9 Must-Have Weapons in Valorant – Are You Using Them?

Picking the right weapon in Valorant shapes every round’s outcome. As a long-time player who’s spent countless hours testing each gun, I’ve seen matches swing based on smart weapon choices.

While player skill matters, knowing which gun suits each situation puts you steps ahead of your opponents. From budget buys to full loadouts, these nine standout weapons have proven their worth across all ranks.

Let’s break down what makes these weapons essential picks, with clear stats and practical tips you can use right away.

Best Sidearms in Valorant

Ready to step up your arsenal? Let’s start with the trusty sidearms that might just save your round.

Ghost

The Ghost hits the sweet spot at 500 credits, making it a go-to choice for pistol rounds and save situations. Its 15-bullet magazine gives plenty of chances to land shots.

•  Each headshot deals 105 damage within 30 meters – enough to drop lightly armored enemies. Body shots connect for 26 damage, letting you whittle down opponents with quick bursts.

•  The silenced shots keep you off the radar during flanks and rotations. Mid-range fights feel natural with its tight spread pattern and manageable recoil.

Sheriff

This hand cannon demands respect at 800 credits. Landing a clean headshot delivers 159 damage, sending enemies straight back to spawn with one click.

• The first shot strikes with pinpoint accuracy when standing still. Follow-up shots need patient timing though – the heavy recoil kicks hard between rounds.

• Six bullets per magazine means every shot matters. Many players tap-fire from medium range, as spraying quickly becomes unreliable past close quarters.

Side-by-Side Comparison

• Ghost excels at controlled bursts and quick repositioning between shots. The larger magazine forgives missed shots during extended fights.

•  Sheriff rewards patient angle-holding and precise aim. One well-placed bullet can swing an eco round, making its higher price worthwhile for confident aimers.

•  Both weapons stay relevant throughout a match, giving solid options during low-economy rounds or when caught off-guard by rushes.

Best Rifles in Valorant

 Phantom

• The 2,900 credit investment brings unmatched versatility. Its 30-round magazine and fast fire rate let you spray through smokes and hold multiple angles.

• Close-range fights end quick with 156 damage headshots. At medium range, you’ll deal 140 headshot damage – still enough for one-tap kills on unarmored foes.

• The built-in silencer masks your position during sprays. Recoil stays predictable in the first 5-8 shots, perfect for bursting enemies at any range.

 Vandal

•  Raw stopping power defines this rifle. Every headshot deals 160 damage at any range, making it the go-to for long-angle holds.

• The distinct spray pattern pulls up and right. Learning to compensate takes practice, but mastering it lets you control key sightlines consistently.

• Each bullet hits for 40 damage to the body. At 2,900 credits, it matches the Phantom’s price while offering different strengths.

 Guardian

• Semi-auto precision comes at 2,250 credits. The high first-shot accuracy rewards methodical tapping over spraying.

•  Headshots drop enemies with 195 damage regardless of range. Body shots connect for 65 damage, making it deadly in skilled hands.

• The lower price point and high wall penetration make it shine on force-buy rounds. Its 12-round magazine encourages careful shot selection.

 Key Differences

• Phantom users love the spray control and stealth. The damage falloff gets balanced by better recoil and tracerless bullets.

• Vandal players value consistent damage at range. The harder recoil demands more practice but rewards mastery with one-shot potential.

• Guardian fills a unique role between rifles and snipers. It teaches good habits like crosshair placement and trigger discipline.

Best SMGs in Valorant

 Spectre

• At 1,600 credits, the Spectre bridges the gap between eco and full-buy rounds. The price-to-performance ratio makes it a smart half-buy choice.

• Headshots deal 156 damage up close, dropping to 140 at medium range. The 30-round magazine lets you spray through multiple targets.

• Run-and-gun accuracy stays decent while moving. This mobility advantage helps when taking close fights or pushing with teammates.

• First-bullet accuracy rewards tap-firing at range. The recoil pattern starts easy but becomes random after 5-6 shots.

 Combat Advantages

• The fire rate shreds through enemies in close quarters. Short bursts at medium range keep damage consistent enough to finish fights.

• Moving accuracy makes it perfect for aggressive plays. You can dash around corners or swing wide while maintaining reasonable spread.

• Silent bullets help mask your position during rushes. This lets you catch rotating defenders off guard or flank without giving away your spot.

 Economy Impact

• Saves enough credits for full armor and utility. Many teams opt for Spectre buys after losing pistol rounds.

• Performs well enough to justify buying on force rounds. The mix of mobility and fire rate can surprise rifle users up close.

• Falls off at long range compared to rifles. Smart positioning and close-range engagements maximize its strengths.

 Usage Tips

• Start bursts at chest level – the recoil naturally climbs toward headshot height. This technique works best within 15-20 meters.

• Use movement between bursts to throw off enemy aim. The SMG mobility lets you jiggle peek or wide swing effectively.

