What is the Best Start in Valorant: Beginners Guide Valorant 2024

Valorant is a competitive first-person shooter from Riot Games that combines tactical gameplay with unique agent abilities. If you're new to the game and want to quickly get up to speed, this guide will help you grasp the basic mechanics and provide useful tips for a successful start. As you can understand, it's difficult to fit a full tutorial into one article, so we've briefly covered the essentials that should help you in the early stages of playing VALORANT.

1. Game Basics

In Valorant, two teams of five players compete against each other, with one team attacking and the other defending. The attackers’ goal is to plant a bomb known as the Spike at a designated site, while defenders must prevent the Spike from being planted or defuse it if it is. Matches are divided into rounds, and the first team to win 13 rounds emerges victorious.

Rounds typically end when one team either completes its objective or eliminates all players on the opposing team. After 12 rounds, the teams switch sides, with attackers becoming defenders and vice versa.

2. Game Modes

Unrated and Competitive Modes

Valorant offers several game modes, each suited for different types of players. Unrated is ideal for beginners, as it allows you to play without the pressure of ranked competition. You can practice and learn the mechanics of the game while improving your skills at your own pace.

If you're looking for more competitive play, Competitive mode features ranked matches, where your wins and losses directly affect your rank. This mode requires more strategic thinking and teamwork to climb the ranks. In addition to these, modes like Deathmatch and Spike Rush offer faster-paced gameplay that’s great for honing your aim and movement without the full intensity of a competitive match.

3. Choosing Your Agent

Before each match, players select an Agent. Agents fall into four categories (VALORANT HAS 26 AGENTS AT THIS TIME):

• Duelists: Aggressive characters like Jett and Reyna for players who love fast-paced combat.
• Controllers: Specialists like Brimstone and Omen who manipulate the map with smokes and other area control abilities.
• Initiators: Agents like Sova and Breach that gather intel and prepare the team for engagements.
• Sentinels: Defensive support characters like Sage, who can heal teammates and control key areas.

Each agent brings unique abilities that influence the game in different ways. For example, some agents excel at aggressive, fast-paced combat, while others offer more defensive or supportive playstyles.

New players often gravitate towards agents like Brimstone or Sage, whose abilities are straightforward and highly effective in both offensive and defensive scenarios. Brimstone can deploy smokes that obscure enemy vision, while Sage can heal herself and her teammates, offering more survivability during critical moments.

4. Movement and Game Mechanics

One of the most important aspects of Valorant is learning how to move and shoot effectively. Unlike in some shooters, you must come to a complete stop before firing for maximum accuracy. Running or strafing while shooting will dramatically reduce your chances of hitting the target. This is why it’s essential to practice counter-strafing, a technique where you stop your movement just before shooting to maintain accuracy.

Additionally, being aware of your footsteps is crucial. Running makes noise, alerting enemies to your position, so walking quietly with the Shift key can help you stay undetected, especially when sneaking up on opponents or trying to reposition unnoticed.

5. Crosshair and Sensitivity Settings

Optimizing your crosshair and mouse sensitivity settings is a small but significant part of improving your gameplay. A clear, visible crosshair that suits your personal preferences will help you aim more consistently. It’s a good idea to experiment with different styles to find one that feels right.

In terms of sensitivity, many professional players suggest starting with a lower sensitivity setting, as this allows for more precise movements, particularly during intense firefights. Finding the right balance that feels comfortable for you is key to becoming a better player.

Crosshair Placement

Proper crosshair placement is key to success. Keep your crosshair at head level to minimize the time needed to aim during encounters.

• Map Knowledge: Learn maps and common enemy positions.
• Practice: Use Deathmatch modes to practice your aim and crosshair placement.
  

6. Understanding the Economy and Weapon Choices

Managing your economy is one of the game’s most strategic elements. Valorant uses a credit system where you earn money after each round, based on your performance and objectives. How you spend these credits can have a huge impact on your success.

In the early rounds, it’s best to purchase a light shield and basic weapons, saving your credits for stronger buys in later rounds. Two of the most popular weapons in the game are the Vandal and Phantom. The Vandal is lethal at any range with its one-shot headshot potential, while the Phantom offers better recoil control, making it more forgiving in close-quarters combat.

• Vandal: One-shot headshot potential at any distance, great for long-range engagements.
• Phantom: Lower recoil and equipped with a suppressor, ideal for medium to close-range combat.

Experiment with both weapons to see which one fits your playstyle.

Buying in Rounds

• In the first round, buy a light shield and abilities.
• In the second round, if you win, purchase stronger weapons.
• If you lose the second round, save your credits for a full buy in the third round.

Managing your economy can significantly affect your chances of winning.

7. Enhancing Your Shooting Skills

Learning how to control recoil and shoot effectively will set you apart from newer players. Each weapon in Valorant has its own unique spray pattern, which you can master through practice. However, at longer ranges, firing in controlled bursts or single shots will yield better accuracy than spraying.

In addition to recoil control, crosshair placement is equally vital. Always keep your crosshair at head level and pre-aim common enemy positions. This minimizes the time you need to adjust your aim during engagements, giving you a split-second advantage.

8. Teamwork and Communication

Valorant is fundamentally a team-based game, and success heavily depends on working well with your teammates. While it’s important to develop your individual skills, learning how to support your team through effective communication and coordinated strategies will make a significant difference. Don’t be afraid to give and receive information, even if it’s as simple as calling out enemy positions or alerting your team when you’re low on health or utility.

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide for beginners in Valorant in 2024 covers all the essential aspects of the game. Practice, map knowledge, economy management, and teamwork are the key components to success. Follow these tips, and you’ll see your skills improving with each match!