Console Valorant is just as good as the PC version

The arrival of Valorant on consoles was met with skepticism by many. With its roots deeply entrenched in PC shooter culture, particularly games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, it seemed unlikely that a console version would measure up. However, Riot Games has managed to convert Valorant into a console experience that’s as engaging and precise as its PC counterpart. The key to this success? An innovative control scheme, particularly the Focus Mode.

The Magic of Focus Mode

One of the biggest hurdles in transitioning a precision shooter like Valorant from PC to console is adapting controls to a gamepad. The challenge is to retain the accuracy and responsiveness that define the PC experience. Riot Games tackled this with Focus Mode, a unique feature that enhances aiming precision.

Here’s how it works:

• Focus Mode Activation: On PS5, pressing L2, or LT on Xbox Series, activates Focus Mode. This mode zooms in the camera slightly and reduces stick sensitivity.
• Walking Activation: Focus Mode also automatically turns on walking, which stabilizes movement and helps prevent drift that might give away your position.

This method allows players to switch between high sensitivity for general movement and lower sensitivity for precise aiming without constantly adjusting settings. This flexibility helps maintain the tactical depth of Valorant while accommodating the nuances of console gameplay.

Comparison to Other Console Shooters

In contrast to other popular shooters like Overwatch 2, where players often face issues with aiming sensitivity and assist settings, Focus Mode in Valorant provides a more fluid and adaptable control scheme. Players can seamlessly transition from fast-paced movement to precision aiming, a feature that Overwatch 2 struggles with due to its reliance on extensive control settings and aiming assists.

Control Customization

Riot Games has made sure that the console version of Valorant offers extensive customization options to cater to different play styles:

• Sensitivity Settings: Players can adjust basic, focus, and aiming sensitivities to find their perfect balance.
• Button Remapping: There are six preset button layouts, with options to reassign functions like melee or jumping to different buttons.
• Additional Settings: Players can toggle options such as vibration and the ability to keep moving while the store is open.

These customization options help players tailor their controls to their preferences, making the console version feel more intuitive and responsive.

Gameplay Experience

The core of Valorant remains intact on console, preserving the strategic depth and tactical gameplay that fans of the PC version appreciate. The console version mirrors the PC experience with:

• Match Structure: Teams of five either plant or defuse a spike (bomb) or eliminate the opposing team.
• Character Abilities: Each agent has unique abilities that contribute to team strategy, such as scouting, healing, and area control.

This consistency ensures that console players experience the same tactical challenges and team dynamics as their PC counterparts.

Limitations and Future Prospects

Despite its success, the console version of Valorant does come with some limitations:

• No Cross-Platform Play: Currently, console and PC players cannot play together, and there is no support for keyboard and mouse inputs on console.
• Cross-Progression: While cosmetic items are transferable across platforms, gameplay progress is not shared.

Riot Games aims to address these issues, but for now, the focus is on ensuring a stable and enjoyable experience for console players.

Final Thoughts

Riot Games has successfully brought Valorant to consoles with a control scheme that maintains the game’s precision and tactical depth. The introduction of Focus Mode is a game-changer, offering a level of accuracy and responsiveness that rivals the PC experience. While there are areas for improvement, especially in terms of cross-platform play and progression, the console version of Valorant stands out as a robust and enjoyable adaptation of the popular PC shooter.