Valorant is a tactical FPS shooter released just last year in 2020 by Riot Games. The game is set on a futuristic Earth where the characters, known as agents, possess supernatural abilities thanks to advanced technology. Compete against other agents solo or as part of a 5-person team across a range of maps in the objective-based game modes Valorant offers.
Valorant doesn’t have a campaign or story mode as the main focus is the competitive aspect of the game. Despite this, the characters do have backstories and the world of Valorant has a rich lore that the game developers plan to explore and expand upon over the next few years.
In this article, we’re going to go over some of the basics surrounding Valorant’s features for players such as yourself that might be new to the game. We’ll begin with some general tips and guidance on how to win, before looking at the game modes and agents. Check out the section at the end to find out about Valorant boosting services too. Now, let’s get started.
Valorant Tips for New Players
Here are some of our top tips for players entering the world of Valorant for the first time.
- Make use of the shift button. When holding down Shift, you move slower than normal, but your footsteps are silenced. Being discreet when moving around the map is vital to not give away your location to the enemy. If you need to get to the bomb site fast or if there’s an emergency, it’s best to run of course, but as a general rule, it’s best to keep as quiet as possible to maximize your chance of success.
- Listen carefully to the noises around you. Building on the previous tip, it’s always a good idea to listen out for other players’ footsteps. Use the auditory information to work out where enemies are moving to, so you can strike them down before they even know you’re there.
- Hold still when shooting. The less you move when firing out shots, the more accurate you’ll be and the more gunfights you’ll win. Crouching while shooting also reduces your body area, making it harder for enemies to land hits on you.
- Communicate with your team. Effective communication truly does go a long way. Working together with your teammates to coordinate attacks is guaranteed to boost your win rate dramatically. Cover for each other, make the appropriate callouts and do everything you can to work as one unit. Teamwork makes the dream work.
The Game Modes in Valorant
Valorant has a few different game modes to choose from, so we’ll go over them all and take a look at what you can expect from each one.
Standard Plant/Defuse
Plant/Defuse is the main game mode in Valorant, with options for both casual and ranked gameplay. Casual games are just for fun, while ranked games are competitive with high stakes where players compete for rank. If you need help with climbing the ranks, skip on over to the end of the article to find out about a few Valorant boosting services that are available.
Game Structure
Two teams of 5 face off in this game mode, each team starting off as either the Attackers or Defenders. Sides are switched after 12 rounds are completed, and you need 13 successful rounds to win the match.
The Attackers’ goal is to plant the spike, a bomb-like device, at one of the two detonation sites on the map. Attackers can win rounds by either planting the bomb and protecting it long enough for it to detonate, or by simply eliminating the entire enemy team.
Defenders on the other hand, as you may have guessed, have to protect the detonation sites. Defenders win by either eliminating the entire enemy team or by defusing the spike if it gets planted.
Tips for Plant/Defuse
As well as the general Valorant tips mentioned earlier, there are a few crucial things to bear in mind specifically for this game mode.
- You’re vulnerable when planting/defusing the spike. Be careful not to precariously plant or defuse the spike because enemies can strike you down with ease. Planting takes 4 seconds, and defusing takes 7, which is a dangerously long time to be standing still out in the open. Always aim to have a teammate covering you while you perform any of these actions.
- Manage your economy well. In Plant/Defuse, you earn money each round that can be spent on weapons, abilities, and armor during the pre-round buy phase. Spend your money responsibly and remember that sometimes it’s better to save your money in one round so you can buy better gear in the next.
- If the game is a lost cause, hide! Occasionally in Valorant, you’ll find yourself being the last person standing on your team against a full enemy team. In this situation, it’s often better to hide somewhere and avoid getting killed. You lose all your gear when you die, and whoever kills you gets extra money, so sometimes the smart option is to hide and take the round loss.
