Valorant is a free-to-play 5v5 character-based tactical shooter game developed and published by Riot Games.
The game development was started in 2014 and it was finally published on June 2, 2020, for Microsoft Windows.
| Name | Valorant Game |
| Developer | Riot Games |
| Release | 2 June 2020 |
| Genre | Hero shooter |
| Mode | Multiplayer |
| Platform | Microsoft Windows |
The game features a unique mix of tactical shooter and multiplayer online battle arena gameplay elements.
Gameplay
The game is played through a first-person perspective, and the gameplay is fast-paced and tactical. Players need to be quick on their feet and think strategically in order to succeed.
The objective of the game is to win rounds by either eliminating all members of the enemy team or by completing an objective. Each round is played out in a best-of-25 format, there are five players in each team. The player is either assigned to attack or defend in the game.
Every player starts with a classic pistol and then can upgrade his weapons like – Sideguns, Machine Guns, Submachine guns, Shotguns, assault rifles, and sniper rifles using the game currency or points they have earned while playing the previous level of the game.
There are also automatic and semi-automatic weapons that each have unique abilities and shooting patterns.
Unrated
The unrated match is played on a single map with two teams of five players each. The teams battle in a best-of-25 match and their objective is to either win 13 rounds or have the most rounds won at the end of the match.
The attacking team has an object called the Spike that must be placed and activated on one of the bomb sites to earn a point. If 45 seconds pass without the Spike being deactivated, it will explode and yield another point for the attackers.
Conversely, if the defenders deactivate or prevent activation of the Spike, they receive a point. If all players from either team are eliminated before/after activation – their opponents get a point.
Sudden death occurs if both teams score 12 rounds each and the winning team wins the match.
If a team wants to stop a match, a surrender can be requested after 4 rounds have passed; if 4/5 players agree then the winning side gets all victory credit for every round to take them to 13, whilst the forfeiting side gains a loss for every round needed to reach 13.
Teams get 3 chances to surrender per match: once in each half and once more in either half. Unrated games do not impact a player’s rank and are meant for fun and practice.
Spike Rush
In this mode, there are 7 rounds in the game which can take 7 to 12 minutes to finish the game. Each member of the attacking team has a spike by default and can use it once per round.
In Spike Rush mode, every member from both teams gets the same random weapons. The players have all abilities to attack however, unlike the Unrated mode players don’t have their Ultimate power in this mode which charges twice but players still get 2 ultimate points for each kill and death.
If the first team wins 4 rounds, it becomes the winner of the match.
Swiftplay
In Swiftplay mode, there are two teams of five competing with each other. One is an attacker and another is a defender. Attackers aim to plant the spike while the role of defenders is to defuse them or simply run around the clock.
Swiftplay mode is similar to Unrated Mode but it has reduced play time in the game. For example – Where Unrated mode takes 40 Minutes to play the game, but the Swift play mode allows players to have a full game experience in a shortening time of around 15 minutes.
Swiftplay uses the same currency system as Unrated, however, it differs from Unrated Mode in the following ways:
- It consists of only 9 rounds compared to Unrated’s 25.
- In Swiftplay mode, the first team is declared the winner of the match, if it wins 5 Rounds ut in Unrated mode the team is declared the winner when it wins 13 rounds.
- In this mode, the players of the team switch in round 4 but in Unrated mode, they would only switch in round 7.
Competitive
Competitive matches are similar to unranked ones, as they have a win-based ranking system assigned to players following 5 games. However, to participate in this mode, one must reach the 20 level.
In July 2020, Riot introduced a “win by two” condition, meaning teams will take turns playing rounds on attack and defense until someone secures a two-match margin of victory.
In every round player gets the same amount of money that can be used for purchasing guns and other weapons
After sets of two rounds, players can vote on a draw if there’s agreement from 6 after the first set, 3 after the second set, and only 1 player afterward. This rank system goes from Iron to Radiant.
Every rank has 3 tiers, while Radiant is meant exclusively for the top 500 players in each region. It also has an associated number that allows players to compare their rank with those at their level
Premier
Premier Mode in Valorant is a 5v5 competitive game mode that takes the competitive experience to new heights. It offers players an opportunity to test their skills against highly skilled opponents and climb the ranks of the leaderboards.
This mode is, especially, designed for players who are willing to become professional players or those who crave intense, strategic gameplay and thrive under pressure.
What makes Premier stand out from all other game modes is its pick-and-ban system for maps.
In August 2023, the company launched PREMIER IGNITION STAGE, to create or join a Premier team the players are required to verify their identity account verification through a confirmation code received on their phone. Players should also establish MMR by completing ranked placements at any point in their account lifetime.
Deathmatch
It is a multiplayer open-for-all-game mode introduced in August 2020. This game mode is available free for all where player players enter into a 9-minute deathmatch eliminating 40 or more enemies to win the game.
