Valorant: 10 Rarest Gun Buddies

Gun Buddies, also known as weapon charms, are popular cosmetic accessories that allow players to personalize their weapons in Valorant. Currently, there are 482 different Gun Buddies available, but not all are obtainable by players. Many of these rare charms were issued for exclusive events or included in limited-time collections, making them highly sought after.

In this article, we’ll dive into some of the rarest and most unique Gun Buddies in Valorant and explore how you can get your hands on them. Let’s take a closer look at these hard-to-find weapon charms and what makes them so special.

#10: Closed Beta Buddy

True to its name, the Closed Beta Buddy was awarded exclusively to the earliest players who tested Valorant before its official release. During the closed beta phase, which ran from April 7 to May 28, 2020, all participants earned this special charm. The design features a small letter “B,” symbolizing its origin from the beta testing period and commemorating those who were among the first to experience the game.

#9: Pay Respects Buddy

The Pay Respects Buddy is a charm that resonates not only with Valorant players but also with gamers across the industry. Its origins trace back to Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, where players were prompted to press “F” to pay respects during a funeral scene—a moment that quickly became an iconic meme in gaming culture. Valorant’s version of this symbol was initially available through an Amazon Prime Gaming subscription, but with the end of Riot’s partnership with Prime Gaming in 2023, this Buddy is no longer obtainable, making it a rare collectible.

#8: VCT 2021 Spark Buddy

The VCT 2021 Spark Buddy holds a special place in Valorant’s history, commemorating the game’s first World Championship—Valorant Champions 2021. Players who tuned in to the grand final on Riot Games’ official broadcast received this exclusive charm. The tournament made history with Europe’s Acend crowned as the first world champion, taking home a prize of $350,000. This Gun Buddy serves as a memorable token from Valorant’s inaugural global event.

#7: Year One Buddy

The Year One Buddy is a festive charm shaped like a cake with a candle, celebrating the anniversary of Valorant’s launch. It was introduced in Episode 3, Act 1, as part of the YR 1 Anniversary Pass, which commemorated the game’s first year. Alongside the charm, players who participated in this special event pass received additional items like exclusive titles, graffiti, and player cards.

#6: Radiant Buddy

While not exclusive, the Radiant Buddy is a challenging charm to earn, as it’s awarded only to players who reach the highest rank in Valorant’s competitive mode—Radiant. At the end of each episode, player ranks reset, and those who achieved Radiant receive this prestigious charm, reflecting their peak performance for the season. Attaining this Buddy requires significant dedication and skill, making it a coveted symbol of mastery in Valorant.

#5: Premier Ignition Champions

This Gun Buddy was awarded for excellence during the testing phase of Valorant’s Premier mode. Before its official release, Riot Games held an open test, followed by the first official phase of Premier. Players who led their division to victory during this period received this exclusive charm. As of 2024, it’s no longer obtainable, making it a rare collectible from the early days of Premier mode.

#4: Snowbro Buddy

The Snowbro Buddy is a charm tied to a limited-time mode introduced in patch 1.14. Riot Games launched Snowball Fight, a fun twist on Deathmatch where players used snowballs instead of standard weapons and couldn’t use abilities. Participants in this event earned the Snowbro Buddy as a reward. The mode was well-loved by players, who requested its return for future winter seasons, hinting that there may be another chance to obtain this festive charm in the future.

#3: Winner Buddy

The Winner Buddy charms are among the rarest in Valorant, as they’re reserved exclusively for esports champions. These special Gun Buddies are awarded to professional players who have claimed victory in major official tournaments hosted by Riot Games. The collection includes the Game Changers Winner Buddy for champions of the women’s world championship, the VCT Champions Winner Buddy for winners of the 2021, 2022, and 2023 world championships, the VCT LOCK//IN Winner for the victor of the VCT LOCK//IN São Paulo tournament, and the VCT Masters Winner for champions of the Masters series tournaments. If you spot someone with one of these unique charms, you’re likely up against a pro player who’s won some of Valorant’s biggest titles.

#2: Pocket Sage

The Pocket Sage Gun Buddy is a unique charm introduced to celebrate the collaboration between Riot Games and Xbox Game Pass. Players who linked their Valorant account with their Xbox profile in December 2022 received this exclusive charm. With Valorant’s release on PlayStation and Xbox consoles anticipated in 2024, there’s a good chance this reward might make a comeback, allowing console players to add this charming collectible to their arsenal.

#1: Fist Bump Buddy

The Fist Bump Buddy tops our list as one of Valorant’s rarest and most coveted charms, and its exclusivity lies in the unique way it’s earned. Officially, players can receive this charm by being matched with a Riot Games employee in a Valorant game and demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship and communication skills. If the Riot staff member feels the player is deserving, they may award them this special charm.

Interestingly, a second, unconventional way to earn the Fist Bump Buddy was recently revealed. A Reddit user shared a story of working as a waiter in a bar where Riot employees were present. After serving them attentively throughout the evening, the Riot team decided to thank the server by gifting them this elusive charm. So, while being a good teammate in-game is the primary way to earn this reward, sometimes exceptional service outside of Valorant can also earn you a place among the few who own this prestigious Buddy.

Conclusion

Valorant’s rarest Gun Buddies are more than just cosmetic items—they represent memorable moments, unique achievements, and even connections within the gaming community. From exclusive tournament rewards to special partnerships and in-game recognition from Riot Games employees, each charm carries a story that adds to its value. These elusive Gun Buddies are not only prized collectibles but also serve as badges of honor for the lucky few who own them. Whether earned through skill, dedication, or a bit of luck, these rare charms highlight the diversity and depth of Valorant’s ever-growing community.