Each kill and orb provides one point toward an ultimate, but different ultimates have different costs (usually between six and eight points). But each agent's strongest ability - their 'ultimate' - has to be earned by killing opponents and capturing orbs.

Simple smokes to disrupt sightlines are cheaper, while abilities that gain information and block off enemies are more expensive. Most abilities cost a few hundred credits, depending on how powerfully they affect the battlefield. Those acts give you credits, which you can spend at the start of each round to buy weapons, armor and abilities. Everything else in the match has to be earned by winning rounds, playing objectives and eliminating your opponents. We'll break down everything you need to know.Įvery character has a signature ability that they get for free every round. But the game is free to play and has pretty forgiving system requirements, so it's easy to get started. If you want to get in on the action, you'll need a PC. Valorant takes inspiration from a variety of games and blends them into a truly unique gameplay experience. Teams switch sides after 12 rounds, and the first team to win 13 rounds wins the match - though competitive mode requires teams to win by at least two rounds. One team starts as the attackers, with the goal of eliminating the enemy team and planting a bomb, known as the 'spike.' The other team defends the map, attempting to wipe out the attackers before they can plant, and defusing the bomb if it does get planted.

There are other game modes, like free-for-all deathmatch, which are great for warming up and practicing with different guns.Įach match takes place on one of several maps with different styles and layouts - from cramped monasteries to seaside ruins with long sightlines. In Valorant's primary game mode, you play as an agent on a team of five players, facing off against an opposing team of players.

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