VALORANT is a popular tactical shooter on PC. It combines unique abilities and characters with tactical gunplay to create a strategic and exciting gameplay experience.
The game’s visually stunning abilities add depth to the gameplay, but gunplay is still the most important aspect of VALORANT. The weapon you choose at the start of each round determines your team’s economy and can greatly impact your success in a match.
To help you make the best weapon choices in VALORANT, here is a tier list of all 17 weapons:
Contents
- VALORANT weapon tier list
- S Tier weapons
- A Tier weapons
- B tier weapons
- C Tier weapons
- D Tier weapons
- Phantom vs. Vandal: Which is better?
- What is the best weapon for beginners in VALORANT?
- What gun do VALORANT pros use most?
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 |
The tier list is based on the weapon’s overall strength, versatility, and price. It’s important to note that personal preference and specific gameplay strategies can also influence your weapon choices.
S Tier weapons
- Vandal (2,900 Credits)
- Phantom (2,900 Credits)
- Operator (4,700 Credits)
The S Tier weapons are the strongest in the game. These are the weapons you should prioritize buying when your team can afford it.
The Vandal and Phantom are the top rifles in VALORANT and offer versatility and consistent damage. Choosing between them is a matter of personal preference. The Operator is a powerful sniper rifle that can eliminate enemies with one shot, but it requires skill and careful positioning.
The other tiers include a variety of weapons with their own strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to consider your playstyle and the situation when choosing a weapon.
A Tier weapons
- Sheriff (800 Credits)
- Spectre (1,600 Credits)
The A Tier weapons are great choices for beginners. The Sheriff is a high-damage pistol that can be a powerful choice, especially in pistol rounds. The Spectre is a versatile SMG that excels in close-quarters combat.
B tier weapons
- Guardian (2,250 Credits)
- Ghost (500 Credits)
- Odin (3,200 Credits)
- Marshal (950 Credits)
The B Tier weapons can be highly effective in the right hands, but they require more skill to use effectively. The Guardian is a strong choice if you prefer precision shots. The Ghost is a reliable sidearm with good damage. The Odin is a powerful machine gun, best used for spamming through walls or facing multiple enemies at once. The Marshal is a sniper rifle that can be a viable option, especially if you have good aim.
C Tier weapons
- Frenzy (450 Credits)
- Judge (1,850 Credits)
- Shorty (150 Credits)
- Bulldog (2,050 Credits)
- Classic (Free)
The C Tier weapons have their own situational uses. The Frenzy is a versatile pistol option, suitable for close-quarters engagements. Shotguns like the Judge and Shorty are best used for defending or lurking. The Bulldog is a burst-fire rifle that can be effective in certain circumstances. The Classic is a starting pistol that is free, but lacks damage and fire rate.
D Tier weapons
- Stinger (950 Credits)
- Ares (1,600 Credits)
- Bucky (850 Credits)
- Melee (Free)
The D Tier weapons are the least favorable choices. The Stinger is a weaker version of the Spectre and offers less value. The Ares is a subpar machine gun that is generally not recommended. The Bucky is a shotgun with limited effectiveness. Melee weapons should only be used as a last resort or for stealthy plays.
Phantom vs. Vandal: Which is better?
The debate between the Phantom and Vandal has been ongoing among VALORANT players. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and playstyle.
The Phantom has a silencer and invisible tracers, making it stealthier, but it requires close range to achieve one-shot headshots. The Vandal, on the other hand, can one-shot enemies with a headshot at any range. Both weapons have their pros and cons, so choose the one that suits your playstyle best.
What is the best weapon for beginners in VALORANT?
For beginners, the best weapons to start with are the Phantom, Spectre, and Ghost.
The Phantom and Spectre are versatile weapons that are easy to handle. The Ghost is a reliable sidearm that helps train your aim and is a good introduction to pistol gameplay.
What gun do VALORANT pros use most?
According to data from TheSpike.gg, professional VALORANT players in the 2023 VCT Americas league most commonly use the Vandal and Phantom. Both rifles are popular choices among pros for their versatility and effectiveness. The Ares and Bucky are the least used weapons among pros.