Valorant is a popular first person tactical hero shooter developed by Riot Games. Fusing high skill ceiling FPS gameplay with the popular hero shooter genre, it has been a hit with gamers across the world. 

You may have a few friends who love this game, and you want to try it yourself. Well, hold your horses, we have shortlisted a few things you need to know about Valorant in order to hit the ground running.

1. Who are Agents?

Agents are Valorant’s equivalent of heroes in this game. They are the bread and butter of the core gameplay as each feature unique abilities suitable for different roles and strategies. Thus, Agents are divided into these roles: Controller, Sentinel, Duelist, and Initiator. Do pick up and try out different Agents to find one that suits your playstyle.

2. Movement noise

It can be irresistible to run as fast as possible to avoid staying at one place, but any form of movement creates noise, and running is one of the loudest. Every time you run, you might alert nearby enemies of your location, exposing your otherwise well-planned ambush. Only run when you need it such as getting shot at or chasing down the enemy.

3. Learn the maps

Valorant currently has 8 maps, which is not a lot by FPS standards. However, beginners can easily pick up and learn each map without getting bogged down by the quantity. Each map has traditional FPS lanes and bomb sites, so learn each nook and cranny to figure out the best spots to coordinate an offense or defense.

4. Manage your credits

Just like Counter Strike, buying weapons and abilities will spend credits. And just like Counter Strike, there are save and spend rounds. It is best to communicate with your team whether to spend or save credits in each round so that you can afford better gear to win the next round. It is pointless when you have the best weapons only to lose due to your team not having anything aside from the basic pistol.

5. Weapon categories

Unlike other hero shooters, you can equip different weapons to cater to your playstyle and needs. Weapons are split up into different categories: SMGs, Shotguns, Sidearms, Rifles, Machine Guns, and Sniper Rifles. Each Agent will start with a pistol and a knife, and will not be lost if killed.

6. Buy armour

This goes without saying, as the best guns are useless if you are not alive. Going into a round unarmoured will get you killed with just 1 or 2 well-aimed shots. Armours come into two types, one that gives you 25 extra health, and one that gives you 50. Both armours can reduce damage taken by 70%.

7. Reticle positioning

As headshots deal the most damage, it is best to maintain your reticle at around head height so you don’t have to move too much to aim. A good way to gauge how high is head level is to aim at your allies before the game starts.

Conclusion

Hopping into Valorant for the first time can be a daunting experience, but it does not have a Versus AI mode for you to learn the game at your own pace. Difficulty curve issues aside, it is still a fun and thrilling game to play with your friends. 

Be sure to stay tuned to Geng Gamer for more gaming news, guides and updates. We have a store for top-ups for your favourite game titles too.