In today’s video, we’ll dive into a key issue many Valorant players face—how to climb out of low ELO. This guide covers critical strategies, from improving your patience to making smarter decisions mid-round. We’ll also share insights from a recent match that highlights common mistakes and how to correct them. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills or boost your rank, these rules will help you become a more strategic and effective player in Valorant.
Rule 1: Let the Game Come to You
In many low ELO matches, players rush into rounds as if it’s a race. One of the most important lessons is to let the round come to you. If you’re holding an advantageous position, there’s no need to peak unnecessarily. As the round progresses, your opponents are more likely to make mistakes, giving you easy opportunities to capitalize on them. For example, if your enemies are forced to jump out of a tight space like Hookah, wait for them to fall into your crosshair rather than peeking prematurely.
Patience is key, and learning to let the game develop can help you make smarter decisions rather than rushing in blindly.
Rule 2: Play to Win, Not for Kills
It’s easy to get caught up in wanting more kills or landing cool clips, but if you’re trying to climb, your primary focus should be winning the round. Sometimes, playing to win means holding a position, not taking a risky peak, or even letting a potential kill slip away if it puts you in a bad spot. Winning the round is the ultimate goal, not chasing highlight reels.
Rule 3: Trust but Verify Your Teammates’ Calls
While it’s crucial to trust your teammates’ callouts, you should always verify them. If someone calls that all enemies are at B, double-check the map and count the players you see. If you only spot four enemies, where’s the fifth? In low ELO, map awareness is just as important as trusting your team. Always verify your teammates’ intel to avoid getting caught off-guard.
Rule 4: Aim is Key
Valorant is a first-person shooter, and no matter how good your strategies are, aim still plays a central role. Even if you’ve got the best positioning or utility usage, you’ll get punished by players with better aim. To improve your aiming skills, you can check out specialized training programs.
Rule 5: Stick to the Same Agents
With over 20 agents to choose from, switching agents every game can slow your progress. To improve faster, stick to a small pool of agents and focus on mastering them. It’s fine to have one or two agents per map, but don’t roll the dice by picking a different agent every game. Consistency with your agent pool will help you get more comfortable with their abilities and playstyle.
Rule 6: Be a Good Teammate
Being a good teammate in Valorant means making helpful callouts, communicating effectively, and avoiding toxicity. Players who flame or have massive egos often find it harder to climb. Focus on building positive teamwork habits, making clear callouts, and staying calm even when things don’t go your way.
Rule 7: Exploit Enemy Weaknesses
Your opponents are human, and humans have habits. Pay attention to how the enemy team plays and look for patterns you can exploit. For instance, if a Jett keeps peeking the same angle aggressively, counter her with a double swing or an Operator. If a Cypher always places tripwires in the same spots, find ways to counter it.
Learning your enemies’ tendencies and adapting can give you a significant advantage in games.
Rule 8: Communicate in Clutches
In clutch situations like 2v2s or 3v3s, communication is essential. Talk about available utility, your plans, and how you want to position for crossfires. Simple callouts like “play off my contact” or “I have a smoke” can make a massive difference in these critical moments.
Rule 9: Take Breaks After Losses
If you lose two games in a row, take a break. Long loss streaks can hurt your mentality and your rank. Playing while tilted usually leads to more losses, so step away, reset your mindset, and come back with a fresh perspective. If you’re looking for other games to try during your break, check out titles like Rainbow Six Siege or Counter-Strike to reset before jumping back into Valorant.
Rule 10: Have Fun
At the end of the day, Valorant is a game. If you’re not enjoying it, you’re less likely to improve. Celebrate your wins, learn from your losses, and keep a positive mindset. Remember, you’re not going to sink thousands of hours into a game you don’t enjoy, so find the fun in the process of getting better.