Valorant vs CS:GO – Everything You Need to Know
Counter Strike: Global Offensive has been a staple for fans of first-person shooters for years. Recently however, a new kid on the block has arrived to steal some of its thunder. Valorant from Riot Games was first released in June 2020 and the free-to-play competitive shooter quickly amassed a considerable following. Live streaming of the title on services like Twitch continue to bring in millions of viewers, while the tactical shooter was quickly embraced by the esports sector. Had your fill of CS:GO and looking to make the switch? Below, we explore some of the ways Valorant is trouncing the competition, as well as a few areas where it is sorely lacking.
Developer Announcements & Game Updates
Although a fairly new arrival on the scene, Valorant was being touted by Riot Games for some time. Valorant was being teased since 2019 under the code-name of Project A. In fact, the title was in active development for several years before this, with work beginning in 2014. Unlike Valve, which has adopted something of a code of silence, Riot Games continue to remain vocal on social media and actively engage with audiences. While the developers regularly advertise positive news stories and teases of new developments, they are also not averse to spotlighting potential issues with the game and new patches.
This open line of communication is particularly welcome considering Valorant’s frequent update schedule. At the moment, the game receives a scheduled update once a fortnight. As Valorant is still a young title, these patch updates are crucial in ironing out any kinks with the game. However, more comprehensive updates are released whenever a new Valorant gaming episode is unveiled. As CS:GO is more established, there is far less need for regular updates. That being said, it looks likely that open lines of communication and a commitment to developer support is likely to continue beyond Valorant’s infancy.
Customized Content
Some people play tactical shooters to win, while others take a far more relaxed approach to gaming. The freedom to customize and produce community content is one of the main draws of CS:GO. The freedom to easily create custom mods and produce community maps broadens the appeal of CS:GO to the casual player. Riot Games has expressed hesitancy regarding community content, with the developers admitting that the title is unlikely to support community content options for at least a couple of years.
If you’re looking for an easy way to personalize your gaming experience, you’ll be glad to know that both Valorant and CS:GO offer a wide range of weapon skins. CS:GO offer far richer pickings, however. You can find a massive line-up of eye-catching skins available at places like the Steam Marketplace. Although some skin upgrades can set you back an eye-watering amount, many offerings are incredibly affordable. This stands in stark contrast to Valorant. If you’re looking to personalize your experience with Valorant skins, you’ll need to purchase them directly from the game store itself. Limited availability isn’t the real problem here, but rather the generally high prices that these skins retail for.
An Emerging Esports Scene
If you’re looking for an active esports scene to engage with, CS:GO can’t be beat. Then again, this game has had almost two decades in which to establish itself as a front-runner in the field. If you’re hoping to get started as a semi-professional esports player, CS:GO is a much better option than Valorant. This game is a staple of ESEA play, while countless minor divisions provide a more accessible gateway for the casual player. Online esports platforms like 1337PRO give you a good idea of the kind of playing activity you can expect from tactical shooter titles like CS:GO.
Although Valorant doesn’t hold a torch to CS:GO in terms of organized esports competition, that may well change in the future. Riot Games has faced a bit of a challenge in establishing Valorant as a worthy entrant to the esports sector, however. Valorant’s first major organized tournament, First Strike, wasn’t particularly well received. However, that didn’t deter Riot Games from getting back on the saddle and trying again. In late 2020, the Valorant Champions Tour was unveiled. This year-long contest separates competition into three distinct playing levels. All going well, this ongoing contest will culminate with the crowning of the inaugural Valorant international champion in 2021.
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