VALORANT Comprehensive Guide

I. Basic Preparation: Hardware and Settings Optimization

1. Peripheral Setup

Mouse:

Recommended low DPI (800–1200) with high polling rate (1000Hz+). Pro players often use eDPI (DPI × sensitivity) between 200–400. For example, Jett mains need rapid stops for precision.

Headset:

Prioritize 7.1 surround sound (e.g., Cooler Master MH752) to distinguish footstep directions (metal floors amplify sounds by 20% compared to grass).

Monitor:

144Hz+ refresh rate, 24-inch screen for optimal visibility.

2. In-Game Settings

Crosshair:

Use pro codes (e.g., 0;P;c;1;o;1;d;1;z;3;f;0) or dynamic crosshairs for movement adaptation.

Graphics:

Disable motion blur, set textures to high, and shadows to low to reduce visual clutter.

Keybinds:

Bind "stop" to side buttons (e.g., thumb mouse keys) for efficiency.

II. Map Control and Tactics: Information Warfare and Route Planning

1. Key Map Positions

Ascent:

A Site High Ground: Peek through water tower gaps to scout enemies. Pair with Jett's "Cloudburst" smoke.

B Site Corridor: Sage's "Barrier Orb" blocks entry, while Jett's "Updraft" enables high-ground advantage.

Bind:

Teleporter: Sova's "Recon Bolt" reveals enemies behind it.

B Site Warehouse: Cypher's "Tripwires" form a triangular trap covering all entrances.

2. Tactical Execution

Attackers:

Bomb Plant Strategy: Initiators (e.g., Breach) breach defenses, while duelists (e.g., Jett) secure the site.

Fake Push: Smoke A Site, then rotate to B. Use flashes to disorient.

Defenders:

Crossfire Setup: Sentinels (e.g., Killjoy) place "Nanobots" and "Alarmbot" for kill zones.

Delayed Retake: Use Sage's "Slow Orb" to slow enemies while teammates regroup.

III. Agent Abilities: Synergy and Counterplay

1. Role Synergies

Duelists:

Jett:

Core Play: Use "Updraft" to reach A Site high ground, pair with "Cloudburst" smoke for Operator setups.

Counter: Vulnerable to Reyna's "Dismiss" (soul orb healing). Prioritize killing Reyna first.

Sentinels:

Sage:

Wall Strategy: Block B Site corridor with "Barrier Orb" for teammates to hold angles.

Res Timing: Revive teammates in post-plant scenarios after slowing enemies with "Slow Orb."

2. Ability Timing

Smokes: Cover chokepoints (e.g., Ascent A Link) and calculate trajectories.

Flashes: Throw 0.5s before peeking corners to avoid sound-based counterplay.

Ultimate Management:

Brimstone's "Orbital Strike": Use when enemies cluster (accuracy > precision).

Omen's "From the Shadows": Steal the spike in 1vX scenarios with team distractions.

IV. Aim and Movement: From Fundamentals to Advanced

1. Shooting Mechanics

Stopping Power:

Basic: Tap opposite direction key (e.g., right while moving left) to halt instantly.

Advanced: Release all keys for emergency stops (requires high FPS).

Pre-Aiming:

Head Level: Aim 3cm below box edges on Ascent.

Dynamic Adjustment: Track enemy speed (e.g., aim 1 body-width ahead for sprinting targets).

2. Movement Tech

Jiggle Peeking:

Technique: Strafe left/right to expose partial models, bait shots, then retreat.

Use Case: Scout enemy positions or bait sniper shots.

Jett Surfing:

Technique: Chain "Updrafts" mid-air to reach unreachable spots (e.g., Bind B Roof).

V. Economy and Resource Management

1. Buy Strategies

Pistol Round:

Attackers: Ghost + Light Shield, use Jett's "Tailwind" for aggressive pushes.

Defenders: Shorty + Full Shield, hold tight angles in chokepoints.

Full Buy Rounds:

Primary Weapons: Phantom for mid-range spray, Vandal for long-range headshots.

Eco Rounds: Half Shield + Marshal, snipe enemies for economic boosts.

2. Ability Prioritization

Duelists: Save ultimates (e.g., Jett's "X-Sword") for critical rounds.

Sentinels: Always buy "Tripwires" or "Cameras" for intel.

Eco Rounds: Purchase abilities (e.g., Cypher's "Trapwire") even without guns.

VI. Mind Games and Teamwork

1. Deception Tactics

Sound Baits: Fake A Site noise, then push B. Coordinate with voice comms.

Clutch Plays:

Slow Defuse: If enemies defuse slowly, flank them.

Fast Defuse: If enemies defuse quickly, blind them with flashes.

2. Communication Standards

Callouts:

Basic: "2 A, Vandal and Phantom."

Advanced: "1 High Ground A, Operator; 1 A Link, Spectre."

Signals:

Attack: Press Z for "Gather" + voice command for route.

Retreat: Press X for "Danger" + retreat path.

VII. Case Studies

Case 1: Ascent A Site Attack

Opening: Jett uses "Recon Bolt" to confirm A Site clear.

Breach: Breach destroys A Site obstacles with "Fault Line."

Execution: Jett jumps to high ground while Sage slows enemies with "Slow Orb."

Result: Site secured with 1 loss.

Case 2: Bind B Site Defense

Setup: Cypher places "Tripwires" and "Cameras" in B Warehouse.

Bait: Reyna exposes herself to lure attackers.

Counter: Sage walls off B Site, Brimstone calls "Orbital Strike" to clear.

Result: 3 kills, site held.

VIII. Conclusion: The Path from Iron to Radiant

Intel Gathering: Dominate with abilities and callouts.

Decision-Making: Adapt strategies based on intel.

Aim Execution: Master pre-aiming, stopping, and micro-adjustments.

Team Synergy: Achieve 1+1>2 through comms and coordination.

"Victory in VALORANT lies in the details." From settings to tactics, relentless practice and review are the keys to climbing ranks.