Over a decade, Multiplayer competitive first-person Shooters and Counter-Strike global offensives have dominated the FPS genre. Valve’s title has been popular among audiences and has a strong base of competitive players since its release in 2012. But with the release of Riot Game’s Valorant in 2020, the FPS game genre has changed.
Valorant has brought multiple new elements with similar gameplay patterns to CS: GO to gain popularity. The massive amount of Valorant downloads in the first few weeks proves that. The new features include agents and their abilities, map designs, and more. Valorant offers tremendous possibilities in gameplay and when it comes to climbing Valorant ranks.
Let’s have a sneak peek at the comparison between these two titles.
Table of Contents
Gameplay
Valorant and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive both are FPS tactical shooter games. The gameplay of Valorant is heavily inspired by CS: GO. Riot Games has combined tactical hero shooter with ability-based games like League of Legends, Overwatch, etc.
Both titles are first-person shooter multiplayer games where two teams consisting of 5 players each go up against each other in a bomb-defusing format.
CS: GO: In Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, two teams named Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists engage in objective-based combats where a team has to plant or defuse the C4 in the directed location. In CS: GO, if you have stopped the mid-way while defusing, you must start from the beginning.
Valorant: The gameplay pattern is much more similar to CS: GO. In this game, attackers try to plant spikes, and defenders focus on defusing or resisting the attacking team from planting. If you defuse the spike up to the halfway mark, you’ll resume the defusing process from the marker.
Both titles need quick reflexes from the players, acute preparation, execution of the strategies, and teamwork, as there is a high level of practicality involved in both games.
The pace of the Gameplay
Though there are a lot of similarities between these two titles, the gameplay pace is one of the primary differentiators. In both games, A-team and B-team alter between the objectives.
CS: GO: In CS: GO, the game can be divided into a maximum of 30 rounds, where the team to win 16 rounds becomes the winner.
Valorant: In Valorant, two teams play a maximum of 24 rounds, and the team able to secure 13 rounds wins the match.
It drastically changes the pace of the game. Comparing both titles, Valorant is faster-paced and more enjoyable than CS: GO. Riot Games has cut down the excess from the game to make it much quicker than CS: GO.
Playable Characters
Another primary differentiator between Valorant and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is the playable characters.
CS: GO: Regarding Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the title has no ability or role-based classifications that can impact the gameplay. Valve Corporation has introduced purchasable player models as skins within the game, similar to the gun skins. These do not affect any aspects of the gameplay.
Valorant: As of now, Valorant offers 22 playable characters called Agents.
The characters of Valorant are:
- Jett
- Phoenix
- Yoru
- Neon
- Reyna
- Raze
- Breach
- Skye
- Sova
- KAY/O
- Fade
- Cypher
- Chamber
- Killjoy
- Sage
- Astra
- Omen
- Viper
- Brimstone
- Harbor
- Gekko
- Deadlock
Agents are divided into a few character classes. The character classes are:
- Duelist: Self-sufficient fraggers. Focuses on taking quick frags.
- Initiator: Initiates the fight with offensive lay and makes way for teammates.
- Sentinel: Holds essential position. Hold zone and reinforce territories.
- Controller: Controls the game and assists the team in executing fights.
Each character has unique skills and abilities that can be used in-game situations. Each of the characters has unique backstories.
Utilities and abilities
CS: GO: CS: GO has a realistic approach. Players can use smoke grenades, Molotov, flash bangs, and other utilities. CS: GO purely emphasizes shooting.
Valorant: On the other hand, In Valorant, players can pick agents with several different abilities. The abilities can be anything from rocket launchers to firewalls, traps, and more. The capabilities range from gathering intel about the opponents, launchings smokescreens, deploying detonating robots, and reviving dead teammates.
These abilities have a significant impact on the outcomes of the match. Many of the Valorant agents are based on utilities. These give each agent a playstyle that can be combined with other players’ abilities.
Buy Zones
Valorant and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive both games have a win-to-earn system. The players will have more credits if they win rounds or get kills. These increase the odds of winning for a team.
CS: GO: In CS: GO, both teams must stay in the ‘buy zone’ to purchase their weapons and utilities at the beginning of each round.
Valorant: In Valorant, the buy zones are huge and occupy a considerable portion of the map. At the start of every round, you will be given time to purchase guns and skills from the shop. This window is known as the ‘Buy Phase.’
The differences in purchase
In both of these titles, the buy phase allows the players to purchase guns from the various options available in the shop.
Purchasing options:
- In CS: GO, you can purchase different grenades, such as Smoke grenades, Molotov, and flash bangs, along with guns and armor.
- In Valorant, the purchase is limited to guns, armor, or abilities.
Refund purchase:
- You cannot get a refund once you purchase a gun in CS: GO.
- Comparing both of the game’s buying phases, Valorant is more user-friendly. You can cancel your purchase and get a complete refund of the credits.
Purchasing guns through teammates:
- You must ask your teammate to purchase a gun through communication in CS: GO. Your teammate needs to purchase the gun and drop it off so you can pick it up.
- Another exciting thing in Valorant is you can purchase guns from the credits of your teammates. You can drop a gun request; your teammate can purchase the gun according to your request.
