The new shooter Valorant from Riot Games is in beta and already offers you a big selection of weapons. But which weapon is useful at what time? In our weapon guide, you’ll learn how to optimally use the different guns.
What weapons are there in Valorant? In Valorant, the new 5v5 team shooter from Riot Games, there are numerous weapons. They are divided into 6 categories that players from Counter-Strike are surely familiar with:
- Sidearms (mostly pistols)
- Submachine guns
- Shotguns
- Rifles
- Machine guns
- Sniper rifles
We also have a list of all agents from Valorant for you. And here you can find the agents ranked from unpopular to popular:
What is special about the weapons? It’s important to note that every weapon in the gameplay of Valorant has its purpose. There is no absolute super weapon that everyone must have. Rather, certain weapons excel in specific situations and playstyles more than others.
Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of a weapon is an important factor for a successful round in Valorant. To help you fully understand the weapons in Valorant, we present all of them here.
This is how wall penetration works: In Valorant, some weapons can penetrate obstacles like walls. A weapon with low penetration only shoots through thin boards, while a weapon with high penetration can break through even solid walls.
You can tell by the bullet holes visible when you shoot at an obstacle. If you see real holes, then the bullet goes through. If you only see small dents, then no penetration occurs.
By the way, here you can find a rating of all weapons in Valorant:
All sidearms in Valorant
What are sidearms? Sidearms are mostly pistols and other backup guns that you use primarily when you either run out of ammo for your primary weapon or quickly need a weapon for close combat.
Classic
What can the weapon do? “What costs nothing is worth nothing!” is not really true here. The free Classic can definitely deal damage, especially with headshots. Moreover, it can fire a burst of shots at close range in its secondary fire mode.
| Cost: | None |
| Magazine: | 12 |
| Wall Penetration: | Low |
| Fire Rate (Primary/Secondary): | 6.75/2.22 |
| Damage 0 – 30 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 26/78/22 |
| Damage 30 – 50 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 26/66/18 |
| Primary Fire Mode: | Single Shot |
| Secondary Fire Mode: | 3-Shot Burst |
Shorty
What can the weapon do? The Shorty is a nasty little double-barreled shotgun. It is deadly at close range and can even achieve one-shot kills there. But at longer distances, it quickly becomes useless. So only use the Shorty in close quarters. One shot consists of 15 pellets.
| Cost: | 200 |
| Magazine: | 2 |
| Wall Penetration: | Low |
| Fire Rate: | 3.3 shots per second |
| Damage 0 – 9 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 12/36/10 |
| Damage 9 – 15 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 8/24/6 |
| Damage 15 – 30 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 3/9/2 |
| Primary Fire Mode: | Single Shot |
| Secondary Fire Mode: | None |
Frenzy
What can the weapon do? This is an automatic pistol. The Frenzy does little damage per hit, but makes up for it with a high rate of fire. This weapon is optimal for spraying an array of bullets at enemy groups at close range. Use it effectively to storm target areas and hit charging enemies with a few bullets before the fight really starts.
| Cost: | 400 |
| Magazine: | 13 |
| Wall Penetration: | Low |
| Fire Rate: | 10 shots per second |
| Damage 0 – 30 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 26/78/22 |
| Damage 30 – 50 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 21/63/17 |
| Primary Fire Mode: | Fully Automatic |
| Secondary Fire Mode: | None |
Ghost
What can the weapon do? This is a silenced weapon that fires quickly and deals good headshot damage. But aim well, as subsequent shots will cause the Ghost to deviate more and become less accurate.
| Cost: | 500 |
| Magazine: | 15 |
| Wall Penetration: | Medium |
| Fire Rate: | 6.75 shots per second |
| Damage 0 – 30 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 30/105/25 |
| Damage 30 – 50 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 25/87/21 |
| Primary Fire Mode: | Single Shot |
| Secondary Fire Mode: | None |
Sheriff
What can the weapon do? This thick piece is a real killer. Headshots are one-shot kills here! But you need to aim well, as this pistol fires slowly and you might not have another chance to fire after the first shot misses. The Sheriff is optimal for good shooters who like to take risks and have a chance of high success. Just think of the Desert Eagle in Counter-Strike!
| Cost: | 800 |
| Magazine: | 6 |
| Wall Penetration: | High |
| Fire Rate: | 4 shots per second |
| Damage 0 – 30 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 55/159/46 |
| Damage 30 – 50 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 50/145/42 |
| Primary Fire Mode: | Fully Automatic |
| Secondary Fire Mode: | None |
All submachine guns in Valorant
What are submachine guns? Submachine guns (SMGs) are the little brothers of assault rifles. They fire quickly and are cheaper than a heavy rifle. However, they are less suitable for combat at longer distances and deal less damage per hit overall. Submachine guns are a good idea when the money doesn’t cover a full kit.