A player is also declared the winner if he has the highest number of kills at the end of the game. Unlike other game modes, in deathmatch players can leave the match without any penalty (added in the v3.07 version), but if they leave they do not get any reward.
The player gets a green health pack drop on every kill which recharges them fully and provides an additional 30 bullets for their guns.
Team Deathmatch
Like Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch is a free-for-all multiplayer game mode that was introduced on June 15, 2023. This game mode is inspired by previously released Standard Unrated and Deathmatch modes.
This is an intense game mode where players respawn immediately after being eliminated, ensuring non-stop action from start to finish.
Unlike Deathmatch, in team Deathmatch the player gets 9.5 minutes and to win the match the player should kill 100 enemies or he is also declared winner if he has the highest number of kills at the end of the game.
In this game mode, players must select their agents before the match starts as each agent has special abilities. To power up their ultimate abilities, players can collect Ultimate Orbs scattered across the map or kill opponents. Once their ult percentage reaches 100%, they can use them.
The fighting doesn’t take place on the regular maps but rather in a trio of specifically designed areas- Piazza, District, and Kasbah – for team deathmatch.
Snowball Fight
Snowball Fight game mode was released on the occasion of Christmas vacation on December 15, 2020. It is a special game mode that is only available during the Christmas Season and likewise, the specialty of that game mode is that all weapons and abilities are disabled and the players only get a Snowball launcher as a weapon to kill the opponent.
It is pertinent to mention, that the snowball is a highly efficient weapon that can cause instant death when thrown on the opponent but only the cons of this weapon are that it is slow and targeting the opponent is a little bit difficult as it uses a projectile-based hit.
To win the game player must reach 50 kills.
Replication
Replication was released on May 11, 2021. Players will have the chance to vote for their desired agent during the agent selection phase. Once the period has ended, or all votes have been cast, the game will randomly pick one of them.
Even if a particular player hasn’t unlocked that particular agent, they will still be participating in it as part of the team. It is a best-of-nine match and after the fourth round sides are swapped.
Credits are pre-allocated with which guns and shields can be purchased, whilst abilities are predetermined. Weapons and shields reset with each round change.
Escalation
Escalation Mode was released on February 17, 2021, and is a team-based game inspired by the “gungame” concept seen in Counter-Strike and Call of Duty: Black Ops.
Players are randomly allocated an agent and must battle through five sets of twelve randomly chosen weapons.
Every player has access to Sova’s shock darts, Raze’s boom bot, and rocket launcher as abilities throughout each match. With each successful kill, health packs will drop to replenish health, armor, and ammo back to max capacity.
To win, teams must either work through all 12 levels or be on a higher level than their opponents within 10 minutes; just as is the case with Deathmatch.
Like Deathmatch, the player gets a green health pack drop on every kill which recharges them fully and provides additional capacity for their weapons.
Auto respawns also feature in this game mode, allowing players to reappear at random spots across the map.
Character, Classes, and Abilities: A Dance of Bullets and Powers
In Valorant’s vibrant battlefield, agents are more than just gun-toting heroes. They’re tacticians, architects of chaos, and masters of the mind, wielding unique abilities that paint the canvas of combat with vibrant hues.
Duelists: Spearheads of aggression, they crack open defenses with blinding flashes and electrifying dashes, tearing through enemy lines like bullets through paper.
Initiators: Unseen eyes and probing fingers, they pry secrets from the shadows, revealing lurkers with sonar darts and flashbang arrows, carving paths for their team with a flick of their wrist.
Sentinels: Guardians of the backline, they weave shields of steel and deception, halting aggression with icy walls and suffocating smokes, their watchful gaze a constant reminder: trespassers beware.
Controllers: Masters of the battlefield’s breath, they twist the very air, choking corridors with toxic clouds and obscuring sightlines with swirling mists, their dominion over the map a suffocating symphony.
Each agent, a maestro in their domain, dances a deadly waltz with their opponents. Jett’s blades carve fleeting paths through the air, Omen’s shadows whisper secrets unseen, Viper’s venom paints the ground with forbidden dance steps.
Beyond their classes, their abilities are brushstrokes on the canvas of combat. Sova’s recon arrow pierces the veil, revealing hidden enemies like a sculptor unveiling his masterpiece. Sage’s healing hand mends the wounds of battle, a defiant act of creation in the face of destruction.
In Valorant, agents are more than tools. They are extensions of the player, their personalities woven into every ability cast, every bullet fired. Choose your champion, master their dance, and become the artist of your own victory.
Various agents to choose from
It currently offers 22 agents to choose from. Initially, a player gets 5 agents to choose from as they are available to pick by default.
All other agents are listed by default and can later be unlocked by using the game currency they earn while playing the game. It also depends on the performance of the player in the previous level.