Spike Rush
Spike Rush is very similar to the standard Plant/Defuse game mode, with teams taking turns attacking and defending. However, to make things interesting, powerup orbs are added around the map. Only 4 rounds are needed to win too, so games are much shorter.
Another unique feature of this game mode is that everyone is forced to use the same weapon. Every player receives the same randomized weapon each round, which levels the playing field and makes for a balanced fight.
If you’re not particularly interested in the competitive side of Valorant, you’ll likely find yourself playing this game mode often. It’s a casual, low stake, and super enjoyable way to experience the game.
Deathmatch
An FPS game wouldn’t be complete without a free-for-all mode to test your individual skills. Valorant’s Deathmatch mode lets you pick any weapon you want as you take on enemies in a race to see who can get 40 kills first. If you like fast-paced action and don’t want to think too much about tactical plays, then Deathmatch is the game mode for you.
The Agents of Valorant
13 different playable agents currently feature in Valorant, with each one having unique abilities. Riot has plans to roll out up to 6 new agents per year too, so there are plenty more on the way.
Agents are divided into 4 classes based on the kind of playstyle they offer. Those classes are Duelist, Controller, Initiator, and Sentinel. Let’s begin by looking at the Duelists, who make up one of the most aggressive classes in Valorant.
The Duelists – Phoenix, Jett, Reyna, and Raze
Duelists have a very upfront fighting style as well as aggressive abilities to help them take down enemies with ease. If you like being in the center of all the action, then this class is for you. There are currently 4 Duelists present in the game to choose from:
- Phoenix: Phoenix takes on his enemies with powerful fire abilities that set the battlefield ablaze.
- Jett: An agile fighter, Jett can dart around the map, rapidly striking enemies down before they even know what hit them.
- Reyna: Reyna is a one-person army, able to skillfully take anyone down. She’s a top asset to any team and can even heal herself.
- Raze: If you like blowing things up, Raze is the agent for you. Damage and destruction are guaranteed when you play as her.
The Controllers – Brimstone, Viper, and Omen
Controllers deal heavy damage while offering support to their team by disrupting foes. They’re great when it comes to taking control of map areas and setting their team up for success. The 3 Controllers in Valorant are as follows:
- Brimstone: Take on groups of enemies with Brimstone, who packs a bunch with his grenade launcher and can help conceal his allies’ movements with smoke clouds.
- Viper: Viper resorts to chemical warfare, dealing damage to enemies through her toxic abilities. If her bullets don’t kill you, the toxins will.
- Omen: A mysterious figure with a phantom-like appearance, Omen strikes fear into the hearts of his foes by blinding them and attacking from the shadows.
The Initiators – Sova, Breach, and Skye
Initiators clear paths for their team to push forward, using their abilities to track down enemies and force them out of contested areas. The 3 Initiators are:
- Sova: Sova uses his owl drone to track down enemies and can strike them down from afar thanks to his impressive bow skills.
- Breach: The ultimate disruptor, Breach wreaks havoc by blinding his enemies with flash charges. He can clear paths with his powerful seismic blasts too.
- Skye: Take control of various beasts as Skye, interfering with your enemies’ movements while staying a safe distance from the action.
The Sentinels – Killjoy, Cypher, and Sage
Lastly are the Sentinels, defensive experts who lock down areas and support their allies from afar. Flankers will have no hope if you have a Sentinel on your side. 3 are currently present in the game:
- Killjoy: With a collection of robotic devices at her disposal, Killjoy can securely lock down an area and ensure no-one gets through alive.
- Cypher: If you want to keep tabs on all your enemies’ movements, Cypher is your guy. Nothing gets past him.
- Sage: Sage is one of the best supportive agents in the game, boasting healing abilities to bring her allies back from the brink of death.
Valorant Boosting Services
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Professional boosters are great at getting players up the rank ladder and can even help with completing agent contracts or acquiring experience points fast. If you’re having difficulties with the game even after using the advice in this article, there’s no shame in reaching out for help.
