Valorant Weapon Tier List: Best Guns

What are the best guns in Valorant? How do they stack up against each other? This comprehensive Valorant weapon tier list has all the answers. Weapons are the backbone of any tactical FPS, and Valorant is no exception. While agents and abilities play a key role in the game, a well-chosen weapon often makes the difference in securing those crucial kills.

Understanding which weapons perform the best is essential for dominating your matches. To help you climb the ranks, we’ve analyzed gun usage, professional picks, win rates, and damage stats to create the ultimate Valorant weapon tier list. Whether you’re aiming for one-tap headshots or reliable sprays, this guide will help you choose the most effective weapons for every situation. Let’s dive in!

S-Tier: Best Valorant Weapons

These are the elite weapons in Valorant, standing out as the best choices no matter the game mode or map. S-tier weapons excel in accuracy, damage output, and overall consistency, making them essential for dominating your matches. Let’s break down what makes these weapons the cream of the crop and why they’re favored by players at every skill level.

1. Phantom

• Cost: 2900 Creds
• Magazine Size: 30/90

The Phantom stands out as the best assault rifle in Valorant, thanks to its exceptional versatility and smooth recoil control. Its accuracy makes it perfect for shooting through smokes and securing disciplined multi-frags. Unlike the Vandal, which saw its magazine size nerfed, the Phantom retains its edge, solidifying its place as the top choice for precise and reliable performance. Whether you’re playing aggressively or holding angles, the Phantom’s balance of power and control makes it the ultimate weapon for any scenario.

2. Vandal

• Cost: 2900 Creds
• Magazine Size: 25/75

The Vandal reigns supreme at the professional level in Valorant, prized for its unmatched ability to secure one-tap headshots at any range. While its slightly slower fire rate (9.75 rounds per second, or 585 RPM) may pose challenges in close-quarters combat, the Vandal’s precision and lethal headshot damage make it a powerhouse for players who focus on accuracy over spraying. Its consistent kill potential across all ranges cements its place as a top-tier weapon for skilled marksmen.

3. Operator

• Cost: 4700 Creds
• Magazine Size: 5/10

The Operator epitomizes high-risk, high-reward gameplay in Valorant. As the weapon with the highest damage output in the game, a single shot can often secure a kill, making it a devastating choice in the right hands. While its single-shot capacity requires precision and leaves little room for error, mastering the Operator can make you unstoppable. For maximum impact, pair it with agents like Jett or Chamber, whose mobility and utility complement its playstyle perfectly.

A-Tier: Strong but Situational Weapons

The A-tier weapons in Valorant are powerful options, though their effectiveness can vary depending on the map and the situation. While they might not be as universally dominant as S-tier weapons, these guns can still turn the tide of a round when used strategically. Here’s a breakdown of the A-tier weapons in Valorant and why they shine in the right circumstances:

1. Judge

• Cost: 1850
• Magazine Size: 5/15

The Judge has long been a fan-favorite weapon, and for good reason—it thrives in close-quarters chaos. Despite recent nerfs that made it less dominant, it remains a powerful choice in the right hands. When paired with aggressive agents like Raze, Yoru, or Jett, the Judge can wreak havoc, especially during surprise pushes or in tight spaces. While it no longer earns a spot in the S-tier due to its situational nature, it still holds its ground as one of the most impactful shotguns in Valorant when used strategically.

2. Outlaw

• Cost: 2400
• Magazine Size: 2/10

The Outlaw brings a unique playstyle to Valorant, combining the precision of a sniper with the raw power of a shotgun. This weapon truly shines in high-rank games, where precise aim and timing are crucial. Its damage output can punish enemies with no armor or half-armor, making them regret skimping on full protection. However, the Outlaw’s low magazine size demands careful shot timing and accuracy, as missed opportunities can quickly put you at a disadvantage. Master its strengths, and you’ll dominate engagements with surgical precision.

