Valorant
News, coverage and analysis tracking Valorant across the outlets.
Latest coverage
I prefer this plug-n-play Zowie mouse even to ones that are objectively better
The BenQ Zowie EC2-DW gaming mouse is highly recommended for palm grippers who primarily play tactical shooters like Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant, offering a comfortable ergonomic shape and plug-and-play functionality. While it boasts excellent build quality and convenient wireless charging, its $150 price point and 60g weight may not appeal to those who prefer ultralight mice or play tracking-heavy games.
LG reveals the world's first native 1,000 Hz 1080p panel but you're gonna need a beast of a rig to make good…
LG has unveiled the world's first 1,000 Hz FHD (1080p) gaming monitor, the UltraGear 25G590B, featuring a 24.5-inch IPS panel. This new monitor aims to provide ultra-fast visual response and motion clarity for competitive gaming. The article also discusses the high-end PC hardware required to achieve such frame rates and compares it to existing high-refresh-rate monitors.
LG has finally created a 1,000Hz gaming monitor, but it's a Pandora's Box no one needed to open
LG has announced the world's first 1000Hz gaming monitor, the 24.5-inch UltraGear 25G590B, with a native Full HD resolution. While the monitor is slated for release in the second half of 2026, the article questions the practical need for such a high refresh rate, noting that most gaming PCs cannot currently support it and that it may not significantly benefit even competitive players.
Voice Chat Safety: The Practical Guide for Online Gamers (2026) | TAG
This guide provides practical advice for online gamers on managing voice chat safety in 2026, addressing the uneven implementation of AI monitoring across various games. It details different voice chat configurations like 'Voice Off,' 'Party-Only Voice,' 'Push-to-Talk,' and 'Open Mic, Active Muting,' and offers specific settings for popular titles such as Call of Duty, Valorant, and Fortnite. The article also discusses the privacy implications of voice chat and recommends using platforms like Discord as a safer alternative for communication.
Save up to $129 on my favorite gaming chair and desk in this early Memorial Day sale
Secretlab is offering early Memorial Day discounts of up to $129 on gaming desks and $100 on gaming chairs. The sale includes popular models like the Titan Evo chair and Magnus Pro desk, with various color and game-themed options available. Discounts are also available on bundles, and the sale is primarily for US customers.
Top 10 hot summer gaming tech for 2026 - headsets, controllers, and more
This article highlights top gaming technology accessories for summer 2026, focusing on peripherals like headsets, controllers, mice, keyboards, monitors, and chairs. It notes that while core components remain expensive, these accessories offer desirable upgrades without significant price hikes due to memory shortages. Featured items include collaborations with brands like Pokémon and Blackpink, alongside high-performance tech from SteelSeries, Logitech, Razer, and Turtle Beach.
Canadian Gamers Are Bringing Sports Style Prediction Habits Into Competitive Gaming
Canadian gamers are increasingly applying sports betting prediction habits to esports, driven by the growth of competitive gaming and accessible mobile play. Meanwhile, the design of mobile apps, including those for casinos, now heavily incorporates game-like pacing and reward systems to maintain user engagement. Separately, Nebraska is suing Roblox, alleging systemic failures to protect children from predators and deceptive marketing practices, a lawsuit echoed by other states and highlighting concerns about child safety in online gaming platforms.
The Best PC Games To Play In 2026
This guide highlights the best PC games available in 2026, spanning various genres and including both recent releases and enduring live-service titles. The list emphasizes games that run well on PC, with considerations for hardware and accessibility, and notes that many titles are also playable on devices like the Steam Deck.
ROG Masters, A Tournament For Those Who Dare At Game Con Canada 2026
Republic of Gamers (ROG) by ASUS is hosting the ROG Masters North America 2026 tournament, celebrating its 20th anniversary with VALORANT and Street Fighter 6 competitions. The event features a $10,000 USD prize pool, with qualifiers from May 30-31 and finals held live at Game Con Canada on June 21 in Edmonton, Alberta. The tournament aims to bring the gaming community together, with free agent registration available for VALORANT.
CS2 Safety Score: Toxicity, the Overwatch System, and Whether It Actually Works (2026) | TAG
Counter-Strike 2 receives a low safety score due to significant toxicity and a lack of transparency in its moderation systems, including the Overwatch system. Despite its technical brilliance and competitive depth, issues like identity-based harassment and community complaints about inadequate moderation persist. Valve's opaque approach to Trust Factor, VACnet, and the restricted Overwatch system contributes to player concerns, leading many to opt for third-party platforms like FACEIT for a better competitive experience.
