VALORANT Competitive Scene Affected by Stinger Meta
The competitive VALORANT scene is heating up with the start of tournaments around the world, but players and fans are raising concerns about the dominance of a specific sub-machine gun during eco-rounds.
The weapon, known as the Stinger, gained popularity after Patch 5.06, where developers improved its firing error rate for both primary and secondary fire. This enhancement made it easier for Stinger users to control recoil, while remaining a cost-effective option.
In response, Riot Games will make significant changes to the Stinger’s price and damage fall-off at specific distances. “We believe the Stinger is performing too well given its price, particularly in the early rounds, and lacks the necessary economic tradeoffs,” Riot stated on social media.
Related: Why are pro VALORANT players using the Stinger so much?
The price of the Stinger will increase from 950 credits to 1100, impacting a team’s economy if they fail a round. Additionally, the weapon’s damage will decrease at a shorter distance, dealing 27 damage per bullet within 0-15 meters and 23 damage beyond that range.
These changes will make the Stinger less effective, leading to a decrease in usage in both professional play and solo queue. Currently, the Stinger is the third-most utilized weapon in the 2023 VCT North American Challengers, following the Vandal and Phantom, according to VALORANT stats aggregate THESPIKE.gg.
The Stinger adjustments will go live in a few days with the release of Patch 6.02 on Tuesday, Feb. 7.