The Art Of Peeking In Valorant - Win More Gunfights Now!

Perhaps you already know that there are different types of peeks. But do you always remember to apply them in-game, in the heat of battle? Probably less often than you should. For this reason, it's crucial to regularly remind yourself of these techniques so that they become second nature over time.

The Ultimate Guide To Peeking In Valorant

You should be aware that various skills come into play here. This includes game sense (knowing which type of peek is best in a given situation), movement, aim/crosshair placement, and your positioning.

Standard Peek And Basics

The standard peek is likely what you'll use in most situations. Therefore, it's crucial to have the following basics down:

1. In most cases, maintain the maximum possible distance between you and the wall in front of you. This way, you and the enemy can see each other simultaneously, and the enemy doesn't gain an advantage. Or if you're lucky you will see them first, if they stand close to a wall.
2. Use only the A and D keys when peeking. This makes you a more challenging target for the enemy, as you appear on their screen faster compared to using the W or S key as well (that's why you counter-strafe too).
3. This is actually a clarification on point 2: You never want to peek diagonally but always in a straight line. You appear fastest on the enemy's screen when your movement line is perpendicular to the angle you are peeking. The more you deviate from these 90 degrees, the easier of a target you become for the enemy.
4. In most cases, you should not sneak while peeking. Sneaking slows you down and makes you an easier target. You can take two steps without making noise. Therefore, press A or D multiple times without making any sound.
5. While not 100% confirmed, according to the prevailing opinion of players, you reach maximum speed only after covering a minimum distance. So, take two steps with A or D to hit full speed, stop and shoot. Behind cover, you already take one step, and with the second step, you peek out. This makes you appear fast to the opponent, and the next thing they see is getting a headshot from you. (Works better at longer distances).
6. Don't forget your crosshair placement and pre-aim the angles.
7. Once you peek, always be prepared for the possibility of someone being there. If you're not mentally ready for a gunfight, the likelihood of losing is much higher. It's better to stop yourself just before a common angle or where you expect someone, instead of just continuing to walk. Take a moment, adjust your crosshair placement and then peek with the A or D key.
8. Take care not to go too far and stay close to your cover. Don't take more than two steps, or you might peek too many enemies at once.

Jiggle Peek

The Jiggle peek is for gathering info and checking corners by making small moves with the A and D keys. By exposing and unexposing yourself, you progress step by step. If you spot an enemy, you can retreat to cover fast, avoiding an instant kill. Some basics mentioned in the standard peek, such as pre-aiming, should always be considered. Of course, you shouldn't jiggle peek throughout the entire game.

When using it to clear corners, hold your weapon. If you just want info, like if someone is pushing you or defusing, you can jiggle peek with your knife to be faster. It's a bit risky, but usually, enemies can't react quickly enough to kill you.

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Wide Swing

Swing means that you leave cover with your entire body when you peek. With the wide swing, you go further than necessary, so the opponent would have to flick to get you. It works especially well when you Jiggle Peek to get the enemy to aim close to the angle and then catch them off-guard with a Wide Swing.

Double Swing

When peeking with a teammate, make sure not to stand directly behind each other or stack up. One player can start with a wide swing, followed by the other using a standard peek. This makes it harder for the enemy to adjust their crosshair when facing multiple targets and you mostly secure a kill instead of risking one-by-one deaths in the worst-case scenario.

Shoulder Peek

With the shoulder peek, you get close to a wall and show the enemy only your shoulder before quickly retreating behind cover. It's a safe way to check for threats, like a sniper behind a corner, if you manage to bait an Operator shot. However, it doesn't give much information since you don't see anything during the peek.

Jump Peek

This peek is mostly used to get information. While or shortly after jumping, glance at the minimap to check for enemies in that angle. You can use it also to get someone off from the spike. Use the peek based on your situation.

Execution: Approach the angle you want to jump peek using 'W.' Just before reaching the edge of the wall, press your jump key and 'A' or 'D,' depending on the side you are peeking. Next, move your mouse in the opposite direction and press 'A' or 'D,' along with 'S' (also in the opposite direction), to safely return behind your cover.

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Crouch Peek

Crouch peeking is for fine-tuning. Beforehand, you should master the peeking techniques mentioned earlier. Especially consider that in lower ranks, crosshair placement is often too low, making crouching counterproductive.

However, there are situations where crouching makes sense, especially when you know the enemy is aiming for the head. For example, if the enemy spots you first, you can 'dodge' shots by crouching. Or if you know someone is holding a corner at head level with a Marshal, crouch peeking might be the play. But, as mentioned, focus on the basics of peeking first.

Weapon-Specific Peeks

With different weapons, you can use also different peeking techniques. In games like Valorant, where precise gunplay is essential, run-and-gun isn't typically recommended.

However, the Spectre is an exception, working well in specific close-range situations. You start running behind the corner and after leaving cover, continue running while spraying at the enemy. You can also run right and then left to further throw off the enemy.

If you only have a pistol and know the enemy has low health, a quick jump out from a corner with a right-click can do the job. Just remember, these techniques are effective at close range.

With these peeking methods, you should now be good to go. Practice them in Deathmatches to integrate them more often into your ranked games. Good luck!