Cover-Credits:
- Our Valorant gun tier list takes a look at the best weapons in the current meta after the recent nerfs that were handed down to two of the meta's outliers in patch 2.03.
- The tier list does not account for individual skill as weapons like Odin can be very deadly in the right hands.
- The Operator, Vandal and Phantom continue to be S-tier and are perfect for almost all situations in any map.
Valorant’s gun tier list got a huge shakeup after recent nerfs to some of the most popular weapons in the game. Stinger got a nerf in the latest patch and Frenzy got a price bump which completely shakes up how the early game plays out in the newest meta. Here is our Valorant gun tier list in terms of effectiveness in both early and late-game rounds. The tier list is based on data from Mobalytics and is updated for patch 2.03. You can use the Valorant gun tier list to understand the game’s meta better but personal preference plays a big role in how well you can perform with a gun. It is recommended to practice with the best guns and understand recoil patterns and effective range better before stepping out of your comfort zone and using a weapon you are not accustomed to.
Valorant Gun Tier List: Methodology
S-Tier: These weapons are the most effective in terms of cost and effectiveness. They are commonly used in both ranked and pro play consistently in most situations.
A-Tier: These weapons are very strong but are not as versatile as S-Tier weapons. While they can be lethal in certain situations, they are typically used for either attack or defence. However, they are far less situational than B-tier or C-tier weapons.
B-tier: While B-tier weapons can be strong in certain situations, they are not as strong as A-tier or S-tier weapons. You typically want to run them only in specific maps and situations and are not recommended.
C-tier: These weapons are barely worth picking up and almost never offer an advantage over other weapons in our Valorant gun tier list.
Valorant Gun Tier for Patch Tier List for Patch 2.03
S-Tier
Operator: Despite the Operator’s price being increased in the latest patch, it is still one of the most lethal weapons in the game. It can one shot enemies even with armor which makes it very lethal in any situation.
Phantom: If you are looking for the best fast firing weapon on this Valorant gun tier list, the Phantom is the way to go. The silenced barrel and first bullet accuracy make it lethal in closed-quarters combat.
Vandal: The Vandal is a slightly slower firing auto rifle compared to the Phantom but it is consistent and its kill potential is very good because of its predictable recoil.
A-Tier
Spectre: It is one of the best early-game SMGs to use because of its comparatively low cost. It is a budget alternative to the Phantom and Vandal and is recommended in rounds where you’re strapped for credits.
Sheriff: The Sheriff is by far the best sidearm and at it can one shot all opponents at 30m or less. It has very high wall penetration and can kill opponents through most geometry in the game.
Marshal: It is a more affordable version of the Operator. It has fast movement speed and the ability to scope very quickly, making it a lethal choice at range.
Bucky: It is the cheapest primary weapon you can buy at just 900 credits. In closed quarter combat it can outshine most weapons in the game and its alternate fire is where the weapon shines the most.
Frenzy: The Frenzy rose in popularity in the recent past and its cost was increased to 500 in the latest patch. It does high damage at a low cost and the fully automatic fire rewards players who can ocontrol the recoil.
Ghost: It is one of the better sidearms out there and one of the best choices in the initial rounds. You can one burst enemies to the head if they have no armor, making it extremely potent.
B-Tier
Stinger: The Stinger is a cheaper but worse version of the Stinger and its low magazine makes it not worthwhile in most situations. It is good only in closed quarters where you can bridge the gap between you and your enemies and spray them down.
Bulldog: The Bulldog is a slow firing assault rifle making it much worse than the Phantom and Vandal. However, it is better than the SMGs in the game in eco rounds, making it a decent situational pick.
Odin: The heavy machine gun is a force to be reckoned with in the right hands. It also confuses players and sends them scurrying because of the high wall penetration potential.
Judge: If you want to use a shotgun effectively, the Judge is your best option. Its full-auto mode makes it lethal against weapons that are higher on the tier list in the right situations.
Ares: The Ares is a more affordable heavy weapon compared to the Odin. It competes with the Spectre at the same price point which makes picking this weapon hard to recommend.
Classic: The Classic is decent in pistol rounds but not much else. The right click burst mode can catch enemies off guard in enemy rounds but you are better off using other weapons past the pistol rounds of any match.
C-Tier
Shorty: The Shorty is the cheapest weapon in the game at just 200 credits. It is useful in eco rounds but with just two shells in the magazine, it is very hard to recommend.
Guardian: You can one-tap with the Guardian but handling the weapon can feel very challenging. It has high wall penetration which is the only saving grace of the weapon amidst its flaws.
Knife: Melee attacks in Valorant are not very well implemented and you should pull out your knife only for style points when out of combat and only in desperate situations.
The Valorant gun tier list will change over time as Riot Games continues to balance its game and introduces more weapons. Personal preference and comfort also play a huge role in your choice of weapons and you can stick to an arsenal that works for you instead of relying on pure usage statistics alone. You can also check out our agent tier list here to find out which agents are ruling the meta.
RELATED: Valorant Agent Tier List Patch 2.02: The Best Characters for February 2021
