Valorant, Riot Games’ tactical first-person shooter, has quickly become a popular title in the competitive gaming scene. With its blend of strategy, precision, and unique agent abilities, it offers an exciting challenge for players. While the game is primarily designed for keyboard and mouse, more and more players are opting to use controllers for a different experience. In this article, we’ll discuss the best controllers for Valorant, exploring features, performance, and why they might suit your gaming style.
Why use a controller for Valorant?
While Valorant is traditionally played with a keyboard and mouse, some players prefer controllers for a variety of reasons:
Comfort: Controllers offer a more ergonomic setup, especially for players who have experience with console gaming.
Precision: Modern controllers provide incredible precision and smooth aim, thanks to features like adjustable sensitivity and customizable thumbsticks.
Familiarity: If you’ve played shooters on consoles, using a controller in Valorant might feel more intuitive.
Increased Control: Certain controllers provide more customizable buttons, paddles, and triggers that can enhance gameplay.
However, it’s important to remember that using a controller might not give you the same precision in aiming as a mouse, which is why many pro players still prefer the latter. That being said, there are controllers that offer great advantages, and for some players, they can level the playing field.
Here are some of the top-rated controllers that can elevate your Valorant experience.
Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller
The Xbox Elite Series 2 is a standout option for players looking for a high-performance controller. Its premium build quality, along with adjustable tension thumbsticks and interchangeable paddles, allows for personalized gameplay.
Key Features:
Adjustable thumbsticks for precise aiming.
Hair trigger locks for faster shooting.
Remappable paddles for additional control options.
Long-lasting battery life (up to 40 hours).
Why it’s good for Valorant: The Elite Series 2 offers excellent customization options, allowing players to tailor the controller’s performance to their preferences. Whether you’re looking for faster response times or more precise aiming, this controller has you covered.
PlayStation dualSense wireless controller
For players who prefer the PlayStation ecosystem, the DualSense Wireless Controller for PS5 is an excellent choice. This controller combines responsive triggers with tactile feedback, which can enhance your experience in tactical shooters like Valorant.
Adaptive triggers for varying resistance, simulating in-game actions (e.g., pulling a gun’s trigger).
Haptic feedback for immersive gameplay.
A built-in microphone for communication.
High-quality grip for extended play sessions.
Why it’s good for Valorant: The DualSense is known for its comfort and innovative features. The adaptive triggers give you a tactile feel when interacting with the game, and the improved ergonomics help reduce fatigue during long gaming sessions.
The Razer Wolverine V2 is a controller designed specifically with competitive gamers in mind. It’s lightweight, durable, and provides ultra-responsive buttons, making it a fantastic option for games like Valorant.
Key Features:
Mecha-tactile action buttons for faster response times.
Razer Chroma RGB lighting for customization.
Extra programmable buttons for more control.
Ergonomic design for comfort during intense gaming sessions.
Why it’s good for Valorant: The Wolverine V2 offers incredible responsiveness with Razer’s mechanical switches, ensuring that every action you take is instantly reflected in the game. Its customizable buttons give you more control over your character and abilities, which can be crucial for tactical shooters.
Best for customizability and performance
Scuf controllers are widely regarded in the competitive gaming scene for their high level of customization. The Scuf Vantage 2 allows players to adjust the controller’s thumbsticks, triggers, and even add paddles to enhance gameplay.
Adjustable thumbsticks for customized control.
Paddle control for added button functionality.
Adjustable trigger stops for fast shooting.
A variety of colors and design options.
Why it’s good for Valorant: The Scuf Vantage 2 excels in its customizability. Its paddle layout is especially useful for players looking to map additional actions or abilities without taking their thumbs off the sticks. This can provide a significant advantage in fast-paced gameplay.
Best for elite gamers and streamers
The Astro C40 TR is a high-end controller with a modular design, allowing for maximum customization. The controller’s advanced features make it suitable for gamers who want every edge they can get in competitive shooters like Valorant.
Modular design with swappable parts.
Customizable thumbstick height and layout.
Trigger stops for faster reactions.
High-quality audio support for communication.
Why it’s good for Valorant: The Astro C40 TR is one of the most customizable controllers on the market. Its modular system lets you fine-tune the controller to suit your playstyle, and the additional audio features make it ideal for communicating with your team in tactical games like Valorant.
While using a controller in Valorant may not be the most traditional approach, many players find it offers a unique and comfortable experience. Whether you’re a PlayStation player switching to PC or a competitive gamer looking for more control, the Xbox Elite Series 2, PlayStation DualSense, Razer Wolverine V2, Scuf Vantage 2, and Astro C40 TR are among the best options available. Each offers distinct advantages, from customizable paddles and triggers to superior ergonomics and responsiveness. Experimenting with different controllers can help you find the one that perfectly suits your playstyle and gives you an edge in the competitive world of Valorant.