With our top Valorant tips for beginners you’ll be ready to dive into the high-octane world of Valorant in no time! Although Riot Games’ thrilling first-person shooter (FPS) resembles Counter-Strike, there’s a steep learning curve that many new players struggle to overcome. But don’t worry, because you’ve landed on a great Valorant resource to help you out.
Whether you’re stepping into the shoes of the robot KAY/O or life-leeching Reyna, we can help you soar through the ranks, from Iron straight to Radiant glory. Use this guide to outmaneuver, outwit, and outgun your opponents in each of Valorant’s dynamic arenas.
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Table of Contents
Master Your Movement Around The Map and Enemy Positions
Perhaps the most important element to master is movement. In short, stealth wins and many VALORANT players know this. Keep quiet by walking, not running, and stay alive by strafing (moving side to side) while being aware of enemy locations. It’s imperative to stop moving before shooting for optimal accuracy, only peeking to gather intel or land a shot.
The best strategy to guarantee success is to peek minimally, revealing as little of your model as possible while checking common hostile locations. This tip is especially important when attempting to clear or enter a site, or when holding a site against enemy players.
Understand The Valorant Agents & Roles In A Team Game
Valorant offers an assortment of roles: Duelist, Sentinel, Initiator, and Controller. Each role is linked with a specific playstyle that can swing the match’s outcome. Understanding these roles not only helps you find your niche but also adds depth to your team’s gameplay. Sometimes, using an agent with the same role as your teammates can lead to unique and chaotic gameplay experiences, adding a twist to your strategy so always be mindful of the agent you’re choosing.
Feeling fearless? Try Phoenix or Jett—they’re Duelists, your front-line attackers. Prefer a more tactical approach? Then maybe the strategic Cypher or protective Sage, both Sentinels, are your cup of tea. Otherwise, if you prefer hanging back, you may like Controllers like Brimstone.
Pay Attention To Your Crosshair Placement
Your crosshair in Valorant is more than just a marker on your monitor—it’s your guiding light to victory. Solid crosshair placement involves aiming at head level, anticipating enemy movements, and keeping your aim focused on locations where unlucky gamers will most likely appear.
This practice can help to reduce the time it takes to land a shot, thereby increasing your chances of securing a kill. This golden rule doesn’t apply only to Valorant, but extends to other FPS games like CS:GO and Apex Legends.
A great crosshair profile to use is from Sentinels’ star player TenZ: 0;s;1;P;c;5;h;0;m;1;0l;3;0o;0;0a;1;0f;0;1b;0;S;c;5;o;1
You can pair this crosshair with custom-tuned mouse sensitivity. The right mouse sensitivity can mean the difference between landing a headshot with your Vandal or missing a shot entirely. While there’s no universal “best” sensitivity, many pros use a sensitivity of 0.35 at 800 DPI.
Master The Game’s Economy
Money is what makes the world go ‘round, and that’s true in Valorant, too. It’s vital for beginners to understand how the in-game economy works. Every action, including a kill or defuse, earns you credits you can use in the next round. But be strategic. Know what and when to buy (or save money).
During the buy phase, you can purchase weapons for your teammates to ensure everyone is well-equipped. You will receive 200 credits per kill, 300 credits for planting the Spike, and 3,000 credits for winning a round. If you lose a round players get 1,900 credits that goes up to 2,400 and 2,900 per consecutive round lost. You can use these credits to buy weapons, armor, or skills. However, securing headshots isn’t dependent on having a Phantom or Vandal. It’s about the skillful execution of your plays.
Learn The Different Weapons & Unique Abilities
Each gun in Valorant has its own strengths and weaknesses, so learn all the weapons and when best to use them in varying situations. For instance, the Shorty, Sheriff, Stinger, and Marshal are great Eco round options, boasting solid kill potential at a fair price. However, it is worth noting that whilst very powerful, some guns do require the player to learn their recoil patterns (Vandal and Phantom spring to mind here). And this point extends to abilities, too.
Each Agent has unique skills that set them apart. Whether it’s Sova’s recon bolt for intel, Brimstone’s smokes for area denial, or Raze’s explosives for blowing stuff up, these abilities can shift the tides. After all, Valorant isn’t all about gunfights; it’s about strategy, too.
