Valorant Weapon Tier List (March 2026) All Guns Ranked
Choosing the right weapon in Valorant can make the difference between clutching a round and watching from spectator mode. In March 2026, the weapon meta has evolved significantly, with certain guns dominating the competitive scene while others have fallen out of favor. Whether you’re grinding ranked or just starting your journey to Radiant, understanding which weapons offer the best value and performance is crucial for success.
I’ve analyzed thousands of matches, studied pro player preferences, and tested every gun extensively to bring you this definitive Valorant weapon tier list. From the versatile rifles that define the meta to the situational picks that can surprise your enemies, this guide covers all 18 weapons currently available in the game.
Weapon Ranking Factors for Valorant
Before diving into our tier list, it’s important to understand what makes a weapon truly effective in Valorant:
- Damage Output: One-tap headshot potential and time-to-kill
- Cost Efficiency: Credits spent versus round impact
- Versatility: Performance across different ranges and situations
- Ease of Use: Recoil patterns, fire rate, and consistency
- Professional Usage: Pick rates in VCT and high-rank matches
- Map Flexibility: Effectiveness across all current maps
Valorant Weapon Tier List (March 2026)
S-Tier Weapons (Optimal Choices)
| Weapon | Type | Cost | Magazine | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vandal | Rifle | 2,900 | 25/75 | One-tap headshot at any range |
| Phantom | Rifle | 2,900 | 30/90 | Superior fire rate, no tracers |
| Operator | Sniper | 4,700 | 5/10 | One-shot body kill potential |
| Classic | Sidearm | Free | 12/36 | Burst fire mode, zero cost |
A-Tier Weapons (Strong Situational Picks)
| Weapon | Type | Cost | Magazine | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Judge | Shotgun | 1,850 | 5/15 | Close-range dominance |
| Outlaw | Sniper | 2,400 | 2/10 | High body damage (140) |
| Sheriff | Sidearm | 800 | 6/24 | One-tap headshot potential |
| Odin | Heavy | 3,200 | 100/200 | Wall-bang specialist |
B-Tier Weapons (Viable Options)
| Weapon | Type | Cost | Magazine | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghost | Sidearm | 500 | 15/45 | Silenced, accurate |
| Stinger | SMG | 1,100 | 20/60 | Fastest fire rate |
| Guardian | DMR | 2,250 | 12/36 | High precision reward |
| Marshal | Sniper | 950 | 5/15 | Eco-round sniper |
| Spectre | SMG | 1,600 | 30/90 | Run-and-gun potential |
| Bulldog | Rifle | 2,050 | 24/72 | Burst fire mode |
C-Tier Weapons (Limited Use Cases)
| Weapon | Type | Cost | Magazine | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ares | Heavy | 1,600 | 50/100 | Budget wall-bang option |
| Shorty | Sidearm | 300 | 2/6 | Two-shot close range |
| Frenzy | Sidearm | 450 | 13/39 | Automatic pistol |
| Bucky | Shotgun | 850 | 5/10 | Alt-fire range |
| Melee | Knife | Free | N/A | Movement speed boost |
Detailed Weapon Analysis
Vandal – The One-Tap King
The Vandal remains the most popular weapon among professional players for good reason. Its ability to deliver 160 damage headshots at any range makes it the ultimate precision weapon. With proper crosshair placement and trigger discipline, the Vandal rewards patient, methodical players who prioritize accuracy over spray control. The recent magazine nerf from 25 to 25 bullets hasn’t diminished its dominance in high-level play.
The key to mastering the Vandal lies in its tap-firing potential – the weapon’s spray reset is faster when you fire in controlled bursts rather than holding down the trigger. This makes it particularly effective for holding long angles on maps like Breeze and Haven.
Phantom – The Versatile Powerhouse
The Phantom excels where the Vandal struggles – close to medium-range engagements where fire rate matters more than one-tap potential. Its silenced shots and lack of bullet tracers make it the perfect weapon for shooting through smokes, a crucial tactic in current ranked meta. The 30-round magazine gives you more room for error, making it more forgiving for newer players.
Professional teams often favor the Phantom on defense, especially when holding sites with multiple close angles. The weapon’s consistent spray pattern and higher fire rate (11 rounds/sec vs Vandal’s 9.75) give it a clear advantage in hectic multi-frag scenarios.
Operator – High Risk, Higher Reward
At 4,700 credits, the Operator is Valorant’s most expensive weapon, but its game-changing potential justifies the investment. One body shot at any range eliminates full-armor opponents, making it the ultimate defensive tool. However, the Op requires specific agent synergies – Jett’s dash and Chamber’s teleport provide the mobility needed to reposition after shots.
The weapon’s slow movement speed and limited magazine make aggressive pushing nearly impossible, so positioning is everything. Learning common Op angles on each map is essential for both using and countering this devastating sniper rifle.