3. Odin

• Cost: 3200
• Magazine Size: 100/200

The notorious Odin is a powerhouse designed to exploit the thin walls of Valorant’s maps. Its high wall-bang potential makes it devastating on defense, especially on maps like Ascent or Lotus, where pre-fire and suppression tactics can overwhelm opponents. However, the Odin comes with a hefty price tag, so if your wall-spamming strategy doesn’t pan out, you risk putting your team in a tough economic spot. Use it wisely to unleash chaos and control chokepoints with relentless firepower.

4. Classic

• Cost: Free
• Magazine Size: 12/36

The Classic is the default sidearm every player gets at the start of each round, and while it might not boast high damage at long range, its burst-fire mode is often overlooked and highly effective. With precise aim, this weapon can surprise enemies, even during eco rounds. Best of all, it costs nothing, meaning you can make impactful plays without any risk to your economy. Simple yet versatile, the Classic remains a staple for clutch moments.

B-Tier: Situational Weapons with Strategic Potential

In Valorant, not every round unfolds perfectly, and adapting to unexpected scenarios is key. This is where B-tier weapons shine. While not the most universally reliable, these guns excel in specific situations and can often turn the tide of a game. With the right strategy or a bit of individual flair, they can deliver impactful plays and momentum-shifting rounds. Let’s explore the B-tier weapons and how they fit into your arsenal.

1. Stinger

• Creds: 1100
• Magazine Size: 20/60

The Stinger excels as an eco-round weapon, boasting the fastest fire rate in Valorant. Recent updates have significantly improved its alternate fire accuracy, making it a viable choice for precise bursts in mid-range engagements. However, its increased price limits its utility, keeping it from climbing above B-tier. Despite this, the Stinger remains a dependable option for players seeking aggressive plays and quick eliminations in budget rounds.

2. Ghost

• Creds: 500
• Magazine Size: 15/45

The Ghost is an excellent choice for newer players looking to improve their aim and recoil control. This versatile sidearm offers a reliable balance of accuracy and damage, making it a staple in pistol rounds and eco situations. Even if you’re not consistently landing headshots, the Ghost delivers solid value with its precision and ease of use, ensuring it remains a go-to weapon for players aiming to refine their skills.

3. Guardian

• Creds: 2250
• Magazine Size: 12/36

The Guardian is a weapon that rewards precision and sharp aim, making it a choice for players confident in their accuracy. With its pinpoint precision, it’s relatively easy to handle and master. However, the true potential of the Guardian lies in landing headshots, as body shots can feel underwhelming in high-pressure situations. If you fail to capitalize on its headshot potential, it can leave you at a disadvantage. For players who excel at precision, the Guardian offers immense value in clutch scenarios.

4. Sheriff

• Creds: 800
• Magazine Size: 6/24

The Sheriff stands out as the sidearm with the highest headshot damage in Valorant, capable of securing a kill with a single shot to the head from any range. It also excels in wall penetration, dealing significant damage through cover. However, the Sheriff’s steep recoil and unforgiving nature make it a high-risk weapon. Precision and patience are key, as missing a shot can leave you vulnerable. If you choose to wield the Sheriff, focus on accuracy and timing to maximize its devastating potential.

C-Tier: Situationally Effective Weapons

C-tier weapons can shine when used correctly, offering potential value in the hands of skilled players. While they may not pack the same punch as higher-tier options, these weapons can still secure crucial kills in specific scenarios. Their lower damage output and niche use cases, however, prevent them from climbing higher on the tier list. Let’s take a look at the C-tier weapons in Valorant and their roles on the battlefield:

1. Ares

• Creds: 1600
• Magazine Size: 50/100

The Ares is often considered the budget-friendly alternative to the Odin. While it has a lower fire rate and reduced damage compared to its counterpart, it can still hold its own in bonus rounds, particularly on defense. Once a dominant choice due to its faster wind-up time, the Ares has seen a decline in popularity following updates that nerfed its performance. Currently, it’s primarily seen in casual game modes like Spike Rush, making it a situational pick rather than a competitive staple.

