Valorant Beginner's Guide - How to Play & Tips

Valorant is a tactical first-person shooter developed by Riot Games. This game has a traditional combat system but it also has a modern hero-based character selection where each hero has unique skills and abilities. Valorant is a highly competitive game and it tests your communications skills, map control, and combat skills, all at the same time. There are many different aspects in the game, and if you are a beginner, it might seem extremely confusing to you at the start.

Let’s follow LDShop to get to know about how the game works, different maps, game modes, all the types of agents, weapons, and everything else there is to the game. You will also get to know about some tips that might be useful for you at the beginning and help you climb the ranks efficiently.

Game Overview

In Valorant, the basic gameplay is that there are two teams of 5 players each. One team plants a device called “Spike” and defends it, and the other team tries to prevent planting the Spike by killing everyone on the first team. When it is half time, the roles are switched. In each round, first there is a “Buy Phase”. During this phase, you can buy weapons, shields, and agent abilities using credits. You can get credits by completing objectives such as planting or defusing the Spike, getting kills, or winning rounds. Once the “Buy Phase” ends, you then face the opposing team. You can use different agents who have different special abilities. You need to then use these abilities, along with precise aim and tactical decision-making to win the round.

 

Game Modes

There are multiple game modes in Valorant that require different types of playstyles. As a beginner, you have to try out each mode so that you can get familiar with them and reduce some of the pressure.

• Unrated: This is the standard version of the game. All players are divided into two teams of five players each. There are a maximum of 25 rounds and the first team to win 13 rounds wins.
• Competitive: This is similar to Unrated, but here you are awarded a rank based on your performance.
• Replication: This is very similar to Unrated, but here everyone has to use the same agent.
• Swiftplay: This is a shorter version of Unrated where you have to win only 5 rounds to win instead of 13.
• Spike Rush: This is a shorter but more casual game mode where you only have to win four rounds to win.
• Deathmatch: In this mode, you can’t use abilities or don’t have to fulfil any objectives. Just kill anyone you see, and if you die, you will be respawned. First player to 40 kills, or the player with the most kills after 9 minutes, wins.
• Escalation: This is a team-based mode where you climb through multiple levels by getting a specific number of kills with specific weapons or abilities as mentioned.

To build confidence, play and practice in Unrated, Swiftplay, and Deathmatch modes first and then move on to other modes.

 

Maps

Each Valorant map has a unique layout, with bomb sites, chokepoints, elevation levels, and tactical positions. Currently there are 11 different maps in Valorant – Bind, Haven, Split, Ascent, Icebox, Breeze, Fracture, Pearl, Lotus, Sunset, and Abyss.

When you are playing on a map for the first time, you have to keep some things in mind:

• Callouts: These are names given to specific areas on the map to improve team communication.
• Choke Points: These are tight areas where you can push your enemies or hold.=
• Rotation Routes: By knowing special routes on the map, you can easily rotate and move between safe sites.
• Utility Spots: Learn where to use abilities like smokes, flashes, or recon tools for maximum impact.

 

Agents and Their Roles

In Valorant, there are four types of agents. Each type of agent has a specific purpose and playstyle in the game.

• Duelists: These agents are usually used to enter into enemy territory and make room for their teammates to move. They can usually break through the opponent’s defenses and create opportunities for their teammates. If you want to carry your team alone, this is the role you should choose. The Duelists in Valorant are Jett, Phoenix, Reyna, Raze, Yoru, Neon, and Iso.
• Initiators: These agents are mainly used to scout the map for enemies and traps so that their teammates can enter an area safely without getting ambushed. Their abilities are often used to flush out hiding enemies or reveal positions. The Initiators in Valorant are Sova, Breach, Skye, KAY/O, Fade, and Gekko.
• Controllers: When the opponent team deploys Initiator abilities to gather information, you can deploy a Controller to block the opponents from getting that information. Controllers usually have abilities like blocking vision and controlling space. They use smokes, walls, or other tools to defend their team’s strategies The Controllers in Valorant are Brimstone, Viper, Omen, Astra, Harbor, and Clove.
• Sentinels: These agents are used for defense. They can lock down areas, watch flanks, and also have traps that can alert teammates of enemy movement. The Sentinels in Valorant are Sage, Cypher, Killjoy, Chamber, and Deadlock.

At the start, don’t try to learn all the agents and their abilities all at once. Start with fairly simple and easy to use agents like Sage or Brimstone first. Once you understand the mechanics and how to use the abilities in the middle of a match, slowly move on to the other more complicated agents.

 

Weapons

There are many weapons in Valorant with different uses and different prices. Choosing the right weapon in each round depends on how many credits you have, what situation you are in, whether your team is winning or losing, etc. Here are all the weapons in Valorant.

• Sidearms: Classic, Shorty, Frenzy, Ghost, Sheriff
• SMGs: Stinger, Spectre
• Rifles: Bulldog, Guardian, Phantom, Vandal
• Shotguns: Bucky, Judge
• Snipers: Marshal, Operator
• Machine Guns: Ares, Odin

As a beginner, use rifles like Phantom or Vandal. Also you should spend some time in the shooting range and understand how recoil works and practice your aim. If you are interested in making your weapons look more aesthetic, you can use weapons skins. You can buy Valorant Points, and then use them in the in-game store to buy these skins, as well as other cosmetics and accessories. The best platform to make the top-up is LDShop, it lets players top up for less and it is a great way to save money.

 

Tips for Beginners

• Focus on Crosshair Placement: Keep your crosshair at head level and aimed at common enemy positions. It reduces your reaction time and increases your chances of landing a headshot.
• Stop Before Shooting: Accuracy in Valorant depends on being still. Learn to briefly stop your movement before shooting. This action is also known as counter-strafing.
• Warm Up Regularly: Use Deathmatch and the shooting range to warm up before jumping into matches. This improves aim and confidence.
• Use Abilities Wisely: Don’t throw abilities randomly. Use them to support your team, control areas, or escape danger.
• Communicate Effectively: Call out enemy positions, your plans, and important events like Spike locations. Even short, clear communication helps.
• Play With a Team Mindset: Valorant is mostly a team game. So you have to work with your team by trading kills, following pushes, and helping with site control.
• Watch Other Players: Go on video streaming platforms and carefully watch how top players use angles, movement, and timing. Try to learn what strategies they use to win.
• Be Patient: At first, don’t try to win every match. Instead, focus on learning only. If you practice consistently, you will start getting good results in a very short time.

 

Conclusion

Valorant can feel hard at first, but if you keep learning and practicing, it gets easier and more fun. Focus on aiming, using your agent’s abilities, and working with your team. Don’t rush. Be patient and keep playing. Over time, you’ll improve and enjoy the game even more.