Since its release in 2020, Riot Games’ Valorant has grown into one of the most competitive tactical shooters in the world. Blending precise gunplay with unique agent abilities, the game requires more than just fast reflexes—strategy, communication, and adaptability are key. For new players, the question is simple: what exactly do you do in Valorant?
Game Overview
At its core, Valorant is a 5v5 tactical shooter where two teams take on the roles of attackers and defenders. Each player chooses an agent, a character with unique abilities that fit into different roles such as Duelist, Controller, Initiator, or Sentinel.
The main objective centers around the Spike—a device attackers must plant at designated sites while defenders work to stop them. A round ends when the Spike is planted and either successfully detonates or is defused, or when one team eliminates the other. The first team to win 13 rounds secures victory.
Getting Started
For beginners, the first step is choosing the right agent.
- Duelists excel at aggressive, entry-fragging playstyles.
- Controllers manipulate the battlefield with smokes and area denial.
- Initiators help open sites with reconnaissance and disruption.
- Sentinels specialize in defense and supporting teammates.
Before jumping into ranked matches, new players are encouraged to practice in The Range, Valorant’s built-in training area, to hone aim and recoil control. Trying out different weapons during early matches will also help identify which guns best fit your style.
Each round, you’ll earn in-game currency to purchase weapons, armor, and abilities. Smart spending is as much a part of the strategy as sharp shooting—knowing when to save and when to buy can change the momentum of a match.
Strategy & Teamwork
While individual aim matters, Valorant is ultimately a team-based game. Communication is vital: use voice or text chat to call out enemy positions, coordinate pushes, and warn teammates of threats.
Understanding maps is equally important. Each map has distinct pathways, choke points, and Spike sites. Learning common angles and rotation routes will give you a major advantage. Custom games are a useful way to study layouts without the pressure of live competition.
Finally, teamwork thrives when players synergize abilities. A well-timed flash, smoke, or wall can open up a site or deny a push, often deciding the outcome of a round before shots are even fired.
The Takeaway
So, what do you do in Valorant? You pick an agent, master your weapons, and fight to outthink and outplay the enemy team. But beyond the mechanics, Valorant is about communication, strategy, and growth. Each match is an opportunity to refine skills, learn teamwork, and experience the high-stakes tension that has made the game a global esports phenomenon.
Bottom Line:
Valorant is more than just aiming and shooting—it’s about objectives, map knowledge, and playing your role within a five-player squad. For beginners, the best approach is to start simple: practice your aim, learn the maps, communicate with teammates, and gradually master the game’s layered strategies.
Written by:
Christian