- Astra
- Breach
- Brimstone
- Chamber
- Cypher
- Deadlock
- Fade
- Gekko
- Harbor
- Jett
- KAY/O
- Killjoy
- Neon
- Omen
- Phoenix
- Raze
- Reyna
- Sage
- Skye
- Sova
- Viper
- Yoru
5 out of them are Unlocked by default:
5 Unlocked and free Valorant Agents
- Jett – She is a South Korean star and is considered one of the best aimers in the world for her evasive fighting style. She runs circles around every skirmish, cutting enemies before they even know what hit them.
- Phoenix – He is from the UK, a French star, and is known for his aggressive fighting style, igniting the battlefield with flash and flare.
- Breach – He is a Swedish player and is one of the most strategic thinkers in the game. His ability to control the pace of the game and create opportunities for his team makes him a force to be reckoned with. He aggressively clears a path through the enemy ground.
- Sova – He is a Russian player and is known for his patient playstyle. He often waits for the perfect opportunity to strike, which can catch opponents off guard.
- Brimstone – He is an American player and is known for his explosive playstyle. His ability to deal with massive damage quickly and precisely can easily turn the tide of any battle.
Weapons in the game
Valorant’s diverse weapons aren’t just tools for sending enemies back to the lobby. They’re extensions of your agent’s personality, each a dance of recoil, precision, and devastating potential. Each Valorant weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Let’s know some of the most popular firearms and their unique strengths:
Pistols:
- Sheriff: The iconic revolver, a symbol of raw power and one-shot potential. Its hefty kick rewards accuracy, making it a favorite for aggressive Duelists like Jett and Phoenix.
- Ghost: The silenced assassin, whispering death from afar. Its high fire rate and stealthy nature make it a go-to for Sentinels like Cypher and Chamber, who prefer to control the shadows.
SMGs:
- Spectre: The versatile workhorse, adaptable to any situation. Its balanced stats and controllable recoil make it a popular choice for all roles, from the flanking Omen to the anchoring Sage.
- Stinger: The high-speed bullet hose, spraying lead with reckless abandon. Its rapid-fire shreds at close range, making it a terror in the hands of aggressive Initiators like Skye and Breach.
Shotguns:
- Judge: A close-quarters nightmare, spitting a wall of pellets that decimate enemies in one brutal burst. Ideal for shotgun-wielding Duelists like Reyna and Jett, who thrive on raw aggression.
- Bucky: The pump-action powerhouse, a slower but more deliberate killer. Its tight spread and heavy punch make it a favorite for Sentinels like Viper and Killjoy, who lock down areas and punish intruders.
Rifles:
- Phantom: The all-rounder, a reliable companion in any fight. Its balanced damage and fire rate make it a popular choice for all roles, from the entry-fragging Sova to the supportive Sage.
- Vandal: The precision beast, rewarding skilled marksmanship with one-tap headshots. Its high recoil demands mastery, but in the right hands, it can dominate long-range battles, making it ideal for Sentinels like Chamber and Cypher.
Snipers:
- Operator: The king of long-range, a single shot that can turn the tide of a battle. Its immense damage makes it a must-have for Sentinels like Chamber and Jett, who excel at controlling angles and picking off stragglers.
- Marshal: The compact sniper, offering deadly precision without the hefty price tag. Its quick draw and decent damage make it a versatile choice for any role, especially Initiators like Sova and Skye, who can gather intel and set up deadly snipes.
Features of the game
One of the features that make Valorant unique is its focus on tactics and teamwork. Each match is a tense and thrilling battle where players have to rely on their teammates to win. This creates a really fun and engaging experience that rewards players for working together.
Another great feature of the Valorant Game is its characters. Each character has their unique abilities and playstyles, so there’s plenty of room for experimentation and finding the right team composition. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game that keeps things interesting.
All in all, Valorant is shaping up to be an incredibly exciting tactical shooter with plenty to offer both casual and competitive gamers alike.
Diffrent Maps in Valorant
Valorant offers a diverse range of maps, each with its own unique layout, atmosphere, and gameplay dynamics. Mastering different maps can significantly improve your strategic thinking and adaptability. Some maps for example:
1. Ascent
- Layout: Three-lane map with a central platform connecting A and B sites. Distinct height variations create interesting flanking opportunities.
- Atmosphere: Futuristic city bathed in golden sunlight, with sleek architecture and towering skyscrapers.
- Gameplay: Emphasis on verticality and map control. Rotations between sites are crucial, and mastering the central platform is key to dominating the map.
2. Haven
- Layout: Three-lane map with a unique three-site structure. Each site has distinct characteristics and tactical approaches.
- Atmosphere: Secluded Japanese monastery set amidst serene gardens and tranquil ponds.