The Best Online Multiplayer Games to Play With Friends in 2026 | Invision Game Community
This guide highlights the best online multiplayer games available in 2026, catering to various playstyles including cooperative, competitive, and party experiences. Titles like Deep Rock Galactic, Helldivers 2, Rocket League, Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, Jackbox Party Pack, Among Us, Minecraft, and Elden Ring are recommended for groups seeking engaging gameplay and social interaction.
Join The Speedwaaagh on May 21
Caged Element announced that Speed Freeks, a combat racing game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, will launch on Xbox on May 21. The game features high-speed races, deep vehicle customization, and a live creation mode for building and playing maps in real time. It also includes cross-platform play and multiple game modes like Deff Rally and Kill Konvoy.
Competitive gaming is borrowing more from traditional sports betting culture
Competitive gaming broadcasts are increasingly adopting elements from traditional sports, including live predictions, in-depth statistical analysis, and discussions mirroring sports betting culture. This shift is driven by expanded audiences and a desire for greater fan engagement, making esports viewing habits more similar to those of mainstream sports.
Why Streamers Care So Much About Custom Skins
Custom skins have become a crucial element of streamer identity, helping creators stand out in a crowded market and build recognizable brands. Games like Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and Free Fire feature extensive cosmetic systems that streamers leverage for content, viewer engagement, and online branding. Digital marketplaces have made acquiring these cosmetics easier, further solidifying their role in modern gaming culture and streamer success.
How Accessibility Features Are Changing Modern Gaming
Modern gaming is increasingly incorporating accessibility features like customizable controls, subtitles, and colorblind settings as standard elements, benefiting all players, not just those with disabilities. This shift is improving player experience across PC, console, and mobile platforms, making games more inclusive and engaging. Digital storefronts are also enhancing accessibility, making game discovery and purchase easier for a wider audience.
Valorant patch incoming, and it is nerf central – here’s what’s in v12.09
Riot Games has released Valorant patch 12.09, focusing on significant balance changes for agents and weapons. Neon's mobility has been adjusted to reduce her evasiveness, and shotguns are now less accurate while moving, jumping, or using ropes. The Bucky, Judge, and Shorty shotguns have also received specific nerfs. Additionally, the patch includes improvements to the text evaluation system for detecting abusive chat and adds support for AMD Anti-Lag 2 on PC.
NYC Levels Up: Thousands Gather at NYC Video Game Festival to Crown 2026 Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs and NYC Collegiate Esports Champions
The 2nd Annual NYC Video Game Festival celebrated New York City's growing gaming community with esports tournaments, indie game demos, and more. The event crowned champions for the Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs and the NYC Collegiate Esports Circuit in League of Legends and Valorant, with a $10,000 prize pool for collegiate finalists. The festival aims to engage students from kindergarten through college with opportunities in the digital games industry.
The Digital Fan’s Guide: How to Balance Productivity and Major Esports Tournaments
This guide provides strategies for esports fans to balance watching major tournaments with daily productivity. It emphasizes the importance of understanding complex global schedules, creating personalized viewing routines, and prioritizing matches to avoid information overload. The article suggests utilizing digital tools and setting clear boundaries to ensure esports remains an enjoyable and sustainable hobby.
Riot clarifies Trainwreck's Valorant ban: "This wasn't just a five-stack with friends on their own accounts"
Riot Games has clarified the reason behind the month-long Valorant ban issued to streamer Tyler 'Trainwreck' Faraz Nikam. The ban was not for playing with friends, but for teaming up with an Immortal player who was using multiple smurf accounts to manipulate matchmaking. This player, who had prior boosting bans, was swapping between accounts they did not own, directly violating Riot's terms of service regarding account boosting.
Is Digital Currency Changing the Way We Review and Play New Games?
Digital currency and microtransactions are fundamentally changing how games are reviewed and played, shifting focus from physical discs to in-game economies and instant purchases. This trend influences everything from early reviews, which now often analyze currency systems and value, to player engagement with early access, season passes, and cosmetic upgrades. The article highlights how transparency in pricing and fairness of digital currency models are becoming as crucial as gameplay and graphics for player satisfaction and critical reception.