Stinger
What can the weapon do? This simple SMG is neither very accurate nor does it deal spectacular damage. However, it is cheap and at close range, it fires a lot of rounds. The rate of fire is really high! So who likes the playstyle “spray and pray,” just firing wildly at the enemy, will have some success with the Stinger. In the alternative mode, the weapon is more accurate.
| Cost: | 1,000 |
| Magazine: | 20 |
| Wall Penetration: | Low |
| Fire Rate (Primary/Secondary): | 18/4 shots per second |
| Damage 0 – 20 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 27/67/23 |
| Damage 20 – 50 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 25/62/21 |
| Primary Fire Mode: | Fully Automatic |
| Secondary Fire Mode: | Burst Fire (4 Shots) |
Spectre
What can the weapon do? This suppressed SMG comes close to a rifle. It is quite accurate at close range and deals good damage. Especially headshots are worth it here. If you can’t afford a rifle, the Spectre is always a good alternative.
| Cost: | 1,600 |
| Magazine: | 30 |
| Wall Penetration: | Medium |
| Fire Rate (Primary/Secondary) | 13.33/12 shots per second |
| Damage 0 – 20 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 26/78/22 |
| Damage 20 – 50 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 22/66/18 |
| Primary Fire Mode: | Fully Automatic |
| Secondary Fire Mode: | Zoom Mode |
All shotguns in Valorant
What are shotguns? Shotguns are brutal weapons that excel in close quarters. They are relatively cheap, deal a lot of damage, and can quickly take out opponents.
Bucky
What can the weapon do? The Bucky is a classic pump-action shotgun. This means you must pump it after each shot, which significantly lowers the rate of fire. However, it is absolutely deadly at close range. It is ideal for one-on-one duels at close range. If you have multiple opponents against you with the shotgun, it is a problem, as you cannot attack them all at once. Each shot fires 15 pellets.
| Cost: | 900 |
| Magazine: | 5 |
| Wall Penetration: | Low |
| Fire Rate: | 1.1 shots per second |
| Damage 0 – 8 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 22/44/19 |
| Damage 8 – 12 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 17/34/14 |
| Damage 12 – 50 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 9/18/8 |
| Primary Fire Mode: | Single Shot (wide spread) |
| Secondary Fire Mode: | Single Shot (tight spread) |
Judge
What can the weapon do? This is an automatic shotgun. It fires very quickly and is ideal for creating carnage in tight spaces. If you position yourself skillfully, you can shower an entire team with shot pellets and defend critical points. One shot releases 12 pellets.
| Cost: | 1,500 |
| Magazine: | 7 |
| Wall Penetration: | Medium |
| Fire Rate: | 3.5 shots per second |
| Damage 0 – 10 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 17/34/14 |
| Damage 10 – 15 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 13/26/11 |
| Damage 15 – 50 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 10/20/9 |
| Primary Fire Mode: | Fully Automatic |
All rifles in Valorant
What are rifles? (Assault) rifles are solid weapons that often belong to the optimal kit of many players. They are accurate and deal deadly hits with headshots. However, rifles are expensive and cannot be obtained for under 2,100 credits. You can only afford them in later rounds.
Bulldog
What can the weapon do? This assault rifle is more like a large submachine gun. It deals less damage than the other rifles but is also quite affordable. The Bulldog fires fully automatically, but if you aim, it switches to burst fire.
| Cost: | 2,100 |
| Magazine: | 24 |
| Wall Penetration: | Medium |
| Fire Rate (Primary/Secondary): | 9.15/4 shots per second |
| Damage 0 – 50 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 35/116/30 |
| Primary Fire Mode: | Fully Automatic |
| Alternative Fire Mode: | Zoom Mode with 3-Shot Burst |
Guardian
What can the weapon do? The Guardian is a semi-automatic rifle. It fires only single shots whenever you pull the trigger. So you cannot just spray bullets at will. But if you can aim well and like to land one-shot headshot kills, the Guardian is a good choice. It is inexpensive and deals more damage than other rifles.
| Cost: | 2,500 |
| Magazine: | 12 |
| Wall Penetration: | Strong |
| Fire Rate: | 4.75 shots per second |
| Damage 0 – 50 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 65/195/49 |
| Primary Fire Mode: | Single Shot |
| Alternative Fire Mode: | Zoom Mode |
Vandal
What can the weapon do? The Vandal is among the top rifles that many players will ultimately buy. The Vandal is the weapon for players who like to fight at longer distances and desire solid damage and accuracy at range. However, its fire rate is slightly lower than that of the Phantom. Those familiar with Counter-Strike will be reminded of the AK.
