Why the Economy Matters
Valorant has in game economy where it's currency is in the form of credits. With these credits you purchase items that are vital to winning or losing rounds. These items are weapons, abilities, and shields that give you a performance and tactical advantage over your opponents. The credits that your team is given is determined by winning a round, eliminating an enemy, planting/defusing spike, and win/loss streaks. This economy is the entirity of the game especially at higher levels when aim is no longer a concern for any player and the rounds are determined by tactical and weapon advantage.
Round 1
Round 1 is known as the pistol round. Where players start the game with 800 credits which is the lowest amount of credits available. While it seems like a simple round that is quick win or loss, this is one of the most important rounds in the game as we will discuss why later.
This round it is normal to purchase an upgraded pistol alongside an important ability, preferrably one that deals damage or heals. This is because players are limited to a maximum of 125 health. Removing or adding 20% of a players health can determine someone winning or lossing the next gunfight they find themselves in. You can find a list of optimal round 1 buys based on the agent you're playing with this link provided: The Best Pistol Round Buys for Every Valorant Agent.
Round 2 Win
Congrats on winning pistol round! This is the beginning of why winning pistol round was so important.
You and your team will be rewarded a minimum of 3,000 credits for winning the round. This now means that your team has a financial advantage over your opponents. At this point you and your team can purchase advantages over the other team such as abilites, weapons, and shields. The most common purchase after winning pistol is; full shields, smg (such as Spectre or Stinger), and all abilites. Purchasing a rifle with limited to no abilites and a small shield at this point can be a risk but if you're smart with it can be a worthy investment into the next round. If you want to invest into a rifle instead of a smg a bulldog is a great option.
Round 2 Loss
Unlucky, you didn't win the pistol round but someone had to lose right. Luckily for you it's still recoverable!
There are a few ways to approach this type of round. You have earned 1,900 credits for losing the round which doesn't give you any money for really much. A good buy here is to purchase your abilites and no shield or weapon upgrade. When doing this buy it's important to NOT use your abilites unless your team gets an elimination and picks up a gun from an enemy. A full save is often recommended where you don't buy ANYTHING. This is not optimal because if you do get your hands on a gun from a deafeted enemy then you have no abilites to help you generate that momentum forward into more eliminations and possibly round win.
Another option that is more reliable in higher ranks of the game as their aim is optomized is to purchase a sheriff and nothing else. This is a low investment and doesn't allow you funds for a lot of abilities or a rifle for the next round. It is considered a risk but not to the extent of the next purchase option.
The other and far less ideal option is to "counter force". This is a purchase where you spend all your credits buying an smg and light shield, or smg and abilities. The idea of this is to fight their weapons with equal weapons of value essentially continueing the pistol round. This can be a great way to take back advantage though it comes with a huge risk of giving the enemy an additional two free rounds.
Round 3
After winning round 2 your buy is much more specific than it was on round 2. If you lost your buy will also be specific so pay close attention.
- – If you won pistol round and purchased round 2 this is now your "bonus round" your ideal buys go as follows;
- ‐ You survived: Keep your weapon, repurchase abilites and shields. Act as if you're saving and be smart with your abilities. Using your abilites should only be to guarantee an elimination, stall the enemy, or counter enemy attempts.
- ‐ You died: You will purchase your abilities, light shield, and sheriff or ghost. This will match your surviving teammates credits and give yourself a chance to also potentially win this round.
- – If won pistol round but lost round 2 you will save. While you have credits for a counter buy, it's too much of a risk to justify in this situation.
- – If you lost pistol round and won round 2 then you will buy at your max potential. Using a weapon you picked up. If you died buy a weapon, abilities, and a shield.
Round 4
This is the equilibrium round. Typically in this round both team have a stabilized economy if they purchased accordingly. There are times where teams invest risks in early rounds (as we see in round 2) and this round will be a save for one or the other however if the players follow this guideline then both teams will have a lot of abilites, strong weapons, and heavy shields. This is why winning pistol is so important as it can generate value four rounds later. Good luck and smart buying!