In the new team shooter Valorant, there is a notorious way to move forward known as “Bunny Hopping.” Find out here what it’s all about and how you can hop around like a crazy rabbit.
What is Bunny Hopping anyway? Bunny Hopping is an ancient movement technique from the early days of shooters. It emerged in the late ’90s with Quake. There, you could actually get faster by constantly jumping and then making zig-zag movements in the air.
This was a bug that later appeared in Half Life due to the same engine, and it also found its place in the first Counter Strike (at that time a mod of Half Life). Since it looked unintentionally funny when moving forward with a series of small jumps, the technique quickly became known as Bunny Hopping.
Besides the boost in movement, the constant hopping also made you a harder target. The technique was therefore quite effective and was extensively used – but also controversially discussed.
How does Bunny Hopping work in Valorant?
This is how Bunny Hopping was implemented in Valorant: In Valorant, there is also the possibility to practice the Bunny Hopper. However, this time it is an intentionally implemented technique, not a bug that is exploited. Unlike in the ancient Counter Strike, you cannot get faster through hopping. There are other advantages instead:
- You can move quietly
You confuse your opponents with the hopsYou can largely pass through dangerous ground effects from certain agents, such as the slow zone from Sage, without much trouble.(this effect has since been changed due to a nerf)
This is how you use Bunny Hopping: To become a killer rabbit yourself, the player Jack_Dice on Reddit made a short guide. We have linked to the article here. Basically, it’s about finding the right timing when jumping and moving sideways:
- Run forward by holding “W” (not really necessary, but good for beginners)
- Then jump regularly while alternating looking to the right and left and steer in the corresponding direction with the “A” or “D” key.
So you jump in a zig-zag manner. Jack_Dice also recommends mapping the jump key to the middle mouse wheel to make timing easier.
He also notes that you don’t necessarily have to move forward with the W key. It’s just interesting because beginners would find it easier to learn this way. Bunny Hopping can also be done from a standstill and even backwards.
The heroine Jett has her own jumping skills that make Bunny Hopping seem silly.
Are you looking for more tips and tricks for Valorant? Then take a look at our extensive guide to Riot’s new 5v5 team shooter. There you will find 12 useful tips for Valorant that every player would have liked to know right at the start of the game. Have fun reading and trying out!
