Two of the best first-person shooter games, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Valorant, are taking the world by storm with the expected global esports market to be worth an unbelievable $1.39 billion.
Both games offer action-oriented gameplay, impressive graphics, and exciting challenges, making it difficult to choose between the two. Valorant and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive are so similar, but there are some key differences players should be aware of. Curious about what game is right for you? Check out the differences between CS: GO and Valorant to see which game suits your preferences.
Valorant and CS:GO
With the rise of esports, betting on Valorant and CS: GO has become extremely popular in recent years. In fact, these two games are among the most popular titles in the esports betting market. Once you understand each game’s mechanics, participating in CSGO betting on teams is fun and easy.
Many online betting platforms offer a wide range of betting options for Valorant and CSGO. Before placing a bet on either game, it’s important to understand the intricacies and gameplay of both games. And, we always suggest understanding the similarities and differences between the two games, so you can bet with confidence.
Gameplay Differences Between CS: GO and Valorant
One of the most noticeable differences between Valorant and CS: GO is the gameplay. Players will notice that CS: GO feels much more realistic, while Valorant is animated. Both games have their pros and cons, so it really comes down to personal preference.
One thing is for certain: both games require a decent amount of skill. You have to know how to master the weapon mechanics in each of the games. As top FPS games, both prioritize precision and accuracy.
In order to be victorious in Valorant, a team must win 13 of the 24 intensely competitive rounds. On the other hand, with CS: GO, a team must win 16 of the 30 rounds. Riot Games, the maker of Valorant, chose to speed up the matches to make them more interesting.
Character Abilities and Roles
Another key differentiator between Valorant and CS: GO is the unique character roles and abilities.
Valorant characters, known as “Valorant Agents,” have been classified by Riot game designers into four unique classes: Duelists, Controllers, Initiators, and Sentinels. Each is categorized by their unique abilities and gameplay aspects. A well-formed Valorant team combination would include at least one Agent from each of these classes, giving the team both offensive and defensive abilities.
On the other hand, in CS: GO, the game does not have any role-based or ability-based classifications. You can purchase cosmetic items within the game, but these Agents are CS: GO’s addition of full-body character cosmetics, like weapon skins, which don’t affect any gameplay aspects. Players must understand the differences between character abilities and roles in CS: GO and Valorant.
Map Design
Map design is another aspect where Valorant and CS: GO demonstrate similarities. CS: GO is known for its meticulous maps and if you’ve played both games, you can tell Valorant’s maps draw inspiration from CS: GO. However, Valorant’s maps are often smaller than compared to CS: GO.
Players notice that CS: GO map designs are a little less complicated than Valorants. For instance, Bind has two one-way teleporters that make fast rotations possible, and Icebox has an extremely intricate midsection with interconnecting zip lines in the bomb site. Valorant map features designated sites for planting or defusing the Spike, providing gamers with opportunities for tactical play.
Look and Feel
As mentioned, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has a much more practical and realistic look and feel compared to Valorant. In comparison, Valorant offers a considerably brighter and more colorful environment. Even though both games have a very similar strategy or scenario, Valorant is more about the attackers and defenders, just as in real-life sports.
Economy System
Both esports games have a win-to-earn economy system. This structure requires players to have money and credit for a complete buy. Esport players notice that Valorant and CS: GO heavily rely on eco rounds, with Valorant’s mechanism for buying weapons and abilities extremely similar to CS: GO’s weapon purchase system. One important differentiator to note is that players can resell purchased weapons within the buy phase in Valorant.
Esports Potential
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has dominated the esports scene for years. One of the biggest sports events is the Counter-Strike majors. Only a few players have been able to make a living out of CS: GO events, as the scene is very closed.
Valorant’s esports scene has grown exponentially in the past few years. National circuits such as VRL and Valorant Champions offer competitions at different levels. There are open tournaments that regularly allow the best Valorant teams to make a name for themselves.
Valorant vs. CSGO: Which One Should You Play?
In the end, you’ll notice that CS: GO and Valorant are extremely similar. If you can master one of the games, chances are good you’ll be able to play the other. While Valorant will move a little faster with only 24 rounds of play, rather than CS: GO’s 30 rounds of play, it comes down to personal preference.
Valorant offers a more vibrant, animated experience for players, while CS: GO is more lifelike. Both are popular choices if you are looking for a FPS game. You really can’t go wrong with either!