CS:GO or VALORANT: Which Game is Harder?
As someone experienced in both CS:GO and VALORANT, I’ve always struggled to argue that one game is significantly harder than the other. However, a popular streamer named shroud, who has spent countless hours playing both games, has no doubt in his mind.
During a recent stream of CS2, shroud confidently stated that Counter-Strike is “way easier” than VALORANT, adding that even one of the greatest CS players, s1mple, couldn’t compete in VALORANT.
Initially, I thought shroud was just trolling or saying things to provoke a reaction. But this isn’t a new opinion for him; he has previously stated that the added depth in VALORANT, with its agents and roles, makes the game harder.
Why is VALORANT Harder?
VALORANT brings a level of simplicity in Counter-Strike that doesn’t exist. In terms of utility usage, VALORANT has numerous abilities across different agents, while in Counter-Strike, everyone has access to a standard set of grenades and flashbangs.
Due to the higher potential impact of agent abilities, it can be challenging for players to overcome them. Skilled players at higher ranks utilize abilities in smart and strategic ways, making it difficult to counter well-executed plays. This becomes a challenge even for lower-ranked and new players.
Why is Counter-Strike Harder?
The simplicity of Counter-Strike, which makes it easier to grasp, also makes it harder to master. In VALORANT, various abilities can take care of things like smoking off angles, blocking chokepoints, and spotting enemies, which can’t be done as easily in Counter-Strike. For example, executing precise smokes requires accuracy, memorization, and repetition.
In terms of mechanics, Counter-Strike demands better skills from players. Movement is faster, and hitboxes are smaller, requiring quicker reactions and precise aim.
Ultimately, if shroud’s claims are true, the complexity and strategic focus in VALORANT make it “harder” than Counter-Strike. There is more to learn and master in VALORANT, but the simplicity of Counter-Strike poses its own challenges.
CS:GO, VALORANT, esports, gaming