2. Bulldog

• Creds: 2050
• Magazine Size: 24/72

The Bulldog may not be the top choice for eco-rounds, but it can be a devastating weapon in the hands of skilled players with precise aim. Its alt-fire burst mode is a standout feature, delivering lethal damage with just two body shots, even against fully armored opponents. While it doesn’t have the same versatility as other rifles, its ability to shred enemies quickly makes it a formidable option for players who can maximize its potential.

3. Marshal

• Creds: 950
• Magazine Size: 5/15

The Marshal has long been the budget-friendly alternative to the Operator, offering excellent reload and firing speed at a fraction of the cost. It excels at rewarding precision, with its one-shot headshot potential against unarmored enemies. However, its body shot damage of 101 falls short against armored opponents, often leaving you vulnerable if your aim isn’t spot-on. While it can be a powerful weapon in skilled hands, missing critical shots can leave you at a disadvantage, so use it with caution.

4. Spectre

• Creds: 1600
• Magazine Size: 30/90

In a game like Valorant, which emphasizes precision shooting, the Spectre’s SMG nature can feel underwhelming, especially after its accuracy nerf. Once considered a reliable option, the Spectre has fallen in favor due to its reduced effectiveness at longer ranges. However, it still holds value in close-quarters combat, where its rapid fire rate and mobility shine. Additionally, its lack of visible bullet tracers can provide a tactical advantage in certain scenarios, making it a viable choice for sneaky plays or eco rounds when used strategically.

D-Tier: Least Effective Weapons

The D-tier weapons in Valorant are the least reliable options available. These guns struggle to perform in most scenarios and often fall short against stronger, more versatile weapons. They are primarily suited for close-range engagements but can leave you vulnerable in medium- or long-range combat. While they might have niche uses or appeal in certain situations, they are generally not dependable for consistent success. Here’s a look at the least effective weapons in Valorant:

1. Bucky

Cost: 850 Credits
Magazine Size: 5/10

The Bucky is unique among shotguns in Valorant due to its alt-fire, which allows for extended range at the cost of reduced damage. While this feature adds versatility, the weapon’s inconsistent bullet spread makes it unreliable in many scenarios. Its performance is lackluster compared to other options, keeping it firmly in the D-tier. The Bucky can occasionally surprise opponents in close quarters, but its inconsistency prevents it from being a dependable choice.

2. Shorty

Cost: 300 Credits
Magazine Size: 2/6

The Shorty is a highly situational weapon, delivering immense damage at point-blank range. However, its extremely limited effective range and small magazine size make it a challenging choice for most engagements. It works best as a secondary weapon for players using the Operator or for agents like Viper or Yoru, where abilities can help close the gap to maximize its potential. While it can be devastating in the right hands and scenarios, its drawbacks keep it from being a consistent pick.

3. Frenzy

Cost: 450 Credits
Magazine Size: 13/39

The Frenzy shines in specific situations but struggles to deliver consistent value overall. Its accuracy and damage fall short at long range, making it unreliable in extended engagements. The Frenzy excels in close-quarters skirmishes, especially when paired with aggressive strategies like team pushes or surprise tactics. While it can create chaos in the right hands, its limitations prevent it from being a universally strong option.

4. Melee (Knife)

Cost: Free
Magazine Size: N/A

The knife in Valorant is primarily a utility for faster movement when equipped, helping you navigate the map more quickly. While it has extremely limited combat utility, managing to eliminate an opponent with it can be immensely satisfying and mentally unsettling for the enemy team. That said, in most situations, bringing a knife to a gunfight is far from practical and should be reserved for strategic or humorous moments.

Conclusion

Choosing the right weapon in Valorant can make all the difference between victory and defeat. This tier list highlights the best guns based on versatility, power, and effectiveness across various scenarios. While the Operator and Vandal dominate in their respective categories, every weapon has its moment to shine depending on playstyle, team composition, and economy. Mastering the nuances of each gun and adapting to the ever-evolving meta is key to staying ahead in Valorant’s competitive scene. Keep experimenting, sharpen your skills, and let this guide serve as a foundation for your journey to the top. Remember, it’s not just about the weapon—it’s how you use it!