With the esports scene manufacturing new aggressive traits and gamers always sharpening their purpose sport, VALORANT’s weapon meta is certain to always shift.
Whereas the Vandal and Phantom had been as soon as thought of unmatched purchase spherical decisions, one other weapon is breaking by way of the stereotype and gaining the popularity it deserves—however it isn’t good.
In a Reddit put up dated Nov. 2, a participant highlighted the benefits of utilizing a Guardian in a VALORANT loadout, stressing its excessive injury output and potential to finish the pervasive mild shields meta.
For many who aren’t conscious, the sunshine shields pattern, popularized by Fnatic, includes the usage of mild shields as an alternative of heavy shields since mild armor primarily presents the identical quantity of safety towards the Vandal and the Phantom.
In esports and excessive Elo, it doesn’t matter whether or not you put on mild or heavy shields as a result of most gamers at that degree will headshot you, which is deadly whatever the weapon you utilize. The Phantom does deal 140 headshot injury between 15 and 30 meters away, which counters the sunshine shields meta, however professionals choose saving the additional 600 credit over contemplating a single unfavorable case.
However issues change when the Guardian comes into query. Not solely can it one-shot an enemy with its 195 injury to the top, you solely require two bullets to the physique (130) with this semi-automatic rifle to kill an enemy sporting mild armor—assuming they aren’t an overhealed Reyna. When you ask me, it appears to be the proper gun for holding lengthy lanes and on maps like Breeze and Haven.
Naturally, that the Guardian is nice for countering the sunshine shields meta. Some gamers, nonetheless, suppose choosing a Guardian over the long-lasting Vandal or Phantom may be extra disadvantageous than it first appears.
“It’s too costly for a price range purchase and never adequate for a full purchase when in comparison with Phantom and Vandal,” one remark added, and it’s a good level.
For starters, the largest drawback of a Guardian is its semi automated firing mode; it simply isn’t the identical as having an automated weapon. It’s priced at 2,250, whereas the Vandal and Phantom are each priced at 2,900 credit. The Guardian will be a part of a superb mild purchase loadout; it’s too costly to be helpful for an eco spherical. These arguments are sufficient for gamers to show their heads towards the Vandal and Phantom usually.
Lacking your Vandal or Phantom pictures in VALORANT regardless of having the crosshair instantly over your goal’s head is at all times painful. So, on days after I miss just a few extra pictures than standard, I involuntarily change to utilizing the Guardian, simply to pressure myself to purpose. Whereas it really works magically for me, most gamers wouldn’t wish to danger their kill quantity for wholesome purpose practices.
Getting probably the most out of the Guardian in VALORANT requires follow, and solely these with persistence and wonderful purpose can commit to purchasing it over common weapon decisions. And it definitely isn’t a low-Elo-friendly gun.
