Summary
The aim-heavy playstyle of Duelist Agents like Iso can motivateValorantplayers to start training with shooting skills to better use the Duelist utilities. While aiming inValorantis mostly a matter of skill, sometimes players who need a bit of assistance could appreciate some of the game’s weapons in terms of overall damage, firing rate, and even handling at large.
Players in the need to adjust their playstyle may realize that certainValorantweapons may even work for certain scenarios, with a fast-firing full-auto pistol, a budget SMG and LMG, and some of the game’s heavy-hitting rifles more than capable of getting the job done.
Updated on June 02, 2025, by Mehrdad Khayyat:Despite having solid options available in each category, the developers at Riot Games did realize the lack of a sniper rifle that could bring a performance between Marshal and Operator, with a price tag that challenges Vandal or Phantom.
The outcome of this brainstorming was Outlaw, a new sniper rifle with some unique specifications that made it popular in a short amount of time after release. This release also changed the meta in weapons for Valorant, as players with confident aiming are usually tempted to prefer Outlaw to Vandal and save some credits.
11Judge
Short Range Dominator Impractical At Ranged Combat
Serving as the highest-tier “version” of Shotguns, theJudgeboasts a much faster firing rate and up to three reloads, making it suitable for high-intensity close-range incursions. While lacking the “punchier” pump-action nature of the Bucky that enables shots during reloads, the Judge’s faster firing can facilitate run-and-gun tactics suitable for hyper-aggressive plays.
Due to the Judge’s sheer close-range firepower, it becomes a suitable weapon for aggressive Agents such as Duelists or those who can surprise enemies within smokes. Notable Judge combos work in tandem withdistance-clearingValorantAgentskills such as Duelists Raze’s Satchels, Neon’s High Gear, and Jett’s Tailwind.
10Odin
Powerful Desperation Weapon Held Back By Difficulty To Control
A Machine Gun generally reserved as half-time or match finishers, theOdinworks as a desperation weapon when players learn how to bypass its weight disadvantage. Due to Odin’s longer equip speed and lower mobility, it’s best suitable for Agents ready to settle defending sites or slow pushes. Moreover, going for Alternate Fire skips Odin’s traditional need to build momentum with its shots as Alt-Fire releases bullets at the highest firing rate.
As a defensive weapon, the Odin’s firing rate can easily kill enemies behind wallbang locations especially when detected by Initiators. Players who also study Odin’s recoil can learn how to aim it akin to a slow-firing rifle and hit enemies from afar with pinpoint accuracy. Most Agents outside speed-reliant Duelists may use the Odin on the defense or even hold rat spots inValorantmapsto fight unsuspecting flanks.
9Ghost
Quieter, Faster, Cheaper Pistol For Aim Masters, Smoke Haters
Despite offering only a little increase in firepower compared to the Classic, theGhostremains one of the most reliable Sidearms inValorantgameplay with its silenced nature and advantage at long range. Key to the Ghost’s strengths is its capacity to fight at a distance, especially since its larger magazine and faster firing rate can help players adjust their aim much faster than the traditional Classic. Should Ghost users aim their headshots right, they can score a kill and gain economic advantage.
Moreover, the Ghost’s silenced nature can bypasspesky smokes, especially if players remember enemy positions relative to the vision block. Since the Ghost doesn’t leave bullet tracers, players can blind-fire into probable enemy locations without being detected. In turn, the Ghost is a must-have tool for all Agents who can afford it, especially if players are confident with their aim.
8Frenzy
Underrated Eco Round Pistol Can Perform Like An SMG
Perhaps the most underrated Sidearm in the game, theFrenzytreads the line between traditional pistol and SMG with its auto-firing capacity. Despite its perceived difficulty controlling recoil and impracticality at long-range fights, figuring out Frenzy’s spread can make it a surprisingly robust Sidearm capable of fragging enemies at close-to-mid-range.
Early-stage eco rounds where both parties aren’t expected to bring heavy-hitting weapons is where the Frenzy shines, especially when scoring a kill can immediately secure a more powerful weapon at the player’s disposal. Agents who need a lot of utility should consider training the Frenzy, with examples beingInitiator Skyewho can also heal, or Sentinel Killjoy who may prioritize her bots.
7Spectre
Spray-Friendly SMG Perfect For Mobile Ambushers
Poised as the direct upgrade to the rather erratic Stinger, theSpectreis a welcome SMG for its all-rounder stats and extended reach. Compared to the Ares which boasts more consistency in longer engagements, the Spectre outshines the Machine Gun with its better mobility, accuracy, and magazine capacity. Its controllable recoil can make it a suitable weapon for players who struggle with their aim, as spraying upwards during a round may potentially score headshot kills.
Despite the weapon’s status as an SMG, the Spectre’s better handling can make it more capable of contending in long-distance incursions provided players know their aim right. Alternatively, the Spectre is also capable of supporting aggressive plays, as its handling also extends to hipfire support on the go. Being an all-around weapon, the Spectre fitsany Agentwho needs a placeholder while building up for heavier Rifles.
2,400
2.75 rounds/sec
3.8 sec
2 (10)
Damage at 0-50m (Head/Body/Leg)
238/140/119
Outlaw is the only weapon in Valorant that hasn’t been available since the very beginning. This new sniper rifle fills in the gap between the Marshal and the Operator. It costs just a little bit cheaper than a Vandal, and it cannot one-shot enemies similar to Operator unless the bullet hits the head.
That being said, Outlaw is still a capable weapon, as a single body shot with this rifle leaves the opponent with only 10 HP. Also, this is the only sniper rifle that comes with semi-automatic fire mode rather than bolt-action. This means the player no longer needs to leave the scope after shooting. Outlaw allows players to land two consecutive shots pretty quickly, which makes it feel quite close to Guardian, but with more devastating shots, better scope, and a far smaller magazine size.
5Operator
One-Hit KO Sniper Makes Its Users Prime Targets For Duels, Steals
Perhaps the one gun inValorantgameplay capable of instilling fear in people’s hearts, theOperatorSniper Rifle is the game’s most expensive gun for a reason: standing firmly provides perfect accuracy, guaranteeing one-hit kills. However, the Operator is also a gun capable of turning the tide of battle, as the enemy team will likely steal the Sniper Rifle if they kill the player or an ally who is using it. Players who excel in scoring guaranteed headshot kills via the Marshal will likely be able to use the Operator as well.
The Operator is an ideal sniper to learn with highly maneuverable Agents such as Duelist Jett,Sentinel Chamber, and even Controller Omen who can find ways to exit engagements if they miss their Operator shots. Learning how to flick-fire with the Operator combined with its wall penetration, as well as the psychological warfare the weapon inflicts, can easily make this a game-changer in the right hands.
4Bulldog
Affordable, Mid-Performing Rifle For More Adaptive Plays
TheBulldogoffers a reasonable middle-ground for players who want an upgrade to the SMG that isn’t as costly as major rifles. Essentially a much cheaper stand-in for the game’s stronger rifles, the Bulldog boasts single-shot or three-bullet semi-auto firing modes that enable players to adjust combat strategies on the fly. Its recoil is also more manageable compared to other rifles, paving the way for ease of use that can make its performance more consistent than other skill-ceiling rifles.
The Bulldog serving as a middle-ground for stronger rifles makes it suitable for Agents with rather costly kits such asSentinelsand Controllers. Moreover, Duelist Reyna or Initiator Skye who favors blinds can use the Bulldog to enter sites and adjust much faster depending on enemy positions.
3Guardian
Tap-Fire Marksman Rifle Makes It A Mini OP
Players can rely on theGuardianto score precision kills without having to buy the weaker Marshal or the excessively risky Operator. Being the game’s designated marksman rifle, the heavier Guardian and its semi-auto nature make its firing rate lackluster compared to its cousins Phantom and Vandal, but the Guardian easily dominates in long-ranged incursions for both its damage at a distance and wall penetration capacity.
The Guardian is an ideal weapon to use for playersconfident with their aim, as a headshot from this weapon should be enough to kill opponents. Its recognizable noise makes it easy to detect, much like the Marshal and the Operator. However, players who can compensate for this with aim can still score kills with a few body shots.
2Phantom
High Firing Suppression Excels In Pushes, Against Smokes
ThePhantomis an ever-reliable automatic rifle capable of bringing high-intensity fights from close to mid-range with its high rate of fire. Moreover, its silencer allows the Phantom to reliably spam or pre-fire past vision blockers like smokes and walls to catch enemies unawares while removing bullet tracers and any opportunities to trace their positions. As a high-powered rifle, the Phantom can kill opponents with headshots until around 20 meters.
Due to the Phantom’s preference for sprays and short-ranged fights, the weapon works best with Agents expected to encounter multiple enemies at these distances.Frontline Initiatorsand Duelists are likely candidates for training with the Phantom, especially since they have the biggest likelihood of being in firefights against immediate site defenders and early flanks.