• Save longer sprays for close encounters. Controlled bursts work better past medium range where spread becomes an issue.

Best Sniper Rifles in Valorant

 Operator

• The 4,700 credit price tag makes it a big investment. But the one-shot kill potential changes how enemies play entire rounds.

• Body shots deal 150 damage, enough to drop anyone without heavy armor. The scope-in time balances this raw stopping power.

• Leg shots hit for 120 damage, making follow-up kills possible with a quick switch to sidearm.

 Positional Play

• Mastering common angles gives you control over key sightlines. Teams often build their defense around a strong Op player.

• Quick-scoping works in emergencies but reduces accuracy. The best plays come from pre-aimed positions and patient timing.

• Movement speed drops while scoped, so positioning matters. Good Op players know when to fall back and when to re-peek.

 Economic Considerations

• The high cost makes losing an Op particularly painful. Smart players save it when rounds look unwinnable.

• Teams often pool credits to get an early Op. The map control it provides can justify the investment.

• Picking up an enemy Op swings the economy hard. Many rounds turn on keeping or stealing the big green.

 Advanced Techniques

• Learn the quick-switch timing between shots.

• Practice no-scope accuracy for close encounters. The hip-fire spread follows a consistent pattern.

• Develop callouts with teammates for trading opportunities. An Op works best with coordinated support.

 Map Impact

• Some maps favor Op play more than others. Long sightlines on maps like Haven make it especially strong.

• Knowing common counter-angles helps survive enemy Ops. Each map has spots where you’re less exposed to Op peeks.

• The sound cue when scoping warns enemies. Smart timing and different angles keep them guessing.

Best Shotguns in Valorant

Shotguns in Valorant excel in close-quarter battles, and one weapon stands head and shoulders above the rest in this category.

Judge: The Close-Range Champion

The Judge shotgun dominates tight spaces with its remarkable fire rate and devastating damage output. What sets this weapon apart is its semi-automatic firing mechanism, allowing you to quickly dispatch multiple enemies when they rush your position.

Damage and Fire Rate

•  Body shot damage: 10-17 per pellet (12 pellets per shot)
•  Headshot multiplier: 3x
•  Fire rate: 3.5 rounds per second
•  Magazine capacity: 7 rounds

The Judge thrives in confined areas where its spread pattern creates a deadly cone of damage. At point-blank range, it can eliminate an unarmored enemy with a single body shot – a power few weapons can match.

Recoil and Handling

•  Minimal vertical recoil compared to rifles
•  Wide spread pattern favors quick reactions over precision
•  Fast equip time allows for quick switches in emergency situations
•  Effective up to about 10 meters before damage falls off significantly

The weapon shines particularly on maps with narrow corridors and tight corners. When holding sites like Ascent’s B Main or Haven’s C Long, the Judge turns these chokepoints into death traps for rushing attackers.

Strategic Tips

• Pairing with Movement Abilities: Use agents like Jett, Raze, or Neon to close distances quickly and maximize the Judge’s close-range power.
• Quick Peeking Advantage: Mastering quick peeks can help secure easy eliminations against unsuspecting enemies.
• Limited Range Drawback: The Judge is situational due to its short range, so avoid open areas where rifles have the advantage.
• Cost-Effectiveness: At 1,850 credits, the Judge offers great value, paying for itself after just two kills.
• Tactical Positioning: Hold tight angles and avoid long sightlines to maximize its effectiveness.
• Using Sound Cues: Listen for enemy footsteps, wait for them to commit to a push, and strike when they least expect it.

Best Heavy Weapons in Valorant

Valorant’s heavy weapon category provides impressive firepower that can turn the tide of a round when used correctly. The standout choice in this category is the Odin – a weapon that strikes fear into opponents when they hear its sound.

The Odin – Wall-Banging Behemoth

The Odin sits at the top of Valorant’s heavy weapons for several good reasons:

•  Raw Stopping Power: With 100 rounds per magazine and a fast fire rate, the Odin creates unmatched pressure on enemy positions
•  Penetration Potential: Its high wall-bang capability makes it lethal even when enemies think they’re safe behind cover
•  Psychological Edge: The sound alone can force opponents to play more cautiously, giving your team map control

The Odin deals 38 damage to the body at close range, dropping to 31 at longer distances. While it starts with a slower fire rate, holding down the trigger speeds up the rounds, creating a devastating spray that few can withstand in close to mid-range encounters.

When to Deploy the Odin

The Odin excels in specific scenarios:

•  Defending narrow chokepoints on maps like Ascent’s B Main or Haven’s C Long
•  Controlling specific areas where enemies must push through (like Bind’s Hookah)
•  Spamming common plant spots when retaking a site
•  Shutting down rushes with its high magazine capacity

A smart tactic: use the Odin to spam through smokes when you hear enemy footsteps. Its penetration power often catches players who think they’re hidden.