Checking enemy resources:
- In CS: GO, you will not be able to keep track of the credit possession of your opponent’s team.
- While in Valorant, you can see the financial resources of your opponents. This allows your team to get a rough idea about your opponent’s purchase ability and strategize accordingly.
The map designs
Map designs are one of the differences between these two FPS games.
CS: GO: Regarding Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the map design is much bigger but less complicated than Valorant. The game has a maximum of two bomb plant sites.
Valorant: Compared to CS: GO, Valorant has a Smaller and more compact map. Due to less fast-paced areas, the game is fast-paced and intense. Valorant has a similar map layout to CS: GO, but with the help of developers and map designers, the impact of the map drastically changes in both games.
Most of the Valorant map has outstanding features, unlike CS: GO. For example, map bind has two-one-way teleporters. Features also include a zipline, three plant sites, and much more.
It is safe to say that the CS inspires Valorant maps: GO maps. However, the Riot Developers have worked hard to offer a wholly changed experience by adding the above modifications and features in the map designs.
Spray patterns
Weapons in Valorant and CS: GO are similar, with different names. For example, the Vandal is the AK47, and the Phantom is M4. The Ghost is USP, etc.
One of the significant factors that differentiate these games is the spray pattern on the guns.
What is the spray pattern?
- It is a pattern made by the guns when you hold the trigger.
Valorant requires a different aim control style than CS: GO. Those who struggle with getting the hang of the spray patterns should practice in the Range and community-created maps, respectively.
Practice
Practicing is necessary for the FPS games like Valorant and CS: GO. Both games are ‘easy to learn, hard to master.’
CS: GO: In CS: GO, players, can download community-created training maps from Steam and practice accordingly.
Valorant: On the other hand, In Valorant, there is a dedicated practice map called ‘Range,’ where players can test their skills, try different weapons, train spike planting or defusing skills and try different abilities of the agents.
Purchasing cosmetics and skins
Purchasing skins of the weaponry and utilities can change the look altogether. Though it does not affect the gameplay, it improves the effects, visuals, and enjoyment.
- In CouterStike: Global Offensive, you must purchase skins from the Steam community marketplace.
- In Valorant, the only way to get skins is from stores and Night Market.
Esports and events
Valve Corporation and Riot Games are both esports giants that have continuously contributed to esports.
CS: GO: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has one of the most famous competitive scenes. Major championships are undoubtedly one of the most prestigious tournaments in the esports circuit, with substantial prize pools. CS: GO has been dominating the esports scene for a decade. S1mple, GeT_RiGhT, and dev1ce are famous names in the CS: GO esports scene.
Valorant: Riot Games has contributed significantly to the growth and expansion of the Valorant esports scene since its release. In November 2020, Riot Games announced the Valorant Champions Tour divided into Valorant Challengers, Masters, and Champions. There are also several 3rd-party and regional tournaments taking place around the globe.
The top Valorant talents frequently get to perform on the big stage. Veteran CS: GO players have switched to the Valorant esports scene. Famous names like Automatic, nitr0, and ScreaM have migrated to the Riot’s First-Person Shooter.
Conclusion
To be specific, Valorant borrows a considerable part from its giant competitor CS: GO, but Riot Games has worked on many vital aspects. Both of the games provide a unique experience to the players.
Regarding online FPS games, CS: GO has done a lot, and it is hard for a new title like Valorant to make a way, but Valorant has a lot to offer and can appeal to a more diverse audience. The Valorant player count has seen enormous growth in recent years.
Both of the games are intense. Whether you want to play CS: GO or Valorant is a question of personal taste.
To play these FPS games, you require good reflexes and faster response to get an advantage over your opponents. S1mple uses a Logitech G Pro X Superlight mouse in his gaming sessions.
FAQs
Q: Which one should I play, CS: GO or Valorant?
A: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) and Valorant are often top contenders when choosing between popular first-person shooter games. Both games offer intense gameplay, strategic elements, and competitive environments. It may also be worth trying out both games to see which resonates more with your playstyle before making a final decision.
Q: Why does Valorant “seems easier” than CSGO?
A: Valorant, a popular first-person shooter game developed by Riot Games, has gained significant attention for its gameplay mechanics and overall accessibility. Many players have noted that Valorant “seems easier” compared to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO), another renowned FPS title, due to the emphasis on teamplay and coordination, including agent abilities, more straightforward gunplay mechanics, and more.
Q: Is Valorant more popular than Counter-Strike?
A: The statistics indicate that CS: GO enjoys a more extensive player base than VALORANT in 2023 and a higher number of monthly active players in 2022.
Q: Is CS: GO more competitive than Valorant?
A: While Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) has long been considered a cornerstone of competitive gaming, the emergence of Valorant has introduced a new contender. Many argue that Valorant offers a more competitive and skill-based gaming experience than CS: GO.
Q: Is Counter-Strike: Global Offensive worth it?
A: This game is an excellent choice for players who enjoy FPS games heavily relying on strategic thinking. It offers a high level of skill required, meaning you’ll have to invest time in mastering the maps and strafing techniques. Rest assured, the effort you put into learning these aspects will be highly rewarding.
