Mastering Valorant: The Unspoken Strategies You Need to Know

In the realm of team-based multiplayer shooters, two distinct types of games offer vastly different gameplay experiences. On one hand, there are FPS games that prioritize fast-paced action and have a low barrier for entry, making them accessible to players of varying skill levels. Franchises like Call of Duty and Battlefield fall under this category, boasting a high skill ceiling while remaining easy to pick up and play. On the other hand, there are highly tactical shooters that require methodical movement and constant cooperation among players. Over the years, many shooters have joined this latter category, with Valorant being one of the most prominent in recent times.

Valorant takes the best elements from recent FPS games and blends them together to create a unique experience. With gameplay that emphasizes tactics and strategy similar to CS:GO, and a diverse roster of distinct characters akin to Overwatch, developer Riot Games has crafted a game that is both substantive and stylish. Despite sharing similarities with other games, Valorant has managed to carve out its own identity, thanks in part to its dedicated community. Through a series of updates and patches, the Valorant community has established a set of unwritten rules that govern each match, contributing to the game's distinct personality.

Respect Knife Battles in Valorant

Proper knife battle etiquette in Valorant dictates that players engage solely in close combat, abandoning the use of guns and Agent abilities. These battles can arise from one-on-one encounters or from a lone player calling for a knife battle against the entire enemy team in the center of the map. During a knife battle, players who are not directly participating should refrain from using guns, allowing the duel to play out uninterrupted.

Valorant's game modes follow a similar structure to CS:GO, with teams of five competing against each other. Each player only has one life per round, making quick reflexes and decision-making crucial. If a player is performing exceptionally well, they may have the opportunity to "ace" the enemy team by eliminating all five players. It is considered good etiquette to allow a player to achieve an ace if their team's victory is assured and they only need one more kill. Of course, there may be exceptions in tense situations, but it's best to avoid spoiling such a special accomplishment if possible.

Don't Use New Valorant Agents in Ranked

It is important for players to fully understand the intricacies of each playable Agent in Valorant before jumping into a ranked match with them. Rushing into a game with a new Agent can often lead to negative consequences, as it takes time to learn and master their unique abilities and tactics. This can ultimately put the entire team at a disadvantage. To avoid this, players are advised to spend time practicing new Agents in unranked matches before entering a ranked game.

Getting started with Valorant can seem overwhelming for beginners, given the numerous unwritten rules and etiquette to follow. While there are more rules than what has been outlined above, adhering to them as closely as possible can help matches run smoothly for all players, whether new or seasoned. Becoming proficient in Valorant requires hours of practice, but with dedicated effort and guidance, any player can master the lore-infused shooter and confidently wield their favorite Agents. The game is currently accessible on PC.