Valorant: Game Modes, Agents, Weapons & System Requirements

Every year, thousands of games are released across every genre, but not every one of them impacts the gaming community. However, there are some key titles that captured millions of hearts instantly and within no time became the fan favorites. One of the tactical shooters that saw great success is Valorant. Released in 2020, it turned into one of the most popular titles, loved by everyone. Today, Valorant is not only a known name within the gaming community but also in the esports scene. Multiple tournaments of the game are held worldwide with huge prize pools.

Valorant Overview

This title is totally free-to-play, where two teams, each consisting of five players, battle against each other. The characters are called Agents, and each one of them possesses unique abilities.

They can be either healers, attackers, or anything. Similar to Counter-Strike, in this game, players have to either plant the bomb or defuse it, along with eliminating the opponents. Players who love exploring action games with fast-paced gameplay, this title is perfect for you. The attractive visuals and well-designed characters make it more interesting.

Valorant Game Modes

This Riot Games title features unique modes that will suit every player's playstyle. From casual to hardcore gamers, VALORANT is a place for both fun and challenges where you can test your gun and strategic skills. You can play the game both solo and with friends. Each match is an experience that turns chaotic within seconds. With a variety of maps and agents available, you will always have something different to experience. Below, we have mentioned each mode in detail.

Unrated

This is a pretty decent mode where players don't have to worry about ranks. The goal is simple: plant or diffuse the bomb or eliminate the opponents of the enemy team. Unrated matches are very quick and last for about 30-40 minutes. The teams have to switch sides after every 12 rounds. The first team to claim 13 rounds wins the match. In this mode you can learn the basics, get aware of maps and test your weapon skills so that when you enter the ranked modes, you are fully prepared. Overall it is a relaxing mode where you can just enjoy the game without stressing about climbing the ranks.

Competitive

This mode requires refined skills and is designed for players who love competition and want to reach the top. The matches in the competitive mode follow a similar pattern as the unrated, and each match consists of 25 rounds. This mode follows a rank system that includes nine ranks, namely, Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Ascendant, Immortal, and Radiant. All ranks are divided into three sub-tiers except the highest one. To climb the ranks rapidly, you need well-planned strategies, coordination with the team and most importantly, weapon skills.

Swiftplay

‘Swiftplay,’ as the name says, all matches are quick and finish within a few minutes. Those who want to catch a quick break from break should prefer this mode and have fun. Each match in this mode is of 9 rounds and follows the same rules as Unrated. Swiftplay also doesn't have a rank system, so you can just enjoy the quick gameplay and use any agent you want.

Spike Rush

It is similar to Swiftplay, as all matches in this mode are quick and last for just 10-12 minutes. However, it has some unique twists with fun. It is all about who wins the four rounds first. Every player gets the same random weapon, which means a round can start with either a shotgun, an assault rifle, or even a sniper. The whole map has special orbs spread around so you can boost your weapons for better performance.

Deathmatch

This mode is specifically best for players who want to practice aiming and get fast with their mobility and reflexes. It is not a team mode, and 14 players individually scatter on a single map. The first player to reach 40 kills or the one who has the most kills when the 9-minute timer runs out wins the game. You can choose any weapon before the match starts, and it will be loaded with unlimited ammo. If you get eliminated once, you will instantly respawn. It is a fantastic mode for practicing shooting and testing every weapon. Remember that players can respawn anywhere on the map, so you have to be very alert.

Custom Games

Custom Games lets players create their own matches with customized settings. It is the perfect mode to enjoy with friends. Set a private lobby, choose a map of your choice, and set the match duration and you are all set to go. You can even adjust the round limits and set weapon restrictions. So whenever you feel like chilling and playing stress-free matches, just go to the menu and select Custom Games.

Team Deathmatch

It is a simple mode where the first team to reach 100 kills in 10 minutes wins. You can choose any weapon in each round. Just like in Deathmatch, you respawn right after dying, which keeps the action quick. This mode doesn't require any planting or defusing of bombs, just the gun action. For those who love to enjoy chaotic fights, it is the perfect mode that doesn't require any strategies or plans.

Limited-time and rotating modes

Limited-time and rotating modes come to the game every two weeks and give users interesting twists. Every player in the team uses the same agent and gets random weapons to use. They are shorter and great for warm-ups.

Valorant Agents

Valorant Agents are the heart of the game. They not only look stunningly beautiful and stylish but also bring unique abilities to the game. Each agent has a specific role, like Duelist, Sentinel, Controller, or Initiator, that fits according to different playstyles. The game features a diverse roster so you can choose any agent of your choice. VALORANT gets consistent updates that keep adding new characters.

Duelists

Duelists are aggressive in nature and are specially designed for securing kills. They are capable of breaking the opponent's defense, which creates the opportunity for their team to attack. With great mobility, damage, and sustainability, they are one of the most preferred agents in the game. Some of the best Duelists available in the game are Jett, Phoenix, Reyna, and Raze.

Initiators

Initiators act as scouts for the team and excel in gathering information. Using their abilities, you can reveal enemies' position and even break their defense, which makes it easy for the teammates to hold sites. Some of the best initiators that you can use are Sova, Breach and Skye.

Sentinels

Sentinels are defensive agents who can hold sites along with gathering information and protecting the team. They act as the pillars of the team's defense. Sage is one of the best Sentinel Agents available in the game, as she can create walls to block the enemies, revive teammates and also heal them. Some of the other notable sentinels are Cypher, Killjoy and Chamber.

Controllers

Controllers are designed to control the space and support their team using abilities like walls and smokes. They can block the enemy view and stop them from entering your area, making the defense easy. Controllers like Brimstone and Omen set smokes to block opponents' vision, while Viper builds toxic walls or clouds to control the areas. These agents are more about creating setups and holding sites rather than going for the kills.

Valorant Weapon Types

Valorant features several types of weapons that are suited to everyone's playstyles. Below we have mentioned the major weapon types that are available in the game.

• Pistols: They are lightweight and good for early rounds. The damage they deal is not that effective and their range is also very limited.
• SMGs: These are close-range weapons, effective for close- to mid-range battles. They are lightweight and fire quick shots.
• Shotguns: They have a high damage rate and are suitable for close-range encounters. For the long-range battles they are ineffective.
• Rifles: Perfect for mid- to long-range battles and deals incredible damage. If you master this weapon, you will dominate every long-range battle.
• Machine Guns: These weapons have large magazines and high fire rates. Ares and Odin are two of the best machine guns available in the game.
• Melee: They are typical knives good for quick slashes, silent kills and close encounters.

Valorant Platforms & System Requirements

This free-to-play title is available to play on both PC and consoles. However, your device is required to meet specific criteria to make the game work. Don't worry, you don't need a supercomputer or a high-tech console to play VALORANT; it can work on old PCs and relatively lesser new consoles.

PC

Below we have mentioned the required specs for a PC needed to run Valorant smoothly.

Consoles (PS/Xbox)

VALORANT is available on the new-gen consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series. These consoles have powerful hardware that is needed to run the game smoothly.

Valorant Tips and Tricks

• If you are new to the game, focus on practicing more and improving your shooting skills by playing Deathmatch or Spike Rush more.
• Understand the agents' abilities and learn how to use them effectively.
• When playing in teams, coordinate with your team using a microphone, as it will make the communication much easier.
• Don't save the abilities for the last, use them whenever necessary.
• Use your in-game currency wisely and don't spend it on unnecessary items.