The VALORANT Weapon Tier List: Choosing the Perfect Weapon Every Time
VALORANT has gained popularity as one of the best tactical shooters on PC since its release in 2020. With its unique abilities, characters, and strategic gunplay, it offers a multi-layered gaming experience.
While the visually stunning abilities of each agent are important in the game, gunplay remains at the forefront. The weapon choice at the start of each round determines your team’s economy and plays a crucial role in your success.
VALORANT Weapon Tier List
| S Tier | Vandal, Phantom, Operator |
| A Tier | Sheriff, Spectre |
| B Tier | Guardian, Ghost, Odin, Marshal |
| C Tier | Frenzy, Judge, Shorty, Bulldog, Classic |
| D Tier | Stinger, Ares, Bucky, Melee |
Our comprehensive tier list considers the strength of each weapon, as well as factors like versatility, price, and skill ceiling. While our list is extensive, feel free to use your best judgment based on personal preference and specific game strategies.
S Tier Weapons
- Vandal (2,900 Credits)
- Phantom (2,900 Credits)
- Operator (4,700 Credits)
These weapons are considered the strongest in the game. When your teammates say to “full buy,” these are the weapons you should go for.
The Vandal and Phantom are the premier automatic rifles in VALORANT, offering versatility, consistency in damage, and high fire rates. Choosing between them comes down to personal preference.
The Operator, on the other hand, is the most expensive single weapon in the game and is best used for sniping. It delivers powerful shots, but its slow and clunky nature requires high mobility agents to offset its limitations.
A Tier Weapons
- Sheriff (800 Credits)
- Spectre (1,600 Credits)
The Sheriff, the most expensive sidearm, can be as effective as a main rifle if you have good aim. It is a strong choice for pistol rounds and when your team wants to save money for the next round.
The Spectre, the best SMG in VALORANT, offers great value for its price. It excels in close quarters combat and is a good choice for save or half-buy rounds.
B Tier Weapons
- Guardian (2,250 Credits)
- Ghost (500 Credits)
- Odin (3,200 Credits)
- Marshal (950 Credits)
Weapons in this tier can be effective but require a decent amount of skill to fully utilize.
The Guardian is a good alternative when you’re short on credits but still want a powerful rifle. It rewards precise aim and strong positioning.
The Ghost, despite being a sidearm, is reliable and deals significant damage. It is best used with excellent crosshair placement and trigger discipline.
The Odin is a heavy artillery machine gun, ideal for suppressing enemies or clearing choke points. Its usefulness depends on coordinating it with utility from other agents.
The Marshal is a weaker version of the Operator but can still be effective in the right hands, especially for headshots.
C Tier Weapons
- Frenzy (450 Credits)
- Judge (1,850 Credits)
- Shorty (150 Credits)
- Bulldog (2,050 Credits)
- Classic (Free)
The Frenzy is a versatile pistol option that excels in close combat. It is a suitable choice for aggressive playstyles.
The Judge and Shorty shotguns have limited range but can be effective in specific situations, such as holding a spike site or engaging in close encounters.
The Bulldog is a burst fire rifle, which can be challenging to master but has its uses, particularly in rush situations.
The Classic is the game’s free pistol and is decent for pistol rounds. While it lacks damage output and fire rate, its burst fire mode can be useful.
D Tier Weapons
- Stinger (950 Credits)
- Ares (1,600 Credits)
- Bucky (850 Credits)
- Melee (Free)
The Stinger is a budget option but falls short compared to the Spectre. It is generally not worth buying unless you’re confident in your aim and unable to afford a Spectre.
The Ares is a weak machine gun and often not the best investment. However, some players have managed to make it work in specific situations.
The Bucky shotgun has lost its position as a top-tier weapon due to nerfs. It can still be viable in the right circumstances, especially with certain agents.
The Melee weapon serves more for showmanship than practical use. It is best reserved for surprise attacks or flanks.
Phantom vs. Vandal: Which is Better?
The choice between the Phantom and Vandal has been a subject of debate among VALORANT players. However, the answer ultimately comes down to personal preference.
The Phantom offers a silencer and invisible tracers, making it difficult for enemies to locate your position. It excels in close quarters combat and is easier to control when spraying.
The Vandal’s strong suit is its one-tap-one-kill mechanic, allowing for potent headshots. It performs well at long ranges and lacks damage falloff. However, it may be harder to control during sustained fire.
What is the Best Weapon for Beginners in VALORANT?
For beginners focusing on improving their aim, the best weapons to start with are the Phantom, Spectre, and Ghost.
The Phantom is a versatile weapon and easier to control than the Vandal, making it a good choice for beginners. The Spectre offers maneuverability and excels in close-quarters combat. The Ghost is a reliable sidearm that can help train your aim.
What Gun do VALORANT Pros Use Most?
According to data from TheSpike.gg, professional VALORANT players in the 2023 VCT Americas league predominantly use the Vandal, followed closely by the Phantom. These two rifles have been the favored choices among pros. The Ares and Bucky were the least used weapons.
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