Classic – The Free Powerhouse
Never underestimate the Classic just because it’s free. Its right-click burst fire can eliminate enemies at close range, even through armor. Smart players use the Classic to save credits while still maintaining kill potential, especially on pistol rounds where buying armor and utility often takes priority.
The recent patches have maintained the Classic’s position as a viable eco-round option, particularly when paired with utility-heavy agents who need every credit for their abilities.
Judge – The Close-Range Menace
The Judge’s reputation as the “noob cannon” undersells its tactical value. On maps with tight chokepoints like Split and Bind, the Judge can single-handedly shut down rushes. Its automatic fire and decent magazine size allow for multi-kill potential that other shotguns can’t match.
Agents with gap-closing abilities like Raze, Jett, and Yoru can leverage the Judge’s power by creating unexpected close-range encounters. The key is knowing when to buy it – force-buy rounds and anti-eco situations are ideal.
Outlaw – The New Contender
Introduced as a bridge between the Marshal and Operator, the Outlaw has carved out its niche in the 2026 meta. Its 140 body damage devastates light-armor opponents and leaves full-armor enemies one shot from death. The two-shot magazine forces disciplined play, but the fast rechamber time allows for quick double-taps.
Professional snipers have adopted the Outlaw for eco rounds where an Operator isn’t affordable but long-range presence is needed. Its synergy with damage-dealing utility makes it particularly effective in coordinated team play.
Sheriff – The Hand Cannon
The Sheriff rewards raw aim more than any other pistol. Its ability to one-tap at most ranges makes it a favorite among mechanically skilled players. However, the small magazine and significant recoil punish missed shots harshly.
In the current meta, the Sheriff shines on force-buy rounds where its high damage can compete with rifles. Jett players particularly favor it on pistol rounds, trading utility for kill potential.
Odin – The Spam Machine
While often mocked as a “no-skill” weapon, the Odin serves a specific strategic purpose. Its 100-round magazine and high wall penetration make it invaluable for suppressive fire and site control. Maps like Ascent and Lotus, with their wallbangable boxes and common hiding spots, become Odin playgrounds.
The weapon’s effectiveness increases dramatically when paired with information-gathering agents like Sova or Fade, turning wall-bang potential into guaranteed kills.
Ghost – The Reliable Sidearm
The Ghost occupies the middle ground between the Classic and Sheriff, offering consistent performance without breaking the bank. Its silenced shots and decent damage make it ideal for pistol rounds where stealth and accuracy matter more than raw firepower.
New players should prioritize learning the Ghost’s spray pattern, as it provides a solid foundation for understanding Valorant’s gunplay mechanics without the Sheriff’s punishing recoil.
Stinger – The Eco Warrior
Despite its B-tier placement, the Stinger remains a solid eco-round choice. The fastest fire rate in the game combined with surprising accuracy during alt-fire makes it lethal in close-quarters combat. Recent buffs to its burst-fire mode have increased its viability at medium range.
The key to Stinger success is playing to its strengths – hold close angles, abuse its run-and-gun capability, and always aim for the head where its low damage matters less.
Guardian – The Skill Cannon
The Guardian demands perfection but rewards it generously. Its semi-automatic nature and small magazine size leave no room for error, but consistent headshots make it a budget-friendly alternative to rifles. The weapon’s high penetration and 195 headshot damage create unique wallbang opportunities.
Players transitioning from CS:GO often gravitate toward the Guardian due to its similarity to the Scout, but Valorant’s faster movement makes it significantly harder to use effectively.
Marshal – The Eco Sniper
Before the Outlaw’s introduction, the Marshal reigned as the go-to eco sniper. While somewhat overshadowed now, it still offers incredible value at 950 credits. The ability to one-shot unarmored enemies and deal 101 damage to the body makes it perfect for second-round buys after winning pistol.
The Marshal’s quick movement speed while scoped sets it apart from other snipers, allowing for aggressive peeks and repositioning that would be suicide with an Operator.
Spectre – The Spam King
Once the king of force-buys, the Spectre has fallen from grace due to accuracy nerfs. However, its 30-round magazine and suppressor still make it viable for specific situations. The ability to spam through smoke without revealing your position can catch enemies off-guard.
The Spectre works best when you can force close-range fights where its spray becomes manageable. Avoid long-range duels at all costs.
Bulldog – The Burst Master
The Bulldog’s unique burst-fire mode sets it apart from other rifles. While it can’t one-tap full-armor enemies, the burst mode’s two bullets can eliminate enemies with a headshot-body combo dealing exactly 150 damage. This makes it surprisingly effective at medium range.
The weapon’s versatility between full-auto and burst modes allows adaptability mid-fight, though most players struggle to utilize this effectively under pressure.
Ares – The Budget Odin
The Ares exists in the Odin’s shadow, offering similar functionality at a lower price point. Its 50-round magazine and high penetration make it decent for wallbanging, but the slower fire rate and lower damage significantly impact its effectiveness.
