Valorant: The Complete Beginner's Guide (2025)
Want to play Valorant but not sure how to begin? This guide is for you. We will give you simple steps to play like a pro, from the first download to your first win.
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| What is Valorant? |
1. Getting Started: How to Play
Valorant is a game where two teams of five players fight. One team tries to plant a bomb called the "Spike." The other team tries to stop them. To start, you need to make a Riot Games account and download the game from the official website. The game is free, so you can play right away.
2. PC Specs for the Best Experience
A good computer can make a big difference in a fast game like Valorant. Here are the parts top Korean pro-gamers use to get the best performance.
| Part | Model |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen™ 7 7800X3D |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 |
| RAM | Crucial DDR5-5600 CL46 PRO (32GB) |
| Monitor | BenQ ZOWIE XL2540K |
These specs are for playing like a pro. You can play Valorant on a much more basic computer, but this setup gives you the best performance. For an in-depth look at these parts and a full guide on how to build your own, check out our full PC build guide.
3. The Agents: Your Character and Their Roles
Before each match, you pick a character called an "Agent." They have special powers. There are four types of Agents: Duelists, Controllers, Initiators, and Sentinels. Duelists (like Jett and Reyna) are the first to attack. They get the first kill and make a path for their team. Controllers (like Omen and Viper) use smoke to block enemy vision. Initiators (like Sova and Breach) use their powers to find enemies and help their team push forward. Lastly, Sentinels (like Sage and Cypher) are the defenders. They use their powers to protect a site and watch for enemies. While you can practice your aim, the best way to understand an Agent's role is to play them in a real match.
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| Agent Jett |
4. Understanding the Buy Menu & Skins
At the start of each round, you'll see the "Buy Menu." This is where you buy weapons, armor, and powers with your in-game money. You get more money by winning rounds, getting kills, and planting the Spike. The game also has weapon skins. Skins are just for looks—they do not make you better at the game.
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| in game shop |
They are a fun way to change how your weapons look. You can buy them with Valorant Points (VP), which you buy with real money. The store changes every day, so you'll see new skins often. Some powers you can buy with money, like Omen's smokes. Other powers, like Sage's healing orb, you get for free each round. Be sure to check what each Agent's powers need!
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| Game Store |
5. Core Game Mechanics & Controls
The most important thing is the Spike. Attackers must plant it on a site, and Defenders must stop them or defuse it. Most maps have A and B sites, but some also have a C site. Economy (Econ) is your money at the start of each round. You save your money to buy good weapons. You use W-A-S-D to move, Spacebar to jump, and Q, E, and C to use your powers. Your most powerful special power is called your Ultimate. You press X to use it.
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| Mechanics & Controls |
Your Ultimate is a powerful skill that can change the course of a round. It must be charged by getting kills, planting/defusing the Spike, or collecting Ultimate Orbs on the map. It's a key part of your strategy, so use it wisely!
6. Tips for New Players
Here are some quick tips to help you get started. First, learn the maps by listening to what your team says. This helps you talk to them. Next, practice your aim in the practice area, as it is the most important skill in Valorant. Also, don't be afraid to talk to your team—use voice chat or pings to share what you see, because talking well can win games. You should also start with easier Agents like Phoenix or Sage, as their powers are simple and helpful. When you're ready to play with others, here's what to do:
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| Practice Game |
Unrated (Practice Game): This is a normal game. It’s like a real match, but it doesn’t count for your rank. It’s the best way to practice with other players and learn the game without any pressure.
Competitive (Ranked Game): This is where you play to get a rank. You will play with and against people at your same skill level. This is where you can test yourself and try to climb the ranks. The ranks go from the lowest to the highest: Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Ascendant, Immortal, and Radiant. Each rank (except for Radiant) has three levels.
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| Valorant RANK |
Radiant is the highest rank. It's only for the top players in each region, so pro-gamers are almost always at this level. It’s for the best of the best.
| Rank | Description |
|---|---|
| Iron, Bronze | New players who are learning the basic rules and controls of the game. |
| Silver, Gold | Players who have a good understanding of the game and are working on their skills like aiming. |
| Platinum, Diamond | Very skilled players with strong aim, strategy, and teamwork. |
| Ascendant, Immortal | Top-level players who are masters of the game. They have great knowledge and reflexes. |
| Radiant | The highest rank in the game. This is for the best players in the world. |
Valorant can be a tough game, but with this guide, you have the knowledge to begin. Good luck, and have fun!
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| Please start with practice mode |
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Author: Denis Oh (Dongchul Oh)
As a director of pro-gaming spaces, I provide PC optimization solutions based on 25 years of professional expertise.
Contact or PayPal: itwind.ad@gmail.com
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