Learn How to Counter Strafe in VALORANT: Step-by-Step Guide
Counter strafing is an essential technique to improve your gameplay in VALORANT. While this technique didn’t originate from the game itself, it’s still crucial to understand if you want to climb the ranks.
Since FPS titles like VALORANT and CS:GO have various gameplay mechanics that widen the skill gap, it’s important to start with the basics. Once you have a grasp of these mechanics, you can move on to the more advanced and tactical elements of VALORANT.
Don’t forget that everyone has off days. If you’re not immediately jumping into a match, it’s a good idea to practice the fundamentals in the shooting range or deathmatch. By mastering the fundamentals, you’ll consistently perform well.
Counter-strafing is also an integral mechanic for other movement techniques, such as jiggle peeking.
How to Counter Strafe in VALORANT: Step-by-Step Guide
Counter-strafing occurs when you move in the opposite direction from your original movement. For example, if you’re moving with your back against a wall and holding the D key, letting go of D and pressing A to stop your movement is counter-strafing. This technique stops your velocity and allows you to quickly recenter your accuracy.
If you don’t press the A key, there will be a period of inaccuracy. Although the period is shorter compared to CS:GO, you can still reduce it. As a Counter-Strike enthusiast, I had to practice this mechanic extensively since it’s more prominent in that game.
If you want to see exactly when you’re stopping in VALORANT, follow these steps:
- Head into Settings
- Go to Crosshair Settings
- Scroll until you find “Movement error”
Once you’ve enabled movement error, head to the shooting range.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Stand parallel to any clear wall
The beauty of movement error is that it shows when you’re not moving at all. So, when your crosshair expands slightly, it means your feet aren’t planted firmly on the ground. Use an open wall to see your crosshair move as you counter-strafe without any interference. Start at a reasonable distance and adjust as needed.
2. Practice moving left to right
Hold the A key for a second or two, then release A and press D to compensate. This will help you understand the time it takes to come to a full stop. Once your crosshair stops moving, you’re standing perfectly still.
3. Shoot one bullet during A and D movement
By shooting one bullet while counter-strafing, you can determine if you’re performing the mechanic correctly. If the bullet consistently lands in the same spot, you’re successfully counter-strafing. Make sure you’re trying to stop at the same point each time to master the basics.
4. Shorten the distance
By reducing the time between counter-strafes, you’ll become a difficult target to hit. This technique is known as jiggle peeking. Remember to vary the distance to ensure you have a solid grasp of the skill.
Once you’re comfortable with the technique, try it on bots in the shooting range. With practice, you’ll become adept at counter-strafing and secure easy kills.
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