At the time of Valorant's emergence, it sparked interest from audiences worldwide. Since then, Valorant and CS2 players have constantly argued over which game is better, comparing them in every possible aspect of gameplay. Valorant and Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) are two titans in the tactical shooter genre, each possessing its unique mechanics, audience, gameplay strategies, and other differences. One of the key aspects defining these games is their arsenal of weapons. In this article, we will conduct a detailed comparison of weapons in Valorant and CS2, examining their similarities, differences, and impact on gameplay.

Valorant, developed by Riot Games, and CS2, the latest iteration of the Counter-Strike series by Valve, feature a vast arsenal of weapons that can be divided into pistols, rifles, submachine guns (SMGs), shotguns, sniper rifles, heavy weapons, and melee weapons. However, the design philosophy and functionality of these weapons significantly differ between these two games.

READ MORE: Hidden References to League of Legends in Valorant

Comparison of Weapons in Valorant and CS2

Pistols

Pistols in both games serve as starting weapons and are crucial in economic rounds. Since this weapon is always with us, let's start our comparison with it.

• Valorant: The Classic is the starting pistol, and options like the Ghost, Sheriff, and Frenzy offer various compromises in damage, fire rate, and accuracy. The Sheriff, similar to the Desert Eagle in CS2, is a high-damage, high-recoil weapon.
• CS2: The starting pistol depends on the side (Glock-18 for terrorists and USP-S for counter-terrorists). The Desert Eagle is known for its one-shot headshot potential. Among other pistol options, you can find the P250, Five-SeveN, and Tec-9.

Melee Weapons

Knives are the primary melee weapons, and although they are rarely used in combat, it does not diminish their significance, as in both games, you move faster with them than with any firearm, which is an important mechanic.

• Valorant: Knives in Valorant are mainly used for high-speed movement and extremely rarely for stealthily killing enemies. It does not have unique mechanics and is presented in a single form with the option to change appearance only through skins.
• CS2: Knives in CS2 are an integral part of the game, their functionality does not differ from Valorant. Knives can be used for killing and provide higher movement speed, making them no less important tactical tools.

Submachine Guns (SMGs)

In both games, their value is at the same level; SMGs are perfect for close combat and economic rounds, making them an integral part of each game.

• Valorant: Options include the Stinger and Spectre. The Spectre, with its high fire rate and decent damage, is popular in early rounds, but Valorant lags in terms of possible purchases in the store.
• CS2: The MP9, MAC-10, and UMP-45 are common choices. The MP9 is popular for its high fire rate and mobility, while the MAC-10 is valued for its high damage at close range.

Shotguns

Shotguns excel in close combat, dealing high damage. However, they are rarely used at high ranks and in professional games, whether it be in CS2 or Valorant. They are often used to surprise opponents with an unexpected twist rather than for tactical advantage.

• Valorant: The main shotguns are the Bucky and Judge. The Bucky has an alternative firing mode for long-range combat, while the Judge offers a higher fire rate.
• CS2: The Nova, XM1014, and MAG-7 are the main shotguns. The XM1014 is notable for its semi-automatic firing, making it deadly at close range.

Rifles

Rifles are the primary weapons in any round and are necessary for medium to long-range engagements. No full buy passes without this weapon because it has the highest damage in the game, and its accuracy is second only to sniper rifles.

• Valorant: The main rifles include the Vandal and Phantom. The Vandal guarantees consistent damage at all distances, while the Phantom has a higher fire rate and less recoil but deals less damage at longer distances. Unlike its competitor, Valorant has a much wider variety of rifles in its arsenal, including the Bulldog and Guardian, which are regularly used by players of various levels.
• CS2: The Terrorist-exclusive AK-47 and the Counter-Terrorist M4A4/M4A1-S are the main rifles. The AK-47 is known for its high damage and one-shot headshot kill capability, while the M4 is prized for its accuracy and ease of use. Also, do not forget about AUG, FAMAS, Galil and SG 553 which also belong to this family.

Sniper Rifles

One of the most important and responsible roles is the sniper. Sniper rifles are necessary for long-range engagements and eliminating key targets.

• Valorant: The Operator is the main sniper rifle, capable of one-shot kills due to its high damage. The Marshal is a lighter, more mobile option with less damage. Recently, another sniper rifle called the Outlaw has been introduced to the game, boasting excellent damage and accuracy but suffering from an ammo deficit.
• CS2: AWP (Arctic Warfare Police) is renowned for its one-shot kill potential, making it a powerful weapon. SSG 08 (Scout) is a cheaper, mobile alternative. SCAR-20 is another sniper rifle with a high rate of fire.

Heavy Weapons

Heavy weapons offer unique advantages but come with compromises in mobility and cost; however, they are not often encountered on the big stage and at high ranks.

• Valorant: Ares and Odin are the main heavy weapons. The Odin, with its high fire rate and enormous damage, is effective for suppressing enemies.
• CS2: The M249 and Negev are heavy options. The Negev, with its suppressive fire capability, is particularly useful for controlling narrow passages.

Upon Valorant's release in the distant year of 2020, it was one of the most powerful weapons due to its incorrect operation, which led to its regular use even on the professional stage. However, after several patches, it lost its value and now, just like its main competitor, collects dust on the shelves of the game store.

Unique Mechanics and Abilities

Valorant introduces unique abilities for each agent that can synergize with weapons to create various tactical opportunities. For example, using smokes or flashes can enhance the effectiveness of rifles and snipers. CS2 relies more on traditional items such as grenades, flashbangs, and smoke grenades.

Also, don't forget about the option to purchase armor. In Valorant, as in CS2, you can buy armor, which comes in two types: light and heavy. Light armor is cheaper but does not protect against headshots. Heavy armor is more expensive but provides full protection from damage.

Conclusion

Based on the information provided above, we can conclude that the weapon arsenals of Valorant and CS2 have similarities in the category of weapons. The introduction of agent abilities in Valorant adds a level of complexity and synergy, while CS2 focuses on accuracy and traditional tactical gameplay. Understanding the strengths and nuances of each game's arsenal is key to mastering either of them and achieving success on the battlefield.