Synn Store BLOG - Top 10 Common Mistakes on Valorant

Are you stuck in a lower rank in Valorant? Feeling frustrated by seemingly unfixable bad habits? You're not alone! Many players, especially in ranked matches, fall into common traps that hinder their progress. But don't worry, these mistakes are easy to identify and, with a little practice, even easier to fix.

This guide breaks down the 10 most frequent errors Valorant players make and provides actionable tips to help you climb the ranks and improve your gameplay.

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1. Poor Crosshair Placement

This is probably the most talked-about mistake, but for good reason! Many players aim too low or too high, which is terrible for peeking and engaging in duels.

How to Fix It: Dedicate time to understanding proper crosshair placement. Practice in custom games or Deathmatch to consistently position your crosshair at head-level where enemies are likely to appear. This fundamental skill will drastically improve your chances in gunfights.

2. Over-Spraying in Gunfights

Do you tend to spray and pray when you see an enemy? This habit will severely limit your improvement, especially against higher-ranked opponents.

How to Fix It: Learn to control your spray and prioritize accurate shots. Instead of holding down the mouse button, practice burst firing or tapping your shots. Focus on getting that headshot by patiently aligning your crosshair before firing.

3. Shooting While Running

This is a hallmark of new FPS players. Running and shooting in Valorant is a recipe for disaster, as your bullets will go everywhere but where you want them.

How to Fix It: The golden rule is to stop before you shoot. Practice standing still while firing to ensure accuracy. Once you've mastered this, you can then learn counter-strafing, an advanced movement technique that allows for accurate shots while appearing to move.

4. Picking the Wrong Agent for Your Playstyle

Choosing an agent that doesn't complement your natural playstyle can severely limit your effectiveness.

How to Fix It: If you're new or still learning the game, master one or two agents first. Research tips and tricks for those agents, but critically, ensure they align with your preferred gameplay. For example, if you like being the first to enter a site (an "entry fragger"), a Duelist agent is a good fit. If you prefer gathering information or supporting your team's push, an Initiator agent might be better suited for you.

5. Misusing Utilities

Don't just throw your abilities randomly, but don't hoard them either! Every utility use should have a purpose.

How to Fix It: Learn the purpose of each ability for your chosen agent. Utilities can be used to open up pathways, hold back enemies, or zone off areas. Crucially, timing is everything. Don't just press the skill button; think about why and when you're using it to maximize its impact in a round.

6. Forcing Unnecessary Weapon Buys

Are you buying a Vandal or Phantom with full armor even when you don't have enough credits? This is a common mistake that sets your team back.

How to Fix It: If you can't afford a full buy (rifle + full armor), it's often better to eco for the next round. This increases your chances of winning the subsequent rounds by allowing your team to make full buys. The only exception is the last round, where you should spend all your credits.

7. Bad Buys After Losing Pistol Round

Losing the pistol round can be demoralizing, but buying a Spectre or Stinger immediately after is usually a losing strategy.

How to Fix It: After a pistol round loss, your enemies will likely have superior weapons and abilities. Your chances of winning with a mid-tier weapon are slim. It's usually best to eco (don't buy anything) or buy a cheap pistol like a Ghost or Sheriff to save credits for a strong buy in the following rounds.

8. Ignoring the Minimap

The minimap is an invaluable source of information that many players neglect.

How to Fix It: Make a conscious effort to glance at your minimap frequently. It provides crucial information like enemy locations, teammates' rotations, and overall map control. However, avoid checking the minimap in open areas. Find a safe spot to quickly review the map and make informed decisions.

9. Lacking a Game Plan

As an attacker, if your team lacks a clear plan, with players pushing individually or flanking without coordination, you're unlikely to take sites successfully.

How to Fix It: Before each attacking round, develop a clear game plan with your team. Decide if you want to rush a site, play default (spreading out to gather information), or execute a specific strategy. Having a shared objective drastically improves your chances of success.

10. Repeating the Same Strategies

This mistake is common even among Platinum and Diamond players. Using the same strategy repeatedly allows enemies to adapt.

How to Fix It: Don't be predictable! For example, if you're a Sova player who always uses the same Recon Bolt lineup from the same spot at the same time, enemies will quickly learn to counter it. They'll either destroy your dart before it reveals them or reposition to avoid detection. Vary your strategies and adapt to how the enemy team is playing to keep them guessing.