Valorant has stormed the shooter scene since its release. While its precise gun play, strategic abilities, and teamwork are undoubtedly compelling, it's the multiple game modes that truly set it apart. Here is a list of all the game modes in Valorant and how to play them.
Valorant, Riot Games' entry into the tactical shooter genre, has swiftly become one of the hottest titles in the gaming world. Offering a unique blend of intense gunplay, strategic abilities, and teamwork, it's no wonder this game has amassed such a massive following.
At its core, though, the different game modes fuel the excitement, each presenting its distinct challenges and rewards. Let’s explore these modes and understand how you can make the most of them.
All Valorant Game Modes & How They Work
Each of Valorant's game modes offers a unique experience, catering to both the casual gamer and the competitive spirit in all of us. Whether you're just casually playing with your friends, climbing the competitive ladder, or honing your aim, Valorant promises adrenaline-pumping action every step of the way.
So, pick your mode and dive into the thrilling world of Valorant! We show you the different game modes in Valo and what you need to do to succeed in them. We split the list into Plant/Defuse Modes and Deathmatch Modes.
Unrated Mode
The Basics
Unrated is Valorant’s standard game mode. It's the perfect starting point for newcomers and offers a casual environment for veterans.
How to Play
In Unrated, players compete in a 5v5 match. A team can win by reaching 13 round wins, and the match is best-of-25 rounds. To win a round, the team either has to detonate/defuse the spike or kill the enemy team before that.
Players start each round with a specific amount of credits, allowing them to purchase weapons, shields, and abilities. Winning rounds grants additional credits, while losing rounds still provide some credits, albeit less.
Competitive Mode
The Basics
Competitive is the mode where you can earn a rank. To unlock this mode in Valorant, you have to reach an account level of 20 first. In Competitive, winning matches and performing well can help you increase your rank, while losing can cause it to drop.
How to Play
It follows the same 5v5 format as Unrated. The first team to win 13 rounds claims victory. Your performance here affects your rank, moving you up or down the ladder. To earn your rank, you have to play five placement matches first.
Spike Rush
The Basics
A condensed version of the standard game mode, Spike Rush offers quick, action-packed matches for when you're short on time.
How to Play
Teams play a best-of-7 rounds format. With each round lasting only two minutes, players have to be swift in their decisions. The rules are like unrated, the round is won by planting and detonating the spike or by killing all players on the opposing team. To add an exciting twist, special orbs with game-altering effects are introduced. Furthermore, at the start of each round, the teams receive distinct weapon loadouts.
Premier
The Basics
The Premier mode offers players the opportunity to build their own team with a group of friends and compete against other teams in a massive tournament. If your team manages to get a high enough Premier Score, you can even qualify for the Playoffs.
How to Play
The game mode itself works exactly the same as competitive mode. As a team, you can participate in up to two matches per week and play against other teams in your Zone and Division.
Swiftplay
The Basics
Swiftplay is probably the most casual game mode in Valorant. Most people, including me, play a few rounds of Swiftplay before entering an unranked or competitive queue. The mode is also perfect for when you want to try out a new agent to get familiar with their abilities.
How To Play
Matches consist of eight rounds, with the first team to win five rounds, getting the match victory.
The basic rules of Swiftplay are the same as Unrated. The point either goes to the team that is the last one standing, detonated the spike or defused the spike in time.
In Swiftplay, players get more money compared to unrated or competitive modes. That way, you will surely be able to afford a Vandal in the third round.
Deathmatch
The Basics
Aim training at its finest! Deathmatch is the game's respawn mode, allowing players to hone their shooting skills without the pressure of objectives.
How to Play
You're pitted against 13 other players in a free-for-all shootout. The goal? Get the highest kill count before the timer runs out or reach the kill limit to claim victory.
You can also play Team Deathmatch, where the first team that makes 100 kills wins.
Team Deathmatch
The Basics
Valorant's latest game mode, Team Deathmatch, has become quite popular for a quick warm-up before diving into longer matches of unrated or even competitive. It's great if you want to casually warm up with some friends or train your aim.
Speaking from experience, this game mode is way better to train your aim in than going into the practice range. Every time when I'm playing Valorant, I play a few rounds of Team Deathmatch to warm up my aim and get into the right setting.
How To Play
Team Deathmatch is a fast-paced 5v5 mode that takes place on compact maps. To win, one of the teams must get a total of 100 kills. The match unfolds in four stages, with distinct weapon choices for players in each stage. You’ll get to choose your loadout for each stage at the start of the match or anytime you’re in the Spawn Room.
You will also find stronger weapons to pick up scattered around the map, as well as ultimate charges and healing orbs.
Escalation
The Basics
In this 5v5 mode, players must move through stages with randomly selected weapons and abilities, making it possible to acquire any weapon in the game or even use certain agent abilities such as Sova's Shock Dart or Paint Shells.
What makes Escalation special is that both teams face the same tier sequence, which makes the game quite chaotic with Paint Shells exploding everywhere. The game mode is definitely not called Escalation for nothing.
How to Play
Two teams face off, and players must secure kills with a specific weapon or ability. Once they've achieved the required number, they move to the next, more challenging tier. The first team to complete all tiers or the team furthest along when time expires wins.