The Ares is a standout light machine gun in Valorant, offering players a blend of affordability, sustained firepower, and potent utility for both defensive and aggressive strategies. For those who want to dominate close to mid-range clashes without breaking the bank, the Ares stands as one of the best arsenal choices in the game. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Ares, from its stats and recoil to advanced usage tips and common questions players have worldwide.
Unlocking the Potential of the Valorant Ares
The Ares has gained notoriety as the budget-friendly heavy weapon that can turn the tide of a round in mere seconds. Classified as a light machine gun (LMG), the Ares is the accessible sibling to the Odin and rewards players who capitalize on its high magazine capacity and devastating wall penetration. Its versatility makes it an excellent selection for players seeking maximum value and flexibility, especially in the early and mid-game stages of a match.
Core Specifications and Performance Stats
- Category: Light Machine Gun (Heavy Weapon)
- Current Price: 1,600 credits (subject to historical changes)
- Magazine Capacity: 50 rounds (100 rounds in reserve)
- Fire Rate: Ramps from 10 to 13 rounds per second with continuous fire
- Wall Penetration: High (consistent damage through most surfaces)
- Equip Speed: 1.25 seconds
- Reload Speed: 3.25 seconds
- Mobility: Lower than rifles or SMGs, limiting movement speed while equipped
Damage Chart
| Hit Area | 0-30 Meters | 30-50 Meters |
|---|---|---|
| Head | 72 damage | 67 damage |
| Body | 30 damage | 28 damage |
| Leg | 25 damage | 23 damage |
While the Ares cannot kill with a single headshot, its high rate of fire more than compensates, shredding armor and enemies alike when controlled properly.
Mastering Recoil and Spray Control
The Ares’ recoil pattern starts by climbing upward diagonally, then gradually transitions to a more stable left and right motion. Mastering this pattern is essential for maximizing damage, especially during sustained fire at longer ranges. For best results, fire in short to moderate bursts or learn to drag your crosshair against the rising pattern to maintain accuracy on target. Utilize the weapon’s high wall penetration for wallbangs—particularly through common choke points and thin surfaces on maps.
Optimal Scenarios for Buying the Ares
- Second Round Buys: After winning the pistol round, investing in the Ares can shut down eco-round pushes and secure a firm economic lead.
- Half-Buys: When your team is between full and eco-buy cycles, the Ares offers immense value in firepower compared to SMGs or pistols.
- Anti-Eco Punisher: Crush enemy pistol rushes with a 50-round mag and rapid fire, especially at common choke points or plant sites.
- Site Defense and Holding Angles: Its ability to hold down a lane, doorway, or site entrance makes the Ares the defender’s best friend in structured play.
Key Tips for Dominating with the Ares
- Anchor defensively or on sightlines where enemies must push into your pre-aim.
- Use the weapon’s high penetration to pre-fire common hiding spots—Ares’ bullets make wallbangs deadly.
- Position yourself to minimize the need for sudden movement, as mobility is reduced while wielding the Ares.
- Start firing slightly before fully exposing yourself when peeking, using the weapon’s fast time-to-kill and ramping fire rate to your advantage.
- Reload intelligently; the long reload time can leave you vulnerable if not timed between engagements.
Resources and Further Reading
- In-depth Strategy: Sportskeeda Ares Guide
- Technical Breakdown: Inven Global on Ares
- OP.GG: Ares Weapon Stats
Frequently Asked Questions about the Valorant Weapon Ares
What makes the Ares unique compared to other weapons in Valorant?
The Ares boasts a high magazine size (50 rounds), rapid-fire rate, and high wall penetration—all at a relatively affordable cost. This combination allows players to outlast enemies in extended fights and dominate in scenarios with large groups or choke points.
Is the Ares a good choice for eco or force rounds?
Absolutely. The Ares offers high value for its price, making it a popular pick in force or half-buy rounds where teams want strong firepower without investing in a full rifle purchase.
How much does the Ares currently cost?
The current price for the Ares is 1,600 credits, although this amount has changed in the past as the game has evolved.
Does the Ares have any damage dropoff?
Yes, damage decreases slightly at ranges beyond 30 meters, but the fire rate and magazine size help compensate for this reduction in longer-range fights.
How effective is the Ares against opponents with armor?
Due to its high rate of fire and damage per shot, the Ares can break through armor quickly, but it requires more shots to kill than some rifles—three headshots are needed against fully armored enemies.
What is the spray pattern for the Ares?
The Ares starts with a diagonal upward recoil, then gradually evens out with horizontal sway to the left and right. Learning to pull down and adjust laterally is key to maintaining accuracy in prolonged firefights.
Can you get wallbang kills with the Ares?
Yes, the Ares’ high wall penetration makes it highly effective for wallbangs through thin walls, common cover spots, and on maps with lots of destructible surfaces.
Should you use the Ares for attacking or defending?
The Ares is potent in both scenarios but truly shines for defenders holding angles, anchoring sites, and covering lanes where multiple enemies may push at once.
How does the Ares compare to the Odin?
While both are LMGs, the Ares is much cheaper, with a slightly lower fire rate and no scope, but is more agile and accessible earlier in the game. The Odin is more of an end-game or full-buy option with a higher magazine capacity and faster overall DPS.
What are some professional tips for maximizing the Ares?
Anchor on strong sightlines, pre-fire known rush points, be conservative with your reload timing, and practice the spray pattern in custom games. Positioning and anticipation are crucial—use the gun’s strengths for holding, not chasing.
What is the ideal range for using the Ares?
The sweet spot for the Ares is close to medium range—within 30 meters. Its damage remains relatively high, and the fire rate enables you to outgun most rifles and SMGs at this distance.
Is the Ares viable in high-level or professional play?
While less popular than rifles at the highest tiers, the Ares occasionally appears in pro play for specific anti-eco rounds or to punish predictable rushes, thanks to its overwhelming volume of fire.
