Valorant is a class-based, tactical shooter from Riot Games. After launching in 2020, the shooter is popular on a global scale, and bears many similarities to popular shooters before it, such as CS:GO. Even though each character has their own abilities, Valorant is still a game that ultimately comes down to gunfights. What makes these gunfights harder than they already are is weapon recoil.
In this guide, we share some popular weapon spray patterns and how to control recoil in Valorant.
Read More: Valorant: Does Chamber Have Two Guns Too Many For A Sentinel?
Valorant: How to Control Recoil
Each weapon in Valorant has its own unique spray pattern and recoil. As you may expect, automatic weapons are much less predictable than semi-automatic ones.
With thanks to 100Thieves on Twitter, it appears that the spray patterns and recoil of Valorant's weapons are very similar to those used in CS:GO. Players familiar with CS will likely find Valorant a walk in the park in this sense, but recoil can still be tricky to manage.
Odin
When it comes to the Odin, firing the first set of automatic rounds will be easy to control. All you need to do is drag down, and likely drag left slightly in order to counter the spray. However, the spray pattern will soon take a 'T' like shape as it leans from left to right. This horizontal recoil is completely random, so while you're still pulling down, you'll need to alternate between left and right to control the spray. It doesn't take long before you're able to predict where the Odin is going to spray, though.
Phantom
The Phantom is one of the more favoured weapons by players, with many debating whether the Phantom or Vandal is better. The Phantom's first set of shots are very precise, making it ideal for trying to rack up headshots. After this, the weapon will need drawing down, and then flicking between left and right depending on which horizontal direction the weapon sprays in.
Spectre
The Spectre is a nifty SMG that is relatively easy to keep under control for the first portion of your match. Provided that you gently pull down while spraying, the weapon will remain on target and hopefully will tag, if not completely take down, your opponent. The only downfall of the SMG is that it's much more effective at a closer-range.
After ten rounds, the Spectre will begin to spray left and right, so you will need to make note of this and pull your weapon in the corresponding direction to stay on your target.
Vandal
Comapred to the Phantom, the Vandal's recoil is arguably a little more troubling to try to control. Like the Phantom, you will need to pull down with the Vandal after the first few precise shots. The Vandal then has a less forgiving lean than that of the Vandal, so you will need to pull the weapon right to try to control this.
Essentially, the general advice for most weapons in Valorant is to try to fire in short bursts. This allows you to fire, reposition, and reload, thus maximising damage on your opponents. Or, if you're lucky and your aim is spotless, you may manage a head-tap or two.
That's all there is to controlling recoil and managing the spray of your weapons in Valorant. Practice makes perfect, and knowing where your weapon will spray will aid in dealing damage and securing the win. For more on getting those wins in Valorant, check out our guide on how to improve your gameplay.
This article was updated on 21st December 2021 by Kelsey Raynor, with contributions from Lloyd Coombes.