| Cost: | 2,900 |
| Magazine: | 25 |
| Wall Penetration: | Medium |
| Fire Rate (Primary/Secondary): | 9.25/8.32 shots per second |
| Damage 0 – 50 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 39/156/33 |
| Primary Fire Mode: | Fully Automatic |
| Alternative Fire Mode: | Zoom Mode |
Phantom
What can the weapon do? Also, the silenced Phantom is a weapon for the endgame, which many players, including the pro Shroud, will ultimately acquire. The big difference from the Vandal is that the Phantom fires faster but loses power at range. Therefore, it is more suited for players who enjoy charging in wildly and less for long-range engagements. Counter-Strike fans will recognize the M4 here.
| Cost: | 2,900 |
| Magazine: | 30 |
| Wall Penetration: | Medium |
| Fire Rate (Primary/Secondary): | 11/9.9 shots per second |
| Damage 0 – 15 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 39/156/33 |
| Damage 15 – 30 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 35/140/30 |
| Damage 30 – 50 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 31/124/26 |
| Primary Fire Mode: | Fully Automatic |
| Alternative Fire Mode: | Zoom Mode |
All machine guns in Valorant
What are machine guns? Machine guns are the big brothers of assault rifles. They are designed to unleash a lot of ammunition and have large magazines. However, the weapons are bulky and primarily suitable for defensive situations.
They fire faster the longer you shoot. Additionally, you are much more accurate if you kneel while shooting. Also useful: All MGs are great at penetrating walls. Cover is therefore only useful to a limited extent.
Ares
What can the weapon do? This machine gun is essentially a large assault rifle. It fires quickly and requires a short warm-up time until its full potential is realized. Tip: If you aim with the Ares, fire it immediately!
| Cost: | 1,600 |
| Magazine: | 50 |
| Wall Penetration: | High |
| Fire Rate: | 10 – 13 shots per second |
| Damage 0 – 30 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 30/72/25 |
| Damage 30 – 50 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 28/67/23 |
| Primary Fire Mode: | Fully Automatic |
| Alternative Fire Mode: | Zoom Mode |
Odin
What can the weapon do? The second most expensive weapon in the game can turn the tide if you use it wisely and in the right situation. The Odin can unleash a tremendous amount of shots and completely wipe out an enemy rush. But remember that you also need to position yourself well and definitely pay attention to the weapon’s warm-up time. You must fire early to unleash its full fire rate potential. Additionally, the weapon has severe recoil, so crouching may help stabilize your aim.
| Cost: | 3,200 |
| Magazine: | 100 |
| Wall Penetration: | High |
| Fire Rate: | 12 – 15.6 shots per second |
| Damage 0 – 30 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 38/95/32 |
| Damage 30 – 50 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 31/77/26 |
| Primary Fire Mode: | Fully Automatic |
| Alternative Fire Mode: | Zoom Mode |
All sniper rifles in Valorant
What are sniper rifles? Sniper rifles are weapons for players who can aim well and make excellent kills. These weapons fire slowly but are absolutely deadly, especially with headshots.
Marshall
What can the weapon do? A classic sniper rifle that also works well for no-scope shots. The Marshall fires slowly and is absolutely deadly with headshots. Not even armor helps then. But woe if you miss the head, as the opponent – unless unarmored – will likely retaliate quickly, and with Marshall’s slow fire rate, you have little chance to fight back. Think of the Scout in Counter-Strike.
| Cost: | 1,100 |
| Magazine: | 5 |
| Wall Penetration: | Medium |
| Fire Rate (Primary/Secondary): | 1.5/1.2 shots per second |
| Damage 0 – 50 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 101/202/85 |
| Primary Fire Mode: | Single Shot |
| Alternative Fire Mode: | Zoom Mode |
Operator
What can the weapon do? Do you remember the legendary Arctic Warfare from Counter-Strike? The Operator (also known as OP) is basically the same thing. A massive rifle that can kill any opponent with just one shot, as long as you don’t aim poorly and just hit the leg. Just don’t get caught at close range with it and save a lot of money, because currently, there is no more expensive weapon in the game. Also cool: The weapon can shoot through almost any wall!
| Cost: | 4,500 |
| Magazine: | 5 |
| Wall Penetration: | High |
| Fire Rate: | 0.75 shots per second |
| Damage 0 – 50 meters (Body/Head/Leg): | 150/255/127 |
| Primary Fire Mode: | Single Shot |
| Alternative Fire Mode: | Dual Zoom Mode |
Do you want even more information about Valorant? Then check out our big Valorant information page for Riot’s new team shooter. There you will find a list of important features, guides, and hot news about the game.
