Shroud explains why Valorant’s recoil patterns are “pretty sick”

Michael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek has chimed in on Valorant’s unique aiming mechanics, outlining how the nuanced recoil patterns will lead to a higher skill ceiling than most other FPS titles afford.

Having grown a reputation as one of the most gifted aimers in the history of competitive FPS titles, shroud’s opinion on recoil patterns and general aiming functions, certainly carries weight.

Just over a week into Valorant’s closed beta and the former CSGO professional has outlined his initial thoughts on the game’s mechanics. While he’s not entirely sold one way or the other just yet, he does admit that what’s on display in Riot’s upcoming release is “pretty sick.”

Dozens of hours deep into his time with Valorant, the Mixer streamer has already suggested that it’s “one of the greatest games” he’s ever played. Though he also admitted that the title may “seem easier” than his former passion of CSGO.

Expanding his initial impressions, shroud has now commented on Valorant’s aiming functions in particular. Responding to a thread from Diego ‘diegosaurs’ Raymond Navarrette highlighting the variation in ‘bloom patterns,’ he explained that the idea is similar to Counter-Strike 1.6.

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“It’s about being versatile and adapting to the situation with your recoil control,” he said, outlining how the random recoil patterns in Valorant differ to the repeatable and more controllable patterns in CSGO today.

“Not particularly good at it yet, nor do I know if I like it yet. I do enjoy learning though so that’s chill.”

Rather than every weapon having its own guaranteed spray pattern, Valorant’s arsenal opts for a somewhat less predictable system. While recoil appears similar in overall movement – drafting directly up, or slightly to one angle for instance – the exact placement of each bullet will differ with every single burst of fire.

According to shroud, this could be a good thing in the long run as it may raise the skill-ceiling by forcing veteran FPS players to adapt more than ever before.

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“Keeps you on your toes,” he added. “The best aimer will be one who doesn’t just have insane muscle memory. One who can adapt to every range and situation with the recoil of his weapon.”

The best Valorant players who have weapon mastery down pat, will need to factor in more than just a standard, repeatable recoil control movement. “If you think a little deeper it’s pretty sick. Like I said though, I don’t know if I love it just yet.”

After being obliterated by a team of Valorant developers in a recent competition, it’s clear that proficient aimers such as shroud, will have quite a bit to learn before they can catch up to those at Riot.

From map layouts to ability usage, and somewhat random weapon recoil as well. While he hasn’t made his mind up just yet, it appears as though shroud won’t be slowing down his Valorant sessions anytime soon.