Shroud, LIRIK, Nadeshot & more reveal Valorant first impressions
Twitter: Shroud / Nadeshot / LIRIKExcited players will soon be able to get their hands on Valorant through the closed beta, but many top streamers got their chance early, and have been heaping praise on Riot’s entry into the FPS genre after their behind-closed-doors playtest.
Dexerto also attended the playtest, and we’ll have more about our own first impressions soon. But it’s clear that Riot are banking on influencers convincing their fans to try Valorant, and so what these streamers say is even more important than any review.
This is nothing new either, as games like Apex Legends also relied on the power of influencers on Twitch and YouTube to essentially do the marketing for them. So, here’s what the biggest names in esports, streaming and content creation had to say about Valorant.
Riot GamesIf you’re not caught up, Valorant is Riot’s first FPS game and will take a round-based approach similar to CS:GO, featuring an economy system and attack vs defense setup. However, it features unique heroes with their own abilities, reminiscent of Overwatch.
A new contender in the crowded FPS market from a developer with Riot’s pedigree instantly caught the eye of many competitive players, as well as streamers. Summit1g has already claimed that he thinks it will be “10x better than Overwatch.”
Former pro CS:GO player turned streamer Michael ‘shroud’ Grzesiek will be one of the first people many will look to for a verdict on Valorant. He remained tight-lipped after playing though, only letting slip that it was “fun.”
Other streamers were even more excitable though, such as Saqib ‘LIRIK’ Zahid, who was excited to play ‘Jett’ most, and got his wish and is now anticipating the beta.
100 Thieves boss and former CoD pro Matthew ‘Nadeshot’ Haag had a “ton of fun” and is also excited for what the future holds. His fellow 100T member Jack ‘CouRage’ Dunlop said the game was a “total blast.”
https://twitter.com/LIRIK/status/1244815735328772097
I played Valorant all weekend and I gotta say, I had a ton of fun. Excited for the future of this game. https://t.co/hGfWIwSvTB
— 100T Nadeshot (@Nadeshot) March 30, 2020
I spent my entire weekend playing @PlayVALORANT.
The game is a total blast. Recorded so many incredible gameplays with and against many of your favorite content creators.
Also, I have the guaranteed most viral clip for when we can show it all off. Just wait and see.
— Jack “CouRage” Dunlop (@CouRageJD) March 30, 2020
These are just a handful of some the big-name creators who tried the game though, and so far we’re yet to find a single negative reaction on first impression. Of course, there is much more still to learn about the game, but here’s some of the most lavish praise given by top streamers and pros.
TSM Gale
Valorant is seriously the most SICK game ever. I play tested it over the weekend and I LOVE Phoenix SO much. The game will blow you guys away and I cannot wait to show you guys some absolutely insane gameplay. Stay tuned 🙂 pic.twitter.com/yZzvj4U3ca
— Gale (@Gale_Adelade) March 30, 2020
FaZe Tennp0
I was able to play test Valorant this weekend and Valorant is one of the best games I have played in a long time. Everything about it is SICK. From the plays you can do to the precise gunplay. I will be posting Gameplay/Highlights and streaming gameplay on April 3rd so stay tuned pic.twitter.com/nKsg3NS2f0
— Tennp0 (@Tennp0) March 30, 2020
Jaomock
Played Valorant the last 3 days and it was easily the most fun I’ve had gaming in a fat minute…. Js.
— Jaomock (@Jaomock) March 30, 2020
These content creators will be sharing their recorded gameplay starting on April 3, before the closed beta goes live on April 7.
If you want to get into the beta you’ll have to get lucky, but here’s how to sign up and be in with a chance. There’s no official release date set for Valorant yet, only listed as Summer 2020 for now.