BetSpider is the best betting tool for e-sports, and we recognize that to play a game well you need to know the lingo. This is why we decided to start a series of wordlists and guides about the most popular e-sports out there, starting with Valorant Glossary. During matches, it’s common to hear terms and slang that may sound strange to unsuspecting users. Between its own words, such as Radianite Points, Ace, Spike, and some others already known in FPS circles, the game has a vast vocabulary.
It’s worth mentioning that part of the dialect used in the Riot Games game comes from other online titles by the developer, such as League of Legends (LoL), for example. In this article, we’ve prepared a guide to the main terms used in Valorant. However, before we start, let’s talk about what Valorant is in the first place.
What is Valorant
Released in 2020, Valorant is an online multiplayer shooter in which two groups of five players face off on the various Valorant maps, inspired by real-world locations. Depending on the map, each side must either achieve a specific goal or stop the other side from achieving it. Think of Counter-Strike, here the gameplay is very similar, both in terms of the pursuit of objectives and in some details. For instance, the impossibility of reviving if you are shot down. When this happens, you have to wait for the round to end, when a group reaches an objective or eliminates your squad, before you can play again.
A crucial difference between Valorant and the different versions of Counter-Strike is that the Agents, the game’s characters, activate their unique abilities during the game. These abilities can be used to improve your attack, find hidden enemies, or support your teammates, depending on the character you choose. In this sense, Valorant draws from the same source as Overwatch, being a sort of cross between CS: GO and Overwatch. And to play this interesting mix, you need to speak the language. So, here is the first part of our list of terms you need to know when playing this game:
Key Terms and Concepts
Here are some of the terms you must know when playing Valorant. We’ve organized these terms by complexity and relevance to different phases of play: before the match and during the match. Understanding the terms of our Valorant Glossary will help you navigate the game more effectively. From selecting Agents and strategizing in the Buy Phase to mastering in-game tactics like Spike planting and defusing, and finally, analyzing your performance post-match.
Valorant Glossary: Terms to Know Before the Match
Agents
These are the characters available to play. Currently, Valorant has 12 different agents, all with unique abilities and different gameplay.
Radiant Points
Radiant Points or Radianite Points are specialized coins. They increase firepower by upgrading weapons. To obtain Radianite Points, the player needs to buy them in the Shop using Valorant Points, or through the welcome contract for new players.
Buy Phase
This is the moment before the round starts. It is during the buy phase that players acquire weapons and abilities for use during the matches.
Four districts for esports
Gameplay Mechanics and Strategies
Spike
The explosive device that the attacking team plants at a bombsite.
Bombsite
Place that marks the location of the spike, also known as a "bomb".
After Plant
The act of playing after the attacking team plants the spike.
Defuse
The act of disarming the spike after it has been planted.
Backup
Asking for backup is the same as asking for reinforcements. To give or ask for "back" is to match an action on the map where it is taking place.
Cover
The act of covering a friend while they try to disarm a spike or prepare for an attack.
Crossfire
This means standing next to an ally with the crosshairs forming an "x". In this way, the duo can cover the same area more effectively and with greater vision for both of them, making it more difficult to attack the defended location.
Blinding
Corresponds to the act of using a skill that blinds opponents, such as Phoenix's Curve Ball, for example.
Clear
Translated as "to clear", clearing is usually associated with entering an environment and being sure that every corner of it is free of enemies.
Clutch
Occurs when a player is at a disadvantage, for example, if they are alone and have to fight two enemies. If you manage to get both kills and win the round, you are a clutch player.
Headshot
Literally, it means, "shot to the head". It is common to hear "HS" as an abbreviation for the term.
GH
Comes from "Good Half". Players usually use this term when switching sides between attack and defense.
CT
A term familiar from other games in the genre, it is synonymous with the defending team.
Roles, Strategies, and Tactics
Ace/5K
When one player is responsible for killing the entire enemy team.
Anti-eco
This is a strategy used when opponents decide to save their money for another round. Usually, the team that adopts this strategy buys weapons to avoid losing the round.
Bait
When a player acts as bait to lure opponents into an unfavorable situation.
Controller
One of the four classes among Valorant agents, Controllers usually have abilities that limit enemy vision in an area.
Duelist
With offensive and defensive skills, they will be responsible for opening up the battles and attempting the first kills.
Eco
It means to save. Rounds that occur after defeats may require the player to save money so that their team can make a full purchase in the future.
Entry
Derived from "entry fragger", it relates to the player who takes on the role of being the first to appear to kill someone from the enemy team.
Fake Plant/Defuse
Both situations occur when a player pretends to be planting or defusing the spike to lure an enemy into a trap. The strategy is common in clutch situations.
Gameplay Techniques and Roles
Flickshot
It is a type of shot where you quickly flick the mouse to hit the opponent.
Force Buy
A force buy round is when the team uses all their economy, no matter how scarce it may be. The idea is to catch the enemy off guard and take advantage of the acquired resources.
IGL
In-game leader is the person responsible for commanding the team's actions within the game. Usually, they dictate the pace and plays to be made in the match.
Initiator
These are the agents responsible for locating and forcing the opponents to move unexpectedly. After the round starts, it is common to see initiators using their abilities to dismantle the enemy's plan.
Lurker
The player responsible for breaking away from the team and playing practically alone during the round. The aim is for him to attract attention or have the opportunity to kill unsuspecting enemies on the map.
Marking
The act of marking occurs when the team wants to avoid rushes. The attacking team especially uses this tactic when they anticipate an offensive onslaught by the defending team.
MD
Configuration of matches on the competitive scene. There are different formats, ranging from MD1 (single game), MD3 (best of three) and MD5 (best of five).
Molotov
The name comes from another game in the genre and refers to the Molotov cocktail bomb. Skills thrown to the ground, such as Phoenix's Hot Hands, are examples of when to use the term.
Valorant Glossary: Mastering the Basics and Beyond
By integrating these Valorant terms into your gaming vocabulary, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the challenges of each match. And this is just the first part. Stay tuned because we will return with part 2 of our Valorant Glossary next week! Embrace these terms, apply them in your matches, and watch as your skills and understanding of the game evolve. If you want to start betting, do not waste any more time. Open an account at BetSpider and join our web of success!