In the current meta, the Ares only sees play in specific defensive setups where sustained fire matters more than precision. Even then, saving for an Odin usually proves more valuable.
Shorty – The Pocket Surprise
Don’t let its two-shot magazine fool you – the Shorty can be devastating in the right hands. Its extremely low price makes it an excellent secondary weapon for Operator users who need close-range protection. The spread pattern is tight enough to secure kills within 9 meters reliably.
Viper players particularly benefit from the Shorty when playing inside their ultimate, where visibility is limited and enemies must push close.
Frenzy – The Spray and Pray
The Frenzy has struggled to find its place since multiple nerfs targeted its effectiveness. While the automatic fire seems appealing, the wild recoil and low damage make it inferior to other pistol options in most situations. The 450 credit price point puts it in an awkward spot where the Ghost often provides better value.
The only viable Frenzy strategy involves coordinated team rushes where multiple automatic pistols can overwhelm a position through sheer volume of fire.
Bucky – The Forgotten Shotgun
The Bucky’s alt-fire mechanic promised versatility but delivered inconsistency. The condensed pellet spread theoretically extends its range, but in practice, the Judge outperforms it at all distances. The slower fire rate means missing your first shot often results in death.
Unless you’re specifically practicing for unique gameplay scenarios, the Judge’s automatic fire and more forgiving spread make it the superior shotgun choice.
Melee – The Last Resort
While technically a weapon, the knife serves primarily as a movement tool. The 3.5x damage multiplier for backstabs creates highlight-reel moments, but attempting melee kills in competitive play usually ends in disaster. The only practical combat use involves breaking Sage walls or clearing Cypher traps when low on ammo.
That said, knife kills remain the ultimate disrespect in Valorant, guaranteeing tilt from your opponents when successfully executed.
FAQ’s
Which gun is best in Valorant?
The Vandal is widely considered the best overall weapon in Valorant due to its one-tap headshot potential at any range and versatility across all maps and situations. However, the “best” gun ultimately depends on your playstyle, with the Phantom excelling in close-range spray battles and the Operator dominating long-range holds.
Should I use Vandal or Phantom?
Choose the Vandal if you have good aim and prefer tap-firing at long ranges. Pick the Phantom if you frequently engage in close-range fights, spam through smokes, or struggle with recoil control. Many pros recommend learning both and selecting based on your position and map.
What’s the best pistol in Valorant?
For most situations, the Sheriff offers the best value at 800 credits with its one-tap headshot potential. However, the Ghost provides better consistency for newer players, while the free Classic remains viable throughout all stages of the game.
Is the Operator worth buying?
The Operator is worth buying if you have strong positioning, good team support, and are confident in your ability to hit shots. It’s particularly valuable on maps with long sightlines and when paired with mobile agents like Jett or Chamber. Never force-buy an Op if it leaves you unable to full-buy next round.
What weapons should beginners use?
Beginners should focus on the Phantom for rifles (more forgiving spray), Ghost for pistols (consistent and easy to control), and Spectre for SMGs. These weapons offer good margin for error while teaching fundamental mechanics. Avoid high-skill weapons like the Guardian and Sheriff until you’ve mastered the basics.
Which weapons work best for run-and-gun?
The Judge, Stinger, and Spectre maintain the best accuracy while moving. However, Valorant heavily penalizes movement inaccuracy compared to other shooters. Even with these weapons, you’ll find more success by stopping before shooting in most situations.
Are machine guns (Odin/Ares) viable in competitive?
Yes, but situationally. The Odin excels on maps with wallbangable positions and when holding post-plant situations. It’s particularly effective in lower ranks where opponents struggle to counter it. However, rifles generally offer better versatility and mobility for the same or lower cost.
What’s the best eco-round weapon?
The Sheriff paired with light armor offers the best eco-round value for skilled players. For those less confident in their aim, the Stinger or upgraded Classic with full armor provides more margin for error. The Marshal works well on defense if you can hold long angles.
Conclusion
Mastering Valorant’s weapons requires understanding not just tier rankings, but how each gun fits into your overall strategy. While S-tier weapons like the Vandal and Phantom dominate most situations, every weapon has scenarios where it shines. The key is recognizing these moments and adapting your loadout accordingly.
Remember that weapon choice is just one piece of the puzzle. Map knowledge, crosshair placement, and team coordination matter just as much as having the “best” gun. Use this tier list as a foundation, but don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works for your unique playstyle.
As the meta continues to evolve in 2026, stay flexible and keep practicing. Whether you’re spraying with the Phantom or one-tapping with the Vandal, consistent aim and smart positioning will always trump weapon selection. Now get out there and start climbing those ranks!
For more Valorant guides, check out our agent tier list and crosshair codes to complete your competitive setup.