Valorant, like its main competitor CS 2, is built on similar round mechanics. During each round, players have the opportunity to buy various abilities, weapons, and armor to fight opponents effectively. But, just like in its competitor, the shooter from Riot also features various strategies during rounds, with the most important one being the eco round strategy. Thanks to this strategy, you can save crucial credits for the next round to turn the match in your favor. Today, we will talk about the Valorant eco round strategy and the mistakes made by both new players and veterans of the genre.

Understanding Eco Rounds

Before we proceed, let’s understand what eco rounds are, why this strategy is used, and how it benefits your team throughout a match in Valorant.

What is an Eco Round?

The “eco” in eco round stands for economy, which fully captures the strategy involved. Essentially, an eco round is a strategy where your goal is to save as many credits as possible to ensure a partial or full buy in the next round. For instance, you might buy only light armor or a single ability while skipping weapons, allowing you to save credits for a complete purchase in the next round.

Why Are Eco Rounds Important?

Before we explore mistakes and tips for eco rounds Valorant , it’s essential to grasp the importance of this strategy. At first glance, eco rounds might seem necessary only during critical moments, but that’s not the case. They can be employed at various points during the match. For example, if you lose the first round, your opponents will have credits for a full buy, but you won’t. In this situation, you should play economically in the second round. Even if you lose, you'll have enough credits for a full buy in the third round. You can also use this strategy when switching sides or when your economy is crippled before a decisive moment.

Top 10 Common Beginner Mistakes in Eco Rounds and How to Avoid Them

Now that you understand what eco rounds are, let’s discuss the common mistakes players make and how to win eco rounds in Valorant. While beginners often make these mistakes, even experienced players sometimes slip up. Here’s how you can avoid these pitfalls.

READ MORE: Valorant Economy Guide

Mistake 1: Complete Savings

• Problem: Many beginners take the term "eco round" too literally and avoid buying anything, saving all their credits for the next round.

• Solution: While saving is the goal, you shouldn’t avoid all purchases. Use light buy strategies Valorant and purchase at least one essential ability for your agent or a cheap weapon like the Sheriff or Stinger.

Mistake 2: Poor Positioning

• Problem: Players forget they are under-equipped and engage enemies with rifles as if it were a normal round.

• Solution: Play more cautiously and close the distance with enemies. Since you are using cheap devices that are best weapons for eco rounds in Valorant, it is only effective at close range. And this means that you need to try to get as close as possible to the enemies.

Mistake 3: Lack of Team Coordination

• Problem: Some players stray from their team, making the round harder for everyone.

• Solution: Communicate with your teammates via voice or text chat to coordinate strategies.

Mistake 4: Holding Back the Ultimate

• Problem: Beginners often save their ultimates, thinking they’re too valuable to use during an eco round.

• Solution: Don’t hesitate to use your ultimate. It can turn the tide even without a full buy, especially with agents like Brimstone.

Mistake 5: Not Taking Eco Rounds Seriously

• Problem: Some players disregard eco rounds, rushing recklessly and dying without any benefit.

• Solution: Take every eco round seriously. Even one kill can give your team extra credits.

Mistake 6: Overconfidence

• Problem: Beginners sometimes overestimate their abilities and try to fight fully armed opponents with just a pistol.

• Solution: Focus on playing smart. Use tricks like camping and avoid one-on-one duels.

Mistake 7: Ineffective Use of Abilities

• Problem: Some players don’t buy abilities, and if they do, they misuse them or forget about them entirely.

• Solution: Use abilities strategically, saving them for key moments to maximize their impact.

Mistake 8: Overspending

• Problem: Some players buy light armor, weapons, and abilities all at once, negating the purpose of an eco round.

• Solution: Buy only what’s essential. Stick to one ability and one weapon, and avoid purchasing armor.

Mistake 9: Ignoring Pro Advice

• Problem: New players often neglect to learn from professional players.

• Solution: Watch tournament streams or professional player broadcasts to pick up strategies and learn how to manage resources.

Mistake 10: Not Knowing the Difference Between Round Types

• Problem: Many players don’t understand the differences between round types, leading to poor purchasing decisions.

• Solution: Familiarize yourself with the terms and strategies, like Valorant full eco vs light buy 

READ MORE: Terms you should know in Valorant

Best agents for eco rounds

Now that you know how to avoid common mistakes, let’s discuss agents that perform well in eco rounds. Although you select your agent at the start of the match, certain agents are best agents for eco rounds Valorant.

Agents with Effective Ultimates

Supportive Agents

Mobile agents utility

After reading this guide, you now know how to play eco round in Valorant and what mistakes to avoid. Stay tuned to our portal for more exciting strategies and insights into Valorant gameplay.