Rifles are considered the most reliable weapon class in VALORANT, offering power, versatility, and accuracy. In this guide, we’ll go over the five best rifles in VALORANT and what you need to know about them.
Vandal
The Vandal is one of VALORANT’s most iconic weapons and is the go-to rifle for those confident in their aim. It’s a weapon that deals consistent damage no matter the distance – a single headshot always deals 160 damage, ensuring a clean shot is always a kill. The Vandal is ideal for players who rely on accuracy and like taking long-range fights.
When to use the Vandal:
- Great on maps with long-range sightlines like Breeze and Ascent.
- Ideal for holding angles where you can take your time to aim.
Tips for using the Vandal:
- The most effective way to use the Vandal is by tapping or firing short bursts. The recoil gets hard to control with long sprays.
- Keep your crosshair at head height – the name of the game is to land one headshot.
- Practice recoil resets. Fire in short bursts and understand how long the Vandal takes to reset.
Things to note:
Remember – the Vandal’s fire rate is noticeably slower than the Phantom’s, so missing your first shots can be costly, especially in close-range fights.
Phantom
If you’re not a big fan of Vandal, the Phantom is always there for you. This rifle is considered one of VALORANT’s most reliable options, and is often favored for its forgiving spray pattern and faster fire rate. Unlike the Vandal, the Phantom has a slight damage falloff at long range, but it excels in close and medium-range fights. It’s also great for spamming through smokes due to its lack of bullet tracers.
When to use the Phantom:
- Perfect for close-to-medium range maps like Split or Bind.
- Strong when holding tight angles or playing around smokes.
Tips for using the Phantom:
- Learn the spray control. Unlike its counterpart, the Phantom’s spray is way easier to manage, so you can commit to longer bursts.
- Spam bullets through smokes. Since there are no tracers, enemies won’t know where you’re shooting from.
Things to note:
The damage drop-off means headshots aren’t lethal at long range, as they deal 140 damage. This means you’ll need to land at least two bullets (one to the head and another to the body) at longer distances.
Operator – one of the best rifles in VALORANT
The Operator in VALORANT is the signature sniper rifle, capable of one-shotting enemies with a body shot at any range. It’s a high-risk, high-reward weapon that can completely lock down angles or pick off opponents early into rounds. While it does come with a hefty price tag, its ability to secure kills can swing rounds in your favor when used properly.
When to use the Operator:
- Best on maps with long sightlines, like Icebox, Breeze, and Ascent.
- Great on defenders holding choke points, or attackers trying to find opening picks.
Tips for using the Operator:
- Hold tight angles rather than swinging. It’s best to let enemies walk into your scope.
- Operators are best paired with escape abilities, like Jett’s Dash or Chamber’s Rendezvous, to reposition after a shot.
Things to note:
The Operator has a high price of 4,700 credits, making it a risky purchase. Missing your first shot can leave you vulnerable.
Guardian
The Guardian is VALORANT’s semi-automatic rifle, and is primarily known for being a budget-friendly alternative to the Vandal and Phantom. This weapon rewards precision over spraying, as you can only shoot one bullet at a time. Still, it deals lethal headshot damage at all ranges.
When to use the Guardian:
- A great buy when you can’t afford a Vandal or Phantom.
- Ideal for long-range engagements where headshots are key.
Tips for using the Guardian:
- Aim for the head. There really isn’t any other way to use this gun. Look to end the duel with one accurate shot.
- The Guardian should be used to hold angles patiently. Wait for enemies to walk into your crosshair – don’t rush with it.
Things to note:
The Guardian is very weak in close-range fights, as its low fire rate makes missing shots punishing. Don’t hesitate to use its ADS to land more accurate shots.
Bulldog
The Bulldog is another budget-friendly rifle and a more forgiving alternative to the Guardian if you’re not fully confident in your one-taps. It offers a decent fire rate and comes with a versatile burst mode, making it effective at close and medium ranges. While it doesn’t have the raw power of a Vandal or Phantom, the Bulldog can still be a solid option if you’re low on credits.
When to use the Bulldog:
- Great budget-friendly choice when you can’t afford a Vandal or Phantom.
- Works well for mid-ranged fights – a step up from SMGs.
Tips for using the Bulldog:
- Use burst fire mode for longer distances.
- Aim for the upper body – the Bulldog has a high fire rate, so the recoil might land on an enemy’s head.
Things to note:
The Bulldog doesn’t feel that great to spray, especially when doing so carelessly. Try relying on bursts for more consistent results.