Mastering the Beast

The Odin’s recoil pattern kicks up and right after the first few bullets. To control it:

•  Start by aiming slightly below your target
•  Pull down and left as you continue firing
•  For longer sprays, find a rhythm in your mouse movement that counters the pattern
•  Take advantage of crouching to improve accuracy during extended fire

Unlike the Vandal or Phantom, the Odin rewards pre-firing common angles since ammo conservation isn’t a concern. This makes it particularly effective when you have good game sense and map knowledge.

Maps Where Odin Shines

The weapon performs exceptionally well on:

•  Ascent: The many wallbangable surfaces make it a nightmare for opponents
•  Split: Controlling Mid with an Odin can lock down rotations
•  Haven: Defending C site becomes much easier with its suppressive capabilities

Economy Considerations

At 3,200 credits, the Odin isn’t cheap, but the investment pays off when:

•  Your team has a comfortable economic advantage
•  You’re looking to lock down a specific area of the map
•  The enemy team has shown predictable push patterns
•  You need to counter an aggressive, rush-heavy playstyle

The Odin might not be the flashiest choice, but in the right hands and situations, it’s one of the most impactful weapons in the game. Its raw firepower, combined with smart usage, can completely shut down enemy strategies and secure rounds for your team.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Aim

Mastering your aim in Valorant transforms how you play the game, turning average fights into consistent wins. Let’s break down some practical approaches that actually work.

Crosshair Placement: The Foundation

• Keep your crosshair at head level – where you expect enemies to peek
• Anchor your aim using map features like boxes, doorways, and wall decorations
• Walk through maps offline and practice tracing corners at head height
• Adjust your crosshair for different elevations (like ramps, stairs, or boxes)

When holding angles, anticipate where enemies will appear. Watch pro players and you’ll notice they rarely look at the floor or sky – their crosshairs stay exactly where opponents’ heads will be.

Recoil Management Made Simple

Different weapons demand different control techniques:

•  Vandal and Phantom: Pull down gradually for the first 5-7 bullets, then counter in a reverse-7 pattern
•  Spectre: Slight downward pull with minimal horizontal adjustment
•  Guardian: Reset between shots for maximum accuracy
•  Operator: Master the quick-scope timing and movement cancellation

A practical tip: Spray at a wall without compensation, then try to mirror that pattern. Your muscle memory will thank you.

Daily Practice Routine

Transform your warm-up into something that actually helps:

•  10 minutes in the range with the Sheriff – focus on one-taps only
•  15 minutes of strafing practice while keeping your crosshair on the bots’ heads
•  5 minutes practicing spray transfers between targets
•  10 minutes of flick shot training with different weapons

This routine builds consistency without burning you out – because a focused 30 minutes beats an aimless hour every time.

 Movement and Shooting Connection

The secret that separates average from excellent:

•  Master counter-strafing – tap the opposite movement key to stop instantly
•  Practice shooting at the exact moment you come to a stop
•  Avoid shooting while running with rifles (the bullet goes nowhere good)
•  Use short bursts when you must shoot on the move

Remember: Valorant punishes movement inaccuracy harshly. A standing, still shot always beats a moving spray.

Pre-Aim Psychology

Think one step ahead:

•  Study common play positions on each map
•  Mentally clear angles one by one as you move through a site
•  Pay attention to sound cues that tell you when to shift your aim
•  Watch the minimap for information that helps you pre-aim

This mental game separates mechanical aimers from smart players who win more duels.

Your aim improves fastest when you combine these elements together. Each gunfight teaches you something – pay attention to what works and what doesn’t. Most players miss this critical feedback loop, wondering why they’re stuck on the same plateau for months.

Learn more here: Master Every Genre: FPS Game 101 Guide for Beginner – Part 4

Conclusion

Selecting the right weapon in Valorant comes down to your personal playstyle, map knowledge, and team strategy.

What makes these nine weapons special is how they each fill a crucial role in Valorant’s tactical ecosystem – the key is to adapt your choices to the situation, master their unique mechanics, and find which ones truly complement your gameplay style.

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FAQs

What gun do most pros use in Valorant?

We found that players in competitive queue choose the Vandal more than any other weapon in the game as their primary loadout. And when looking at data from all the VCT matches so far in 2023, we see that pro players also tend to favor the Vandal.

What gun costs 3200 credits in Valorant?

Odin. This heavy weapon can be bought for 3200 Credits but certainly worthy of its money. It has the biggest capacity among all the weapons in the Valorant, so you can play long attack\defense without reloading.

What is the best weapon in Valorant?

The Phantom and Vandal are the bread and butter of Valorant. Unless you’re the designated Sniper of your team, you should strive to always have either of these rifles on a full buy. Their fast fire rate and time to kill allows for versatility in most situations — from short range multi kills to long range tapping.