How to Play Valorant, Beginners Guide and Tips 2025

We're currently in Season 25 and Act III of Valorant. If this is your first time playing Valorant in 2025, then this guide is all you need to start with Riot Games' competitive shooter game. In this article, I've compiled all the tips that will help you win match rounds in no time. But if you primarily seek fun, but would like to rank up your account, consider getting some Valorant boosting.

What is Valorant and How Does It Work?

Valorant is Riot Games' hit tactical shooter game. It first hit the shelves in June 2020 and continued its remarkable rise in popularity. In my opinion, one of the best-selling features of this game was that each agent came with its own unique set of abilities that practically redefined the gameplay standards of competitive shooter games.

All Valorant Modes - Explained

As of 2025, Valorant has 8 playable game modes. Let me break them down for you one by one:

Unrated

This is the standard Valorant game mode. Here, two teams of five go head-to-head against each other, and the first team to win 13 rounds wins. This mode plays as the competitive mode except that you don't lose ranking upon losing.

Competitive

This mode works just like Unrated but with ranked matchmaking. Your performance will affect your rank, and if you're looking to grind your way up the leaderboard, then this is where you’ll be spending most of your time.

Spike Rush

Think of Spike Rush as the casual version of Competitive. Matches are shorter, with just 4 rounds to win. Everyone gets the same random firearm each round, and one player on each side always carries the spike.

Deathmatch

Great for warming up your aim. You jump into a free-for-all skirmish where players respawn continuously. No abilities, just pure gunplay.

Escalation

This is a team-based mode where your firearms change as you progress. Think of it as a race through a set of weapons—everyone must work together to reach the final level first.

Replication

Here, all players on your squad play as the same agent. It’s chaotic on another level, and you’ll see some weird combos. But that’s part of the charm.

Swiftplay

A shorter version of Unrated—first to 5 rounds wins.

Custom Games

Do you want to practice, play with friends, or mess around with the rules? Custom Games mode in Valorant lets you create your own match with full control over settings.

Valorant Agents, Roles, & Weapons - All You Need to Know

Every Valorant character has a special role that helps the entire squad in different ways. And of course, your choice of firearms matters just as much. Let me explain.

Agent Roles in Valorant

There are four agent roles in Valorant. Each one brings a different playstyle to the game.

1. Duelists

These aggressive agents are made to get entry kills. This is your role if you like to lead the charge and fight head-on.

Jett, Reyna, Phoenix, Raze, Yoru, Iso, Neon, Waylay

2. Initiators

Initiators help the teammates push into sites by gathering info or disrupting enemies with flashes and scouting tools.

Sova, Breach, Skye, KAY/O, Fade, Gekko, Tejo

3. Controllers

Controllers shape the battlefield with smokes, walls, and area denial. They’re great for blocking vision and slowing down enemy moves.

Brimstone, Omen, Viper, Astra, Harbor, Clove

4. Sentinels

These are your team’s defenders. Sentinels hold angles, watch flanks, and protect planted spikes using traps and healing.

Sage, Cypher, Killjoy, Chamber, Deadlock, Vyse

These are just the basics of Valorant characters, and you can read an in-depth review of each of these agents here.

Weapons in Valorant

Sidearms: Small but deadly. Great for eco rounds or quick shots.

Classic, Shorty, Frenzy, Ghost, Sheriff

SMGs (Submachine Guns): Fast-firing weapons perfect for close-range battles.

Stinger, Spectre

Rifles: The go-to choice for serious gunfights. Good balance of range, accuracy, and power.

Bulldog, Guardian, Phantom, Vandal

Sniper Rifles: One shot, one kill—ideal for holding long angles.

Marshal, Operator

Shotguns: High burst damage at close range. Use in tight spaces.

Bucky, Judge

Machine Guns: Heavy weapons with big magazines—great for laying down fire.

Ares, Odin

Melee: Your default knife—silent and sound for sneaky kills or last-ditch attacks.

Tactical Knife

Battle Pass in Valorant

Battle Passes in Valorant let you obtain cosmetic items, such as skins, player titles, sprays, gunbuddies, player cards, and Radianite, simply by playing matches. These are refreshed every Act and comprise 50 distinct tiers. Battle Passes are progressed with XP, but... There is a catch.

Most of the content is locked behind a 1000 VP paywall.

How Many Maps are in Valorant?

Currently, there are 17 maps in Valorant. However, not all maps are available in any game mode. For example, there are standard, team deathmatch, and practice maps. They are available in different gameplay modes. If you want more in-depth information on each map, you can read this Valorant map guide here.

Tips and Tricks for Beginner Valorant Players

1. Learn the Maps

Each map in Valorant has different callouts, spike sites, and hiding spots. Learn the layout and figure out key areas. Knowing where fights usually happen will help you stay one step ahead.

2. Pick Easy Agents

Try agents like Sage, Brimstone, or Phoenix if you're new. These are easier to learn and help you focus more on improving your shooting and movement.

3. Aim for the Head

Headshots do the most damage. Learn to aim at a head level. If your headshot skills are poor, I suggest you use the shooting range, which will help you get the job done. You can also watch online guide videos on improving your aim.

4. Manage Your Money

Knowing when to save or purchase firearms is a big part of Valorant. If your whole squad can’t afford good gear, it's better to save for the next round together.

5. Use Your Abilities Smartly

Don’t waste your abilities early. Please wait for the right time to use them, like when entering a site or defending a spike.

6. Play as a Team

Valorant is not a solo first-person shooter. Stick with your squad, trade kills, and communicate opponent positions. If you want to achieve victory, working together wins matches.

7. Keep Calm Under Pressure

When you lose, please don't panic. I understand that Valorant can be very rage-inducing sometimes. It's essential to stay calm. To avoid continuing losses, try changing your play style. If you feel worn out, don't forget to rest.

8. Make Sure Your Connection Is Stable

It's no brainer that lag resulting from an unstable connection can ruin your gameplay. A good internet connection will help your shots land better and your movements stay smooth. Remember, you only have one life in any round. A stable connection ensures you survive till the end. Therefore, before playing Valorant, ensure your internet connection is strong and stable.

9. Communicate Clearly

I've repeatedly said this and will repeat it: COMMUNICATION IS KEY TO VICTORY! If you're serious about winning in Valorant, do yourself a favour and use your mic or quick commands to tell your teammates where enemies are.