Riot Games’ New FPS Game VALORANT: What You Need to Know
Riot Games has recently announced their new first-person shooter game called VALORANT, which has drawn comparisons to the popular game CS:GO. VALORANT is a hero-based tactical shooter that introduces hyper-natural characters known as Agents. These characters come from various real-world locations and have futuristic biological enhancements that make them deadly. While VALORANT shares similar gameplay mechanics with CS:GO, it offers unique features and gameplay elements.
Agents
One of the major differences between VALORANT and CS:GO is the presence of the hyper-natural agents. These agents possess their own set of abilities and ultimate ability similar to the game Overwatch. However, Riot Games has emphasized that these abilities are tactical options and the focus remains on gunplay. Currently, there are seven known agents in VALORANT, each with their own unique characteristics and abilities.
Guns
The arsenal in VALORANT consists of a wide range of futuristic and modern weapons. For example, the “Kingdom” rifle is a high-tech weapon that has the potential to eliminate enemies with a single headshot. Furthermore, VALORANT features a revolver similar to CS:GO, but it is expected to have similar power to the Desert Eagle rather than the R8 Revolve in CS:GO. Additionally, iron sights are available in VALORANT, allowing players to aim down sights, although it may not be as advantageous as in other games. Some guns in VALORANT resemble weapons from CS:GO, such as the AK-47, but they have been adapted to fit the futuristic setting of the game.
Points System
The round-based system in VALORANT is similar to CS:GO, but it consists of best-of-24 rounds instead of CS:GO’s round progression system of 30 rounds. The winning team in VALORANT is the first to reach 16 rounds or the winner of overtime after both teams have reached 15 rounds. A significant difference in VALORANT is the use of attackers and defenders instead of Counter-Terrorists and Terrorists, which could potentially attract a wider competitive audience and sponsorships.
Cheating System
In terms of cheating detection, VALORANT will utilize the anti-cheat platform found in League of Legends called Vanguard. This platform aims to prevent tampering and cheating by implementing server-authoritative game architecture. This architecture makes it impossible for cheaters to use game-altering cheats like teleportation or speed hacks.
Server Tick Rate
A standout feature of VALORANT is its use of 128-tick servers for public matches, whereas CS:GO utilizes 64-tick servers for regular matchmaking. Playing on 128-tick servers in VALORANT will result in smoother gameplay, improved hit registration, and reduced lag for most players. Riot Games aims to provide most players with a 35ms ping to enhance the overall gaming experience.
Style
VALORANT is set in a near-future Earth, unlike the modern approach to warfare seen in CS:GO. The game’s visuals feature high contrast colors and sharp edges, reminiscent of the style seen in League of Legends. While the art style has a somewhat cartoony feel, it still maintains a level of realism.
VALORANT is set to be released in the summer of this year and will be free-to-play, just like CS:GO.
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