Valorant

A tactical FPS combining precise gunplay with agent abilities. Covers aim mechanics, ability usage, map control, economy management, and team coordination.

VALORANT is a 5v5 character-based tactical shooter where precise aim meets strategic ability usage. Players select agents with unique abilities and compete in attack-defend rounds. Mastery requires mechanical skill (crosshair placement, spray control, movement), tactical knowledge (site execution, map control, rotations), and team play (callouts, trading, economy management). Rising through the ranks demands both individual prowess and strategic thinking under pressure.

Games & Strategy

7 Levels

Published: Feb 21, 2026 · Updated: Apr 18, 2026 · v6

Levels

You understand the attack-defend round structure and how to plant or defuse the spike. You know basic movement controls (walk, run, jump, crouch) and can fire weapons with general awareness of recoil. You can select an agent and use abilities at a basic level without understanding optimal timing. You complete matches and begin to learn map layouts. (Approximately Iron rank)

Can explain the attack-defend round structure and spike plant/defuse mechanics
Can name and navigate the callout areas of at least 2 maps
Can use all 4 abilities of a chosen agent at least once per appropriate round
Can purchase weapons and armor using the buy menu correctly
Can distinguish between the 5 weapon categories (sidearm, SMG, shotgun, rifle, sniper)
Can complete a full unrated match from start to finish

What Comes Next

If you've checked off most of this list, you're ready for the Bronze-Silver stage, focusing on crosshair placement and consistent aim fundamentals. Jeong et al.(2023)'s gaze control research suggests that foundations are established when you observe and analyze multiple match experiences to systematically understand round structure and ability mechanics.

References

Riot GamesRating System

Official 9-tier ranked system (Iron through Radiant) with RR-based promotion and placement mechanics directly used for level boundary design across all seven levels

VALORANT Competitive Ranked System - Riot Games

Riot GamesCompetency Framework

Official VALORANT esports ecosystem documenting regional leagues, international tournaments, and Champions events that establish authoritative competitive standards used as the basis for L6-L7 level definitions

VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) - Riot Games

Blitz (Community)Curriculum

Community analytics platform providing agent win rates, ability usage statistics, and map-specific strategies used as data-driven measurement evidence for L3-L6 checklist items

Blitz.gg VALORANT Tracker & Guides

Jeong et al. (arXiv, 2023)academic_research

Experimental evidence that high-skilled FPS players exhibit narrower gaze distribution and faster reaction times, providing academic grounding for aim mechanics and visual cognition criteria in L4+ checklists

Investigating the gaze control ability of VALORANT players using a Python based tool

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Valorant

Levels

Level 1#BasicControls#GameRules#IronUnderstanding the basic rules, controls, and objectives of VALORANT, and being able to complete a full match.

Level 2#CrosshairPlacement#AbilityBasics#Iron-BronzeDeveloping foundational aim mechanics and basic ability usage, with consistent crosshair placement at head level.

Level 3#MapAwareness#EconomyManagement#Silver-GoldPlaying ranked matches independently with map awareness, proper economy management, and role-appropriate ability usage.

Level 4#SiteExecution#RoleMastery#Platinum-DiamondExecuting coordinated site takes, adapting strategies mid-round, and fulfilling agent roles with deep map knowledge.

Level 5#IGLCapability#TeamCoordination#Ascendant-ImmortalLeading team strategy as an in-game leader, mentoring teammates, and maintaining high-rank consistency.

Level 6#MetaInnovation#CoachingLeadership#Immortal-RadiantInnovating strategies that shape competitive meta, coaching teams systematically, and contributing to the VALORANT knowledge base.

Level 7#ProLegacy#CompetitiveInfluence#ChampionsCompeting or leading at the highest professional level, shaping the evolution of VALORANT esports, and building a lasting legacy.

References

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