In Valorant, sniper rifles are a key tool for a team to gain an advantage on the battlefield. Many players prefer them, but not all fully understand the differences between them, as there are three versions of sniper rifles in the Riot Games shooter, one of which was recently added to the game. Each has its own advantages and features, which we will examine in more detail.
How many sniper rifles are in Valorant?
Until recently, Valorant featured only two sniper rifles - the Marshal and the Operator. The latter is fully-fledged, while the former is noticeably weaker, which is compensated by its lower cost. However, with the release of Episode 08 on January 9th, a new weapon was added to the game for the first time since the closed beta - the Outlaw. This new sniper rifle occupies a middle ground in terms of power between the two existing models.
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A detailed overview of each sniper rifle in Valorant
Marshal - the weakest sniper rifle in the game, but it has several advantages over its "older brothers." Its benefits include greater mobility, increased ammunition capacity, availability at a price of fewer than 1,000 credits (950 credits), and a fast reload time. Its main feature is that it can kill with one shot, like other sniper rifles, but the shot needs to be a headshot; if the enemy is hit in the body, it will require two shots if the enemy has any armour, as the body damage is 101.
Advantages:
- Low cost.
- Fast reload.
- High rate of fire.
- Twenty rounds, five per magazine.
- One-shot kill to the head.
Disadvantages:
- Low penetration power.
- Low damage level.
- Moderate wall penetration.
Outlaw - the first weapon introduced into Valorant's arsenal after the game's release in closed beta testing. This sniper rifle has elicited mixed reactions from players, as, despite its power, it does not always guarantee a one-shot kill.
Compared to other sniper rifles in the game, such as the Operator, the Outlaw has slightly less power. With a body shot damage of 140, it cannot always kill an enemy, only if they are not protected by heavy armour. This has led to some players feeling disappointed with this weapon, as it does not guarantee a one-shot kill like the Operator.
However, despite this, the Outlaw still has its advantages. It has a high rate of fire compared to other sniper rifles, making it more effective at a distance from the enemy. Additionally, its cost can make it more accessible for players who do not have enough funds to purchase the Operator.
Advantages:
- Very high rate of fire for a sniper rifle.
- Significant damage.
- Cost-effective.
- High penetration capability.
Disadvantages:
- Small magazine size.
- Slow reload speed.
Operator - considered one of the most powerful weapons in Valorant. Its ability to kill any enemy with one shot to the body from any distance makes it unmatched in terms of precision and striking power. However, along with its advantages, the Operator has several serious drawbacks that can significantly complicate the game for players:
High cost: At 4,700 credits, the Operator is the most expensive weapon in the game. This can make it difficult to purchase for players who do not have enough funds, especially in the early rounds. Slow movement speed when the weapon is equipped: The Operator is heavy and cumbersome, which leads to slow movement of the player when holding it. This makes the player an easier target for enemies, especially in case of a miss.
While the Operator has these drawbacks, its power and ability to eliminate enemies from a great distance with one shot make it highly desirable for skilled players who can fully utilise its advantages. It can determine the outcome of decisive rounds and provide an advantage to the team that possesses this weapon. Despite its drawbacks, the Operator remains a sniper rifle that dominates with its power on the battlefield in the hands of skilled players.
Advantages:
- High damage, allowing for one-shot kills to the body.
- High penetration capability.
Disadvantages:
- High cost.
- Slow reload.
- Reduced movement speed with the weapon equipped.
Each type of sniper rifle has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them depends on your play style and strategy. Regardless of which option you choose, it's important to learn to use it effectively to achieve victory in battles.
Which sniper rifle is the best in Valorant?
Certainly, if we only consider which weapon is the most powerful, the Operator is the obvious answer. However, game situations and capabilities can vary, as players do not always have 4,700 credits to purchase it. Therefore, we will consider situations where each sniper rifle can perform best.
Marshal - an ideal choice for full eco rounds. You can buy it without armour, engage in long-distance shootouts, and try to get a headshot kill. With just this one weapon, you can potentially turn the tide of the entire round in your favour. Additionally, you or a teammate can pick up a weapon from a downed opponent, which increases your chances of winning.
Outlaw - a weapon that has sparked debate, not just compared to other sniper rifles, but against the entire current arsenal in the game. Its cost is 2,400 credits, for the same amount you could buy a Bulldog or Guardian, and still have a few hundred credits left. Does this make the Outlaw an unnecessary weapon? Not at all. Thanks to its damage of 140 units to the body, it becomes effective in rounds where the enemy team does not have the funds for a full buy and has to settle for light armour.
Operator - the king of the arsenal in Valorant, it remains strong in any situation, especially if in the hands of a skilled player. The main drawback of this weapon is its cost, as spending 4,700 credits every round is not always feasible. Therefore, players typically try to save it for the next round if they can rescue the weapon.
Each type of sniper rifle has its own strengths and weaknesses, and choosing between them depends on your gameplay style and strategy. Regardless of which option you choose, it's important to learn how to use it effectively to achieve victory in battles.
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