Beginner's Guide to Valorant

New to Valorant? This guide covers everything you need to start competing.

Buy Phase & Economy

  • 1Each round starts with a Buy Phase where you purchase weapons, shields, and abilities.
  • 2Pistol round (round 1) gives 800 credits -- buy a Ghost or abilities.
  • 3If you lose pistol round, save (eco) round 2 to full-buy on round 3.
  • 4Light shields cost 400 (25 HP), heavy shields cost 1000 (50 HP) -- always buy shields.
  • 5Winning a round grants 3000 credits. Losing grants 1900-2900 depending on loss streak.
  • 6Coordinate buys with your team -- 5 Spectres beat 2 Vandals and 3 Classics.

Abilities & Agent Economy

  • 1Each agent has 4 abilities: C (purchasable), Q (purchasable), E (signature, free), and X (ultimate).
  • 2Signature ability (E) recharges on a timer or on kills -- it is free every round.
  • 3Ultimate ability (X) charges through kills, deaths, orbs on the map, and round completion.
  • 4Spend credits on abilities wisely -- sometimes abilities are more valuable than a rifle.
  • 5Two ultimate orbs spawn on the map each round -- collect them for faster ultimate charge.
  • 6Learn which abilities to buy each round based on your economy and strategy.

Spike (Bomb) Mechanics

  • 1Attackers must plant the Spike on a designated site (A, B, or C).
  • 2Planting takes 4 seconds -- you must stay still and exposed.
  • 3After planting, the Spike detonates in 45 seconds if not defused.
  • 4Defusing takes 7 seconds. Half-defusing (3.5s) shows a visual indicator to fake defuses.
  • 5The Spike deals lethal damage in a large radius -- retreat after planting.
  • 6Post-plant is about delaying the defuse using abilities and positioning.

Crosshair Placement

  • 1Keep your crosshair at head level at all times -- the most important fundamental.
  • 2Pre-aim common angles where enemies are likely to peek.
  • 3When turning corners, place your crosshair where the enemy head will appear.
  • 4Use the environment (boxes, doorframes) as height references for head level.
  • 5Counter-strafing: tap the opposite movement key before shooting for accuracy.
  • 6Avoid aiming at the ground or walls -- every second of adjustment costs you.

Movement & Positioning

  • 1Running makes noise -- walk (Shift) when you do not want to give away your position.
  • 2Jumping and running cause weapon inaccuracy -- stand still or crouch to shoot accurately.
  • 3Hold off-angles -- positions slightly off from where enemies expect you.
  • 4Do not wide-peek with a slow weapon -- use jiggle peeks to gather info.
  • 5Play one angle at a time -- avoid exposing yourself to multiple enemies.
  • 6After getting a kill, reposition -- enemies will pre-aim your previous spot.