Valorant guns are the most important part of the game, as happens with every tactical shooter. Regardless of that, Valorant is not similar to any game you've played before thanks to how it integrates each agent's abilities with the weapons you have.
Similar to what happens with other Riot Games releases such as League of Legends, the balance team nerfs and buffs weapons from time to time to make the game more interesting and adapt it to new changes. That creates a meta of the best agents and guns in the game.
If you play Valorant often and want to climb to a higher rank when the new Act comes, you must understand the meta and use it to your advantage. Players who ignore the meta will struggle to climb the ranked ladder.
We are here to break down all the weapons that currently dominate the meta so you can win more matches and reach your Elo goal. Remember that the meta shifts with each new patch, so stay tuned to the latest balance changes to keep up.
Phantom
The Phantom has cemented itself as arguably the best all-around rifle in Valorant. Costing 2,900 credits, it offers an incredibly smooth recoil pattern and a 30-round magazine that gives it a clear edge in extended firefights — especially after the Vandal's magazine was reduced to 25 rounds in a past balance update.
The Phantom's silenced firing mode is perfect for spraying through smokes without revealing your position on the minimap, making it a favorite at higher Elos where stealth and information control are critical. It's deadly effective in short-to-medium range encounters, and its consistent accuracy makes it the go-to rifle for many pro players.
Vandal
The Vandal remains a staple of the Valorant meta and is the most popular rifle at the professional level. Also priced at 2,900 credits, its defining feature is the one-tap headshot kill at any range — something the Phantom cannot do beyond 15 meters.
With a fire rate of 9.75 rounds per second, the Vandal rewards precise aim and disciplined tap-shooting. While its 25-round magazine (reduced from the original 30) means you need to be more careful with your sprays, the Vandal's raw stopping power makes it the weapon of choice for confident aimers. Expect it to remain a top-tier pick regardless of the patch.
Operator
The Operator is the most expensive weapon in Valorant at 4,700 credits, but it delivers unmatched power. A single body shot deals 150 damage, enough to kill any enemy regardless of armor, and headshots are instant eliminations.
Not many players invest the time to master sniping, but those who do can single-handedly lock down entire sightlines and swing rounds in their team's favor. The Operator is best paired with mobile agents like Jett or Chamber, who can quickly reposition after taking a shot. It's a high-risk, high-reward weapon that has remained in the S-tier since Valorant's launch.
Outlaw
The Outlaw is a newer addition to the Valorant arsenal, sitting at 2,400 credits. It fills a niche between the Marshal and the Operator as a mid-priced sniper option. It fires two-round bursts and deals devastating damage to enemies without full armor.
While its small magazine size of just 2 rounds per clip demands precise timing, the Outlaw has carved out a role in force-buy and eco-transition rounds. It's a strong choice for players who want sniper-like impact without committing to the Operator's hefty price tag.
Spectre
The Spectre remains the best SMG option for players looking for an affordable weapon during force-buy rounds. At just 1,600 credits, it offers solid damage, a silencer for stealth, and manageable recoil that makes it effective at close-to-medium range.
Sheriff
The Sheriff is the most iconic pistol in Valorant, punching well above its 800-credit price tag. It can one-tap headshot enemies at close and medium range, making it the go-to sidearm for eco rounds. The Sheriff rewards confident aimers and can turn an eco round into a full reset for the enemy team. It's a high-skill, high-reward choice that stays relevant in every meta.
Ghost
At 500 credits, the Ghost is a reliable pistol-round upgrade. It features a silencer, solid accuracy, and enough damage to win duels against unarmored or light-armored opponents. It's a staple purchase on pistol rounds and remains one of the best value picks in the game.
Wrapping Up
The core Valorant weapon meta has remained relatively stable: the Phantom, Vandal, and Operator continue to dominate full-buy rounds, while the Sheriff, Ghost, and Spectre are the kings of economy rounds. The addition of the Outlaw has given players a new option for mid-round sniping.
You shouldn't force yourself to play with weapons you don't like using, but understanding which guns are strongest in the current meta will help you climb the ranked ladder faster. Stick to the tips you read on this page and reach your Elo goal!