- Gameplay: Rotations and retakes play a major role. Understanding each site’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial for strategic attacks and defenses.
3. Split
- Layout: Two-lane map with distinct A and B sites separated by a central canal. Tight corners and close-quarters battles are common.
- Atmosphere: Japanese metropolitan city with neon lights, bustling streets, and a vibrant nightlife vibe.
- Gameplay: Focus on aggressive pushes and holding key choke points. Controlling the canal is essential for map control and rotations.
4. Bind
- Layout: Unique “teleporter” mechanic connects A and B sites, offering unexpected flank routes and fast rotations.
- Atmosphere: Moroccan-inspired bazaar with intricate architecture and vibrant colors.
- Gameplay: Mastering the teleporters is key to strategic attacks and surprise defenses. Utilizing cover and manipulating enemy rotations are crucial.
5. Icebox
- Layout: Three-lane map with distinct visual themes for each site. Unique ice mechanics create dynamic gameplay situations.
- Atmosphere: Arctic research facility with snowy landscapes and industrial structures.
- Gameplay: Understanding line-of-sight restrictions caused by the ice mechanics is essential. Utilizing ziplines and grappling hooks opens up creative flanking opportunities.
6. Breeze
- Layout: Large, open island map with a strong emphasis on long-range engagements.
- Atmosphere: Tropical paradise with lush vegetation, sandy beaches, and clear blue skies.
- Gameplay: Mastering rotations and utilizing cover due to the open nature of the map is crucial. Precise aim and understanding of bullet penetration are essential for success.
7. Fracture
- Layout: Unique “mirror” map with two identical halves connected by a central rift.
- Atmosphere: Futuristic research facility split into two halves by a powerful energy rift.
- Gameplay: Understanding the mirror aspect and utilizing the rift for unexpected flanks are key strategic elements. Crosshair placement and map awareness are crucial due to the lack of distinct landmarks.
8. Pearl
- Layout: Three-lane map with underwater sections and unique platform mechanics.
- Atmosphere: Underwater luxury city with vibrant coral reefs, shimmering lights, and a sense of mystery.
- Gameplay: Mastering the underwater sections and utilizing platforms for verticality are crucial for tactical maneuvers. Understanding sightlines and angles due to the unique layout is essential.
9. Lotus
- Layout: Three-lane map with intricate waterways and interconnected buildings.
- Atmosphere: Ancient Indian ruins set amidst lush vegetation and flowing water.
- Gameplay: Understanding the waterways and rotating effectively between sites is crucial. Mastering the different entrances and exits to each site is key for tactical advantage.
Valorant Store
The Valorant Store is divided into three sections, where you can purchase new weapons or upgrade old weapons using the in-game currency called Valorant Points (VP).
- Featured: This section is updated within the frequency of 2 weeks. It includes all the latest and new skin (bundles).
- Offers Section: This section of the store gives players combo packs and skins at discounted prices. It also offers players the ability to buy four randomly chosen unowned skins and four skin changes every 4 hours.
- Night Market: It sells weapons at randomly discounted prices for players. They can get it once and the validity of such an offer is till the Nigh Market ends.
How to become a professional Valorant player?
You will need to be able to consistently win games against other players. This means that you will need to have good aim, game sense, and mechanical ability.
You will also need to be able to play well in tournaments. This means that you will need to have good nerves and be able to perform under pressure. To play well and analyze your strengths and weaknesses you should use the Valorant tracker.
Lastly, you will need to be marketable. This means that you will need to have a good social media presence and be able to stream your games on platforms like Twitch.
FAQs
Q.1 What is Valorant?
Ans: It is a new 5v5 tactical shooter from Riot Games. It’s a free-to-play game with in-game purchases. The game was announced on March 3rd, 2020, and was initially released in closed beta.
Q.2 When will Valorant be released?
Ans: The full release date was June 2, 2020. The game is now available to play for Windows users.
Q.3 Is Valorant cross-platform?
Ans: No, it is not cross-platform. Each platform has its own separate client and server.
Q.4 Is Valorant down?
Ans: There are currently no reported problems with the game. However, if you are experiencing any issues, please contact customer support here.
Q.5 How to change name in Valorant?
Ans: To change your name in the game, you will need to go to the Settings menu -> Account -> Change name. From there, you can click on the “change name” under the ‘Riot id’ option and enter your new desired name. Please note you can only change your Riot ID once every 30 days.
Q.6 How to uninstall Valorant?
Ans: If you’re done with Valorant and ready to move on, uninstalling the game is a pretty simple process. Just follow these steps:
- Open up the Windows Control Panel.
- Click on “Add or Remove Programs.”
- Find Valorant in the list of installed programs and click on it.
- Click the “Remove” button.
- Confirm that you want to uninstall the game by clicking “Yes.”
- Follow the prompts to finish uninstalling the game.
Recommended for you: