore our articles, such as the recent Sunset guide, for detailed map strategies.
3. Familiarize Yourself with Every Weapon
After navigating agents and maps, it’s time for combat. To commence, arm yourself. Valorant features 5 sidearms and 12 primary weapons, each offering unique flexibility. Firearms vary in bullet speed, accuracy, and damage, with first-shot accuracy being pivotal in this precision-centric game. Notably, the Phantom boasts the highest first-bullet accuracy in Valorant.
Additionally, master the art of transitioning between sidearm and primary weapon. As the saying goes, “Switching to your pistol is always faster than reloading.” Understand the intricacies of spray control for each weapon but remember, Valorant lacks a recoil system, making precision more advantageous than spraying down foes.
4. Master Communication (Utilize Voice and Text Chat)
Communication is fundamental. Multiplayer games thrive on it. Valorant offers flexible communication options—text or voice chat. Toggle voice between open or push-to-talk in parties. Communicate with teammates, strategize, share enemy positions. Use communication to innovate strategies. Effective communication yields victories.
Essential Valorant Tips for Novices
Once you’ve grasped the basics of Valorant, it’s time to experience the battlegrounds. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore essential tips and tricks to incorporate into your daily gameplay. To enhance your skills at the beginner level, follow these guidelines:
5. Utilize the Practice Range
For new Valorant players, the Range becomes a favorite destination. Here, you can practice shooting, control your spray, master movements, and navigate spike defusal courses. Allocate at least 30 minutes to practice before joining any game mode.
Practice Range lets you train with unlocked agents to understand which ones suit you best. In the spike defuse or plant section, you’ll grasp time management under pressure in an actual game.
6. Selecting the Ideal Valorant Crosshair
Prior to targeting the enemy’s head, ensure you have the optimal crosshair. Valorant offers various methods to create crosshairs, but importing them is the most effective. Utilize our guide to import your preferred crosshair from our selection of 135+ top pro crosshairs. Crosshairs can significantly alter your response to on-screen movements.
7. Discovering the Perfect Mouse Sensitivity
After practicing and refining your crosshair, join a deathmatch. The new team mode is perfect for honing abilities and accuracy. Assess your comfort with sensitivity during these matches.
Mouse sensitivity significantly impacts gameplay. Aim for 1600 dpi and 0.35 sensitivity in Valorant. Adjust settings as needed, and enable RawInputBuffer for improved mouse response.
8. Handle Utilities with Care
While in deathmatch or the practice range, understand your utilities. Each agent possesses a unique skill set that influences game outcomes. Familiarize yourself with these abilities before entering real battles. Explore dedicated agent articles, such as the Deadlock and Brimstone guides, to optimize their potential.
Utilize your utilities strategically, especially on maps like Bind where teleports can be advantageous. They facilitate planting, defusing, and delaying opponents’ spike defusal. Support your teammates with flashes or healing when necessary, as these actions can sway the outcome of a round. Avoid squandering your utilities.
9. Constantly Shift Positions (Movement is Key)
A frequent error among FPS players is staying in one position for too long. When facing one or more enemies and you can relocate, don’t delay. Once your position is exposed, it’s wise to change locations and adapt to enemy information. This holds true even after securing a kill from a spot. To enhance your Valorant skills, prioritize adaptation over personal battles.
Keep moving when necessary. A moving target is hard to shoot. Dodge abilities like shock darts, hunter’s fury, or showstopper by moving around effectively. Utilize ropes and movement to evade or engage enemies. Avoid constant shift walking; know when to use it or risk being too slow. Use crouch strategically; if you’re new, consider unbinding the crouch button to prevent overuse.
Maximize your movement efficiency by frequent peeking. Employ shoulder or jump peeks to gather intel on enemy positions. Utilize utilities for reconnaissance to avoid being caught off guard. Mastering jump peeking can also bait out enemy operator users. Surviving a peek without getting eliminated is a vital skill to master in Valorant.
10. Optimize Video Settings
Valorant’s graphics can strain lower-end PCs. Optimize video settings for smoother performance, even on low-end hardware. Maintain Material, Texture, and Detail quality on Low settings, regardless of your PC’s capabilities. This eliminates distracting on-screen objects.
To optimize performance, follow the settings (shown in the image above) and maintain fullscreen resolution. Improving frames per second provides more responsive gameplay.
