At the end of June, we shared some impressions of Valorant on PS5 after it launched in closed beta. In those thoughts, we said that the game felt “unlike anything else on console” and that “a few more changes feel needed in order to really replicate that PC experience on consoles”, but we were looking forward to how Valorant would “grow and improve during the beta”.
It turns out that beta was quite short, as on 2nd August, Valorant actually launched fully on PS5 out of beta and is now available for free for everyone. Besides a new Episode launch, the addition of ranked, and some small tweaks and bug fixes, a lot of what we said in those initial impressions still holds true.
Valorant on PS5 feels unlike anything else on the system. Its intense gameplay, precision shooting requirements, and interplay between Agent abilities and kits make it a fiercely competitive and challenging experience to get to grips with. However, the game rewards you so well for learning and practicing that it becomes incredibly addicting to compete in matches online, whether unranked or ranked. Seeing how far you’ve come is immensely satisfying, if you’re willing to put the time into matches and the shooting range.
Smart new additions like the Focus mode allow you to replicate the precision aiming you find on PC, and an extensive range of settings also enable you to properly tailor the game to your liking.
Throughout our time playing the round-based mode or the respawn-based deathmatch modes, we’ve had an impressively smooth experience with no technical problems and trouble-free matchmaking. Additionally, some of the issues we mentioned in our impressions, like dysfunctional teams, have mostly subsided as console owners have gotten to grips with Valorant’s flow and gameplay.
The introduction of ranked on console has also been a fantastic addition, with even more competitive and heated action for those looking for it. The game is still missing some modes you can find on PC, like Spike Rush. Plus, the microtransactions for skins and customisation items are ludicrous, costing up to £80/$100 for some bundles. But while they’re present, they’re inessential and easily ignored.
Despite missing a few features from the PC version and eye-watering prices for customisation items, Riot has crafted an incredible shooter in Valorant and done a stellar job at transitioning it over to PS5. It’s a unique breed of multiplayer shooter that won’t be for everyone, but those looking for an intense, competitive experience won’t find anything better on Sony’s console.