Learn How To Control The Map
A golden rule in Valorant is “control the map, control the game.” The game relies heavily on map awareness, so consider the minimap your new best friend and learn all the Valorant maps. Understand its layout, learn the callouts, anticipate enemy movements, and know which Agents perform best on specific maps in this team-based game.
For instance, are you playing the elusive Omen or the cunning Brimstone? If so, use their smokes to block sight lines or deny areas of the opposition in Ascent. Alternatively, Agents like Sage and Cypher can slow down the enemy team, creating favorable situations for your side.
Utilize The Practice Range & Warm-Up Rounds
Getting better at anything takes practice, and Valorant is no different. Use the practice range to warm up before games, and play regularly to familiarize yourself with the in-game mechanics and hone your skills. Remember, improvement takes time. Stick with it, and you’ll climb the ranks in no time.
Optimal Video Settings
Optimizing your video settings in Valorant can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best performance:
- Material Quality, Texture Quality, and Detail Quality: Set these to low to ensure smoother performance, especially on lower-end systems.
- Resolution: Keep your game in fullscreen mode to maximize performance and reduce input lag.
- Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to tweak settings to find what works best for your setup. Every system is different, and what works for one player might not work for another.
- Graphics Card: If possible, use a graphics card that supports high frame rates. This can make a noticeable difference in your gameplay smoothness.
- Disable Unnecessary Features: Turn off any non-essential graphics features like shadows and post-processing effects to boost performance.
By fine-tuning these settings, you can ensure that your game runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on outplaying your opponents.
Teamplay Essentials
In Valorant, teamwork is the cornerstone of success. Here are some essential tips to enhance your teamplay:
- Communication: Use voice chat to share crucial information about enemy positions and strategies. Clear and concise communication can turn the tide of a match.
- Agent Abilities: Leverage your agent’s unique abilities to support your team. Whether it’s healing, providing intel, or blocking enemy sightlines, your abilities can give your team a significant advantage.
- Coordination: Work together to execute strategies and outmaneuver the enemy team. A well-coordinated team is often more successful than a group of individual players.
- Stay Calm: Keep your cool under pressure. Avoid getting tilted, as frustration can negatively impact your performance and that of your team.
By focusing on these aspects, you can improve your team’s cohesion and increase your chances of winning games.
Stay Calm Under Pressure
Staying calm under pressure is crucial in Valorant. Here are some strategies to help you maintain your composure:
- Deep Breaths: Take deep breaths to stay focused and reduce anxiety during intense moments.
- Avoid Tilt: Don’t let frustration get the better of you. Staying positive and composed can help you make better decisions.
- Positive Self-Talk: Use encouraging self-talk to keep yourself motivated and calm.
- Breaks: If you feel overwhelmed, take short breaks to clear your mind and avoid burnout.
By implementing these techniques, you can improve your decision-making and overall gameplay, even in high-pressure situations.
Valorant is a challenging game that requires strategy, skill, and teamwork to win. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can improve your gameplay and climb the ranks. Remember to stay calm under pressure, communicate with your team, and use your agent abilities to gain an advantage over the enemy team. With practice and dedication, you can become a top player in Valorant.
Learn From Mistakes & Professional Players
You can learn a lot from watching Valorant esports matches. Top players may show you how to use agents like Jett effectively while pointing out things you never thought possible. Take notes on how pros peak angles, isolate gunfights, and use their abilities. It’s like a masterclass in playing Valorant, except it’s free. By learning from the pros, you can adopt strategies and techniques that will help you win games more consistently.
Getting Started With Valorant
That’s all! Becoming a top-tier Valorant player and winning all your competitive games may be your goal, but it won’t happen overnight. There’s a learning curve, but with these tips, you’ll be on your way to mastering the game. Valorant offers various other game modes like Team Deathmatch and Swiftplay, which are great for practicing agent abilities before jumping into competitive matches. From the initial pistol round to intense overtime matches, Valorant is a game of skill and strategy.
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What is Valorant?
Valorant is a tactical first-person shooter game developed by Riot Games, released in June 2020. Since its launch, it has captivated players with its strategic gameplay, unique agents, and intense team-based combat. Each match in Valorant is a blend of precise shooting and clever use of agent abilities, making every game a thrilling experience. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned FPS veteran, Valorant offers a variety of game modes and Valorant maps to keep you engaged and challenged. From the fast-paced Spike Rush to the strategic depth of Competitive mode, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic game.