11. Familiarize Yourself with Common Spam Walls or Objects
In Valorant, the construction of buildings or structures lacks strength, leading to the creation of ideal spam walls and objects, such as the green boxes found on every map. Identify these spam walls or structures and utilize guns capable of penetrating them effectively. The Ares, Odin, and Sheriff are optimal choices for this purpose. Additionally, the Vandal can be used to shoot down certain structures. A valuable tip in Valorant is to locate spam walls or objects and plant spikes behind them. Upon hearing the defuse sound, spam the location to easily secure the round.
12. Sound Device and Perfect Sound Settings
Before delving into the advanced category, keep in mind that acquiring quality headphones is crucial. Ensure they feature simulated 7.1 surround sound at least. This aids in distinguishing footsteps and other essential sounds. Refer to the audio settings illustrated in the image below for optimal audio immersion.
There’s ongoing debate regarding its impact on your sound experience. We strongly advise opting for headphones with less emphasis on bass and HRTF enabled. This configuration offers optimal directional audio cues.
Pro Valorant Tips & Tricks
Ready to transition from beginner to advanced in Valorant? Let’s dive into the advanced guide. Keep in mind, improvement is constant through practice. Let’s delve into it.
13. Master Muscle Memory
Valorant Pro players assert that crosshair placement merely aids in ingraining muscle memory. Understanding two crucial elements is essential here: reflex and reaction time. Without good reflexes, excelling in player versus player (PVP) scenarios remains challenging. Utilize the practice range to refine reflexes by engaging hard mode bots. Monitor daily target hit rates to gauge progress and identify areas for improvement. An average casual player typically possesses a reaction time of 350 to 500 milliseconds.
Master muscle memory in Valorant by understanding your weapon’s bullet trajectory. Turn off your crosshair to improve aim. Dedicate 15 minutes daily to this practice. Shooting without a crosshair eliminates distractions and unnecessary movements.
14. Manage Economy in Valorant (Buy/Save Guide)
- First round, first half: 800 credits/player
- First round, second half: 800 credits/player
- Kill: 200 credits
- Round win: 3,000 credits
- Round loss: 1,900 credits
- Consecutive round losses: 2,400 Credits
- Three or more consecutive losses: 2,900 Credits
- Spike planted: 300 Credits
- Spike defused: 300 Credits
- Max credits per player: 9,000 Credits
- Overtime: Each player receives 5,000 Credits
Discuss with your team and buy or save accordingly. Opting for an eco round is preferable to losing all your creds and key rounds. Also, purchase everything you can before the half ends.
15. Focus on Objectives Over Kills
Playing to achieve objectives is crucial for success. Many skilled players maintain top 1% ranks primarily by prioritizing objectives over kills. In Valorant, the focus on objectives surpasses that of other FPS shooters, making it an information-intensive game. Objectives vary depending on the situation, ranging from defusing the spike to controlling or retaking a site.
It’s essential to recognize the distinct nature of attacking and defensive sides, each requiring a tailored approach to objectives. Maintaining a calm mindset and prioritizing objectives over kills enhances your chances of success. Occasionally, disregard opponent rankings and focus solely on achieving your goals.
16. Utilize Trackers and Record Your Gameplay
Valorant includes a career tab displaying your last 20 games. Yet, advanced players crave more than just a glimpse; they thirst for comprehensive records and insights. Third-party tools offer detailed insights into past games. Top tracker apps like tracker.gg (Download, Free) and blitz.gg (Download, Free) provide invaluable numerical analysis, revealing your top agents, weapons, and roles.
Another coveted tool among Valorant players is the record replay feature. While not native to the game, players can utilize OBS or Nvidia record tools to capture gameplay. These replays allow for in-depth analysis, enabling players to rectify mistakes and improve their performance.
17. Utilize the Best Valorant Aim Trainers
The Valorant Practice Range serves as a valuable tool for refining aim, yet it lacks certain features. Enter Aimlab (Download), an aim trainer application designed to enhance your aiming skills and track your progress. Aimlab offers an array of drills capable of revolutionizing your shooting technique.
A standout feature of Aimlab is its scenarios, which showcase memorable moments from past Valorant competitions. Delve into these scenarios to emulate your favorite pro players effortlessly executing their tips and tricks, elevating your gameplay. While other aim trainers exist, Aimlab’s integration with the Valorant pro scene sets it apart.
18. Cultivate Positivity, Avoid Toxicity
In multiplayer gaming, maintaining a positive and humble attitude is paramount. Valorant provides communication tools, but in the face of negativity or toxicity, utilize features to restrict chat or voice communications with offending players. Additionally, report instances of rude behavior or sabotage. Remember, you’re not responsible for educating or disciplining other gamers online; your focus should remain on winning. If needed, uninstalling Valorant is a viable option to preserve your well-being.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.