On August 2nd, “Valorant,” the iconic free-to-play hero shooter video game from Riot Games, made history as it launched on two of the world’s favorite gaming consoles, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, yet only in the United States, Canada, Japan, Brazil, and Europ e.
If you’re mostly playing this game on PC, hearing about this Valorant eSports news is a breath of fresh air. It’s a new horizon to explore. But, even long-time “Valorant” gamers on PC may still want to learn how to get started as the game opens on PlayStation and Xbox. Here’s a guide.
What Is ‘Valorant’?
Developed and published by Riot Games, which launched it in April 2020, “Valorant” is a free-to-play first-person tactical hero shooter. Various gaming media consider it a post-postmodern game with elements reminiscent of those from “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive,” “Overwatch,” and “League of Legends.”
“Valorant” is a 5v5 multiplayer game in which one team is on the attacking end while the other is on the defending end. Think of basketball.
Its main game mode, Search and Destroy, shares a lot of elements with “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.” The goal of the attacking team is to plant a spike, which is a bomb, and leave it to detonate while the defenders try to thwart that motive. Regardless of whether the bomb is planted or not, if a team gets wiped out before victory conditions are met, the opposing team wins.
Matches span 25 rounds, with each match lasting 100 seconds. The first squad to win 13 rounds wins the match overall. At the beginning of a match round, you will have half a minute to purchase weapons and gear for that particular round. In case you die in the middle of a round, you must wait until the following round so you can respawn. All hope is not lost here. Search and Destroy can be played in either unrated or ranked matches.
Furthermore, Riot Games also adds a twist. Aside from purchasing weapons, you will also get the chance to select an Agent at the start of every round.
What To Look Forward To In ‘Valorant’ On PS5 And Xbox Series X
There are new and exciting stuff, with some changes, as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X welcome “Valorant.”
Stuff For Both PC And Console Players
Both “Valorant” gamers on PC and consoles will receive platform releases simultaneously, which include balance patches, new agents, updates on the map, premium content, and so much more.
Changes To The Console Version
Riot Games is also introducing some tweaks to the console version of its popular game, generally to make the experience more controller-friendly and the gameplay, hip fire.
For instance, there’s Focus, a brand-new shooting mode that works essentially like hip fire but with its sensitivity reduced. But with this, gamers can take advantage of hip fire each time they need speed in maneuvering their camera or aiming. Or whenever precision is necessary.
Moreover, this also approximates the shooting dynamics of what console gamers are used to in previous shooter games without losing the added value that the 5v5’s aim-down sights offer.
But There Is No Crossplay Support
Unfortunately, “Valorant” on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X won’t feature crossplay support, as the developer said they want to maintain “competitive integrity.” That said, there won’t be controller support as well. But don’t worry because the game will definitely support cross-progression, so all skins and progressions will carry over between the PC and those consoles.
How To Unlock Agents
As you launch the game, you’ll have five Agents to choose from: Phoenix, Brimstone, Sage, Sova, and Jett. The rest of the Agents are still locked unless you have earned Kingdom Credits from playing games and completing missions daily. Those Agents need 8,000 Kingdom Credits to unlock. That means you don’t have to spend a single dollar to unlock Agents.
On the other hand, if you wish to start with your preferred character or access a particular Agent without going through those requirements, you can unlock contract chapters by spending the store’s Valorant Points. To unlock an Agent this way, you need 1,000 VP, which costs $10.
If you are an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, you’re in luck. As long as you are subscribed to Game Pass, all Agents are unlocked for play. But there’s a caveat. If you cancel midway, you will lose access to all Agents you haven’t bought.
Unlocking The Ranked Mode
Upon completing the Tutorial, you can gain access to many of “Valorant’s” modes, except for the Competitive mode, which remains locked until you reach account Level 20. You can’t have this mode immediately because hitting level 20 takes around 25 hours. Riot Games wants to make sure you understand the game entirely before competing in this mode.
To reach level 20 quicker, you must play daily to obtain the First Win of the Day bonus, worth a fifth of a level. Completing games also raises your account level and gives you bonuses for winning.
More Things To Know
Before ending this discussion, know that you must first buy guns and abilities before starting to play this objective-based game.
Each character begins with a signature ability and basic pistol, which they’re awarded for free each round. All else you must purchase with credits you earn by winning rounds, playing objectives, and obliterating your enemies. Be sure to spend those credits early on at the beginning of every round so you can buy armor, weapons, and abilities.
Depending on how strong they are, most abilities cost a few hundred credits. It’s not cheap at all, though the simple smoke abilities that disrupt sightlines are priced lower, with abilities that gain access to information and block off opponents priced higher. The most potent ability you can have, the “ultimate,” will only be acquired when you kill opponents and capture ultimate orbs plated in fixed locations on the map.
That was a concise guide on how to get started with “Valorant,” now playable on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The introduction of the game to those consoles makes playing it even more thrilling.
