5 reasons why Valorant is worth playing in 2025 (and 5 reasons why not)

Valorant is now in its fifth year of operation. The game has undergone a number of improvements and has had several new features added since its launch to retain its popularity. However, now that 2025 is upon us, many have been wondering if playing Valorant is still worth it.

This article will highlight five reasons why Valorant is worth playing in 2025 along with five why it's not.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer’s opinions.

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Five reasons to keep playing Valorant in 2025

1) Accessibility to Esports

Accessibility to Esports (Image via Riot Games)

Esports is now accessible to everyone thanks to Valorant's Premier mode. With this option, you and your teammates can compete at a higher level. The top teams from all regions have an opportunity to earn a spot in the Challengers Pro League, which could be the start of an esports professional career.

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2) Balanced Gameplay

Balanced Gameplay (Image via Riot Games)

To a great degree, Riot Games has mastered maintaining the balance between gunplay and utility in Valorant. There is an even playing field since all players have access to the same weapons and can use the one that fits their playstyle. Moreover, compared to other first-person shooter games like Counter-Strike 2, the weapons are simpler to learn, as numerous game modes can help hone one's skill.

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3) Regular updates and interesting lore

Regular updates and bug fixes (Image via Riot Games)

Riot Games frequently adds new content, maps, and fun game modes to Valorant. They also fix bugs and balance Agents regularly through patch releases. Additionally, every new season is accompanied by an intriguing cinematic that delves into several characters and their lore. The overarching plot associated with Valorant is quite interesting and a major reason to keep playing the game.

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4) Great weapon cosmetics

Great weapon cosmetics (Image via Riot Games)

Even though the weapon skins provide no in-game advantages, they definitely motivate players to spend more time in the game. Riot Games is precise in its attention to detail and consistently elevates the experience with stunning new skins. A vast variety of cosmetics are available, ranging from realistic to fantasy-themed styles.

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5) Growing VCT Esports Scene

Growing VCT Esports Scene (Image via Riot Games)

The thrilling matchups between the best teams from around the globe have allowed the Valorant Champions Tour to expand rapidly. Given how the results are always close, every match provides an exciting and engaging experience. Additionally, the VCT provides a large platform for emerging players to display their skills and become well-known within the community.

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Five reasons not to continue with Valorant in 2025

1) Increased in-game Toxicity

Increased in-game Toxicity (Image via Riot Games)

A fairly high number of players have abandoned Valorant because of its toxic community. Posts about gamers quitting this game due to toxicity can be found on social media platforms like X and Reddit with a simple search. It only takes one bad encounter, whether it's from trolls or unsupportive teammates, to make any game intolerable.

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2) Expensive Cosmetics

Expensive Cosmetics (Image via Riot Games)

The in-game weapon cosmetics in the game are rather pricey. Despite offering an extensive choice of themes, the skin bundles can occasionally be extremely expensive to purchase. Although there are less expensive options, such as Battlepass skins and weapon skins from lower tiers, they aren't attractive due to their lack of distinctive features and animation.

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3) Repetitive Gameplay

Repetitive Gameplay (Image via Riot Games)

Despite Valorant having eight different game modes, the title has been accused of being repetitive. It's easy to feel like you've seen all Valorant has to offer after playing a handful of matches on any game mode. Similarly, characters can feel monotonous, as their skills appear to be comparable to others on the roster. You will eventually become weary of the same gameplay loop and start looking for other ways to have fun.

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4)Increasing number of Smurfs

Increasing number of Smurfs (Image via Riot Games)

There are a lot more Smurfs in the game now than there were a few years ago. In the context of gaming, "smurfing" refers to a high-ranked player taking advantage of the matchmaking system in the game by using several low-ranked accounts. For people who simply want to play and enjoy themselves, it is a toxic act that spoils the experience.

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5) Takes up a lot of your time

Takes up a lot of your time (Image via Riot Games)

The popