In Valorant, few metrics generate as much curiosity among players as the combat score, better known as ACS (Average Combat Score). Displayed at the end of every match, ACS serves as Riot’s benchmark for individual impact—measuring not just how many kills you secured, but how meaningful those actions were to your team’s success.
How Combat Score Is Calculated
Riot Games has designed ACS to reflect both damage output and round impact rather than raw fragging alone.
Here’s what goes into the score:
- Damage: Every point of damage inflicted on enemies translates directly into combat score. Even tagging opponents before teammates finish them off contributes.
- Kills: Each kill is weighted based on timing and round context. A first blood or early kill earns more points (up to 150) than a late-round cleanup frag.
- Multi-kills: Securing multiple kills in one round brings bonus points: a double kill adds +50, while an ace can award up to 200 extra points.
- Non-damaging assists: Using utility effectively—like blinding, healing, or revealing enemies—earns assist points (+25 each), even if you didn’t land damage.
- Clutches & First Bloods: High-value plays such as clutching a 1vX situation or grabbing first blood grant extra weight to your ACS.
At the end of a match, ACS is averaged across rounds, creating a round-by-round performance score rather than a simple tally.
Impact and Strategy
The combat score system rewards impactful play, not just raw stats. This means:
- Supportive players who use utility effectively can keep pace with duelists in ACS.
- Clutch potential and round-defining actions are valued more than “garbage time” kills.
- ACS ties directly into ranked progression—high scores typically yield stronger MMR gains, while low scores can dampen rating increases even after a win.
How to Increase Your Combat Score
Raising ACS isn’t just about chasing frags—it’s about playing smarter:
- Maximize damage: Even partial damage contributes. Use crossfires and utility to chip enemies.
- Hunt early opportunities: First bloods give outsized value, but avoid reckless over-peeking.
- Stack multi-kills: Trade effectively and follow up on team pushes to secure consecutive kills.
- Use your abilities: Smokes, flashes, recon, and heals all create ACS-generating assists.
- Clutch carefully: Winning outnumbered situations is one of the fastest ways to spike your score.
The Bigger Picture
Valorant’s combat score is a nuanced reflection of player impact, blending mechanical skill, utility use, and clutch factor. While a high ACS doesn’t guarantee victory, it shows consistent contribution round after round. For players looking to climb the ranked ladder, understanding ACS is essential: it isn’t just about kills—it’s about making every action count.
Written by:
Christian