“Valorant: Road to Radiant or Radiant at heart”
It’s great to reconnect with all you fellow gamers! In our previous blog post, we delved into the advantages of gaming. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, you can find it here Benefits of Gaming. In this blog, I will delve into the world of Valorant, a popular first-person shooter (FPS) game developed by Riot Games. My intention is to explore the various aspects of this game and the dynamic discourse communities that surround it to help improve my game plays and learn about interesting things about this game. Valorant isn’t just a game; it’s a cultural sensation that connects gamers from all backgrounds and regions. But first, let’s learn about the background of this game.
What is Valorant?
Valorant is a tactical first-person shooter that blends elements of strategy, teamwork, and precise gunplay. Released in June 2020, it quickly gained attention in the gaming world and now boasts a large and dedicated player base. The game revolves around two teams, each with unique characters (known as Agents), battling in a tactical manner to achieve objectives or eliminate the other team.
Communities Around Valorant
Valorant’s community is diverse and vibrant, comprising both casual and professional players, as well as those who enjoy watching the game as spectators. Here are some facets of the Valorant community:
- Casual Gamers: A significant portion of the community consists of casual gamers who play the game for fun and relaxation. They discuss strategies, share tips, and participate in community events.
- Professional Gamers: Valorant has a thriving esports scene with professional players and teams competing in various tournaments. These players spent a lot of hours into the game and are dedicated to mastering the game and often have a significant online presence.
- Spectators and Fans: Esports viewership is on the rise, and Valorant is no exception. Many people who don’t play the game actively follow professional matches, discuss them on forums, and support their favorite teams.
- Subreddit Communities: Online platforms like Reddit have thriving Valorant communities where players discuss updates, share strategies, and connect with others who share their passion for the game.
- Social Media Groups: Various social media platforms, such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, host Valorant-related groups and pages where gamers can discuss their experiences and the latest news.
- Content Creators: Valorant’s popularity has given rise to numerous content creators who produce videos, live streams, and other content related to the game. They often have a strong online presence and interact with their viewers. Just like Kyedae from 100 Thieves!
Discourse Communities in Valorant
Valorant has several discourse communities that facilitate discussions, sharing of information, and the exchange of ideas among its diverse player base. These communities exist both within the game and on various online platforms.
- Reddit’s r/VALORANT: The subreddit r/VALORANT is a hub for players to discuss game updates, strategies, and share clips of their best plays. It’s an example of an online discourse community, where participants engage in meaningful discussions and provide valuable insights into the game.
- Valorant Pro Players and Teams: The esports scene around Valorant is a prime example of a discourse community. Professional players, teams, and their fans congregate on platforms like Twitter, Discord, and Twitch to discuss matches, strategies, and the competitive scene.
- Discord Servers: Many Valorant players use Discord as their primary platform for communication. There are various Discord servers dedicated to the game, where players can find teammates, share experiences, and participate in community tournaments.
- YouTube and Twitch Gaming Communities: Content creators on platforms like YouTube and Twitch form their own discourse communities. They interact with their viewers through comments, live chats, and social media, fostering discussions on strategies, agent abilities, and the evolving meta of the game.
- Valorant Official Forums: Riot Games provides an official forum for Valorant players, where they can report issues, suggest changes, and engage in discussions about the game’s development.
First time Valorant
My very first experience with Valorant placed me in the lowest rank possible. Initially, I was quite content with that, but it took me a little while to realize that I had started right at the bottom. This gaming journey began just last year when a close friend asked me to join her in playing this game. Without thinking twice, I said, “Why not?”
At first, I didn’t really enjoy the game, and it left me feeling a bit dizzy. However, I soon realized that my initial dislike was simply because I wasn’t very good at it. The real challenge emerged when I tried to play in the same rank as my friend. Even though there was a more relaxed mode called “unrated” where ranks didn’t matter, I seemed to encounter bots quite frequently, and I felt like I was dragging my friend down. So, I decided to practice more and work on getting better. In my upcoming blogs, I’ll share more about this journey, including the obstacles I faced and the progress I made to become a more skilled Valorant player.
What do you do in Valorant?
- Exploring the Rank System: One aspect of Valorant that had me intrigued from the start was its unique rank system. In Valorant, players are assigned ranks based on their performance in competitive matches. Whether you find yourself in the lower ranks like Iron or aspire to reach the prestigious Radiant rank, the competitive nature of the game keeps you engaged and continually striving to enhance your skills. As you can see in the picture below, these are the rank systems used in the game.
- A Variety of Game Modes: Valorant presents a diverse range of game modes to cater to different playstyles. You have the option to jump into unrated matches for a laid-back and casual gaming experience, test your mettle in the competitive mode, or enjoy fast-paced action in modes like Spike Rush. Each game mode offers a distinct gaming experience, making Valorant an adaptable game that welcomes both those seeking serious competition and those looking for some relaxed fun. The picture below is from my own account and the top shows all the modes that you can play.
- Skimming the Surface of Style: One notable aspect of Valorant is how players willingly invest in their gaming experience by purchasing skins that reflect their personal style. Many eagerly await the in-game shop to display the skin they desire, willing to spend to stand out on the battlefield. The picture below is an example from my own account of the skins I have bought. (LOL yes I have spent quite an amount of money on this game.)
- Stepping into Competitive Play: As I dedicated time to refine my skills and grasp the game’s mechanics, I began to feel a strong urge to challenge myself in competitive matches. The excitement and intensity of these matches, where every round and decision carry weight, set Valorant apart. I was driven to improve and work my way up the ranks to establish myself as a formidable player. The picture below is my current rank for this season. ( I am halfway to my goal).
Although I’m not an expert player. In the upcoming blog posts, I’ll dive deeper into the competitive facets of Valorant. I’ll provide insights into the journey of my ranking up, strategies that I have learned so far and how to master different agents, and showing the interesting facts about the game itself. Additionally, I’ll explore the wealth of game modes Valorant offers, offering valuable tips from things I have learned from both in game and from professional players and strategies for both new and expert players. Prepare for an exciting journey through Valorant!
Also, let me know if I should improve anything about the blogs or even about the game itself!
