10 Games Like VALORANT

10 Games Like VALORANT
Image via Riot Games

Written by 

Joshua Boyles

Published 

26th Sep 2022 17:01

Looking for games like VALORANT? VALORANT is easily one of the most popular shooters out there right now, but it's not for everyone. With punishing weapon mechanics and a gameplay loop that requires an immense amount of practice to get good at, it's easy to see why some players are discouraged by the game. However, there are plenty of other games out there that are similar to VALORANT, but different enough to be more welcoming to certain players. So, if VALORANT isn't your bag, or if you're just looking for something a little different, here are 10 games like VALORANT that you might enjoy.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege

Click to enlarge
Image via Ubisoft

Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, PC

A huge attraction of VALORANT is its slower-paced, tactical gameplay. Players are required to have in-depth knowledge of the maps, weapons, and utility items to best the opposing team. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege offers all of that too, with intricately designed maps and an extensive character roster.

Seven years in the running, Rainbow Six Siege has amassed a dedicated player base and a thriving esports community. With so many characters to learn, now might be a daunting time to get started with the game. However, if you're willing to spend a bit of time learning the ropes, Rainbow Six Siege is a stellar alternative to VALORANT.

League of Legends

Click to enlarge
Image via Riot Games

Platforms: PC

If you enjoy playing VALORANT, then there's a good chance that you'll enjoy playing League of Legends, too. Both of these games are made by the same developer, Riot Games. You can expect to find the same excellent character design and impeccable competitive gameplay mechanics in League of Legends that VALORANT is known for.

In addition, League of Legends has some excellent additional media to help flesh out its backstory and lore. The Arcane animated show on Netflix is an excellent place to start, and the officially published novels are known to be excellent reads, too.

 

Warframe

Click to enlarge
Image via Digital Extremes

Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC

If it's the flashy skins that you play VALORANT for, then there is no better alternative than Warframe. Set in a sci-fi universe, this MMO action title sees you take control of a robotic 'frame', each with their own unique abilities and weapons.

The Warframe gameplay loop is different to what you may know from VALORANT. However, this RPG title offers some of the most flashy customisations of any game out right now, and a lot of it can be earned in-game rather than via microtransactions.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Click to enlarge
Image via Valve

Platforms: PC

Much of the VALORANT player base may already be familiar with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, but it's worth mentioning anyway. The Counter-Strike series has been around for decades, essentially putting round-based arena shooters on the map for esports. While the player base has dwindled a little following the release of VALORANT, it's still being supported by Valve.

Counter-Strike doesn't have the character-based abilities that VALORANT is known for, but a deeper economy system lets players experiment with playstyles mid-match. If that restriction is something that frustrates you with VALORANT, definitely give Counter-Strike: Global Offensive a try.

DOOM Eternal

Click to enlarge
Image via DOOM Eternal

Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC

For some, video games can be a method of switching off the brain for a while. That's not something that's possible while playing VALORANT, and this next entry to our list is no different. While only a single-player title, DOOM Eternal will require your utmost focus.

DOOM Eternal features intense weapon combat mechanics that are demonstrated beautifully in crafted levels that reward fast movement and wicked accurate aim. Combine that with a killer soundtrack, and it's a one-way ticket to put your brain in a flow state. Who knows? It might even improve your reaction time and accuracy in VALORANT, too.

Team Fortress 2

Click to enlarge
Image via Valve

Platforms: PC

For those that play VALORANT but would prefer a more casual style of play, Team Fortress 2 is for you. It's developed by the same studio as Counter-Strike, so there's still a heavy element of competitive play. There are also different characters that each play roles within a team, so you'll need to work together to achieve victories. While it's several years old at this point, Team Fortress 2 still holds up as a super popular game in 2022.

Knockout City

Knockout City
Click to enlarge
Image via EA

Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC

This one is a little left-field, but it's an underrated gem that certainly deserves more attention. Knockout City is a competitive arena shooter, but instead of firing weapons, you're firing dodgeballs. It's a game that's incredibly easy to pick up, but also tricky to master. There's a super high skill ceiling in Knockout City, which is something that any VALORANT player will absolutely love.

Halo Infinite

Click to enlarge
Image via 343 Industries

Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Halo Infinite certainly has its downfalls, a lack of regular seasonal content being one. However, the core gameplay mechanics of this shooter are second to none, encapsulating the arena fun of the classic Halo games gone by.

Sure, this is definitely a game that's made better when playing with friends, and don't expect to have new content added to the game regularly. However, if it's some good old-fashioned arcade fun that you're after, you really can't go wrong with Halo Infinite. In addition, multiplayer is free to play!

Apex Legends

Click to enlarge
Image via Respawn Entertainment

Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC

VALORANT isn't a Battle Royale game by any means, but players might still get a kick out of playing Apex Legends. This excellent title from Respawn Entertainment features a similar stunning character design to VALORANT, letting you choose a set of abilities that suit your playstyle. On top of that, the shooting mechanics are essentially ported over from Titanfall 2, another impeccable shooter from the studio.

If Battle Royale really isn't your thing, there's also an arena-style mode that brings the action to a smaller scale. Some VALORANT players may feel much more at home in these smaller arenas, so Apex Legends is definitely worth checking out if you're curious.

Overwatch 2

Click to enlarge
Image via Blizzard

Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, PC

Last up, you can't play VALORANT without having at least tried Overwatch at some point in your life. The comparisons between Overwatch and VALORANT are endless - there's the art style, competitive modes of play, and exaggerated character designs.

While Overwatch has been out for a long while, now is the perfect time to jump back in. With Overwatch 2 just launching, and the multiplayer going free to play, the player base is gearing up for a huge refresh. Characters have been reworked, and new maps and modes are looking to keep the game fresh. Even if you tried Overwatch in the past and weren't a fan, it's certainly worth giving Overwatch 2 a try to see if it can win you over once more.

For more VALORANT guides, keep reading GGRecon.

Josh is the Guides Editor at GGRecon. He has previously written for GameByte and FragHero, and loves to play the medic role in team shooters. When not gaming, he can be found putting in the miles on his road bike.

Trending
VALORANT Purchase History: How To View
VALORANT 6.02 Patch Notes: All Gameplay, Map, & Agent Changes
When Is TDM Coming To VALORANT?
VALORANT Update Keeps Pausing: How to Fix
Is Lotus In Competitive VALORANT?