What is ADS in Valorant?

ADS, or “Aim Down Sights,” in Valorant refers to the mechanic of using a weapon’s scope or sights to improve precision and accuracy. When players ADS, they zoom in slightly, which tightens the bullet spread, making it easier to land shots, especially at longer ranges.

For weapons like the Vandal or Phantom, ADS helps with control and accuracy by reducing recoil and shot dispersion, allowing players to take more precise, controlled shots during combat. While this can be beneficial for long-distance engagements, it does come with a slight trade-off in terms of fire rate, so it’s important to balance its use based on the situation.

When should you use ADS in Valorant?

Mastering when to use ADS in Valorant is crucial for effective gunplay. Here are the best scenarios for leveraging ADS to maximize accuracy and increase your impact in the game:

• Holding long angles: ADS is especially useful when covering long sightlines or narrow corridors, as it stabilizes your aim and allows for more precise shots.
• Pre-aiming before peeking: Before stepping out of cover, using ADS to pre-scope an angle can give you the edge, enabling faster, more accurate shots as you expose yourself.
• Shooting at mid-to-long ranges: ADS is effective for controlling recoil and tightening bullet spread, especially when spraying or tapping at medium to long distances.
• Quick aim adjustments: Flicking into ADS briefly for fast reaction shots can improve accuracy in moments when precision is needed quickly.

However, it’s important to avoid ADS in close-quarters combat, where speed and mobility are more vital. Mastering the balance between ADS and hip-firing, based on your distance from enemies, will significantly enhance your gameplay versatility and overall performance.

When shouldn’t you use ADS in Valorant?

In close-quarters situations, such as in tight spaces like Hookah, hallways, or narrow corridors, using ADS can put you at a disadvantage. When opponents can appear from multiple angles, ADS reduces your field of view and limits your mobility, making you an easier target. In these scenarios, it’s crucial to stay agile, react quickly, and strafe unpredictably to avoid incoming shots. Hip-firing allows for faster target acquisition and enables you to switch between opponents more efficiently, especially during chaotic engagements. It also gives you the freedom to wide swing around corners, catching enemies off guard who may be holding static ADS angles. By relying on hip-fire in close-range combat, you maintain the fluidity and speed needed to win fast-paced duels.

Conclusion

ADS (Aim Down Sights) in Valorant is a crucial mechanic for improving precision and accuracy, especially during mid-to-long-range engagements. While it offers significant advantages in terms of controlling recoil and landing more accurate shots, knowing when and when not to use ADS is key to maximizing its effectiveness. In long-range scenarios and while holding angles, ADS can help secure more precise shots, but in close-range, fast-paced situations, hip-firing is generally more effective. Mastering the balance between ADS and hip-fire can elevate your gameplay, helping you adapt to various combat situations and become a more versatile player.