Valorant is a game of strategy, precision, and quick decision-making. However, beginner players often make recurring mistakes that hinder their progress and prevent them from climbing the ranks. Whether you’re new to the game or have been playing for a while, avoiding these common pitfalls can significantly improve your gameplay. Here are the five most frequent mistakes beginners make in Valorant and how to avoid them.
1. Holding on to Abilities and Ultimates
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is not using their abilities and ultimates enough. Many players hold onto these resources, waiting for the perfect moment that often never comes. If you finish a round with unused abilities or an ultimate, you’ve missed potential opportunities to gain an advantage. It’s crucial to use your abilities proactively to set up advantageous engagements or secure key moments in a round. Don’t wait for a perfect scenario to use your ultimate—practice using it regularly to learn its effectiveness in different situations.
2. Incorrect Peeking
Proper peeking is essential in Valorant, yet many beginners do it wrong. Instead of moving in straight lines or diagonals, which exposes your body to enemies before you can see them, you should peek by moving side-to-side. This technique minimizes the time you’re visible to enemies, giving you a better chance to react and win duels. Practice peeking correctly in deathmatches and avoid developing bad habits like walking in straight lines across open spaces.
3. Misusing Spray and Tracer Rounds
Understanding when and how to spray through smokes or around corners is another area where beginners often struggle. Suppressed weapons like the Phantom or Spectre allow you to spray through smokes without revealing your position, making them highly effective in certain situations. However, weapons with tracers require you to be more cautious, as enemies can easily trace your bullets back to you. Use short bursts, change positions, and always be mindful of your surroundings when spraying.
4. Ignoring Economic Strategy
Valorant’s economy system is a critical aspect of the game, yet many beginners overlook it. It’s important to match your team’s buying patterns—if your team is saving, you should save too, to ensure a strong buy in the next round. Additionally, avoid falling into the habit of consistently buying light armor and skipping abilities. Full buys with armor, weapons, and abilities give you the best chance to succeed in a round, so plan your purchases carefully.
5. Rushing Duels
Many beginners make the mistake of rushing into duels without taking the time to aim properly. Valorant gives you more time than you might think to line up your shots. If you rush your aim, you’re likely to miss your first shots, giving your opponent the chance to counterattack. Practice slowing down in deathmatches, taking your time to line up accurate shots before speeding up your gameplay. The key is to master precision before increasing your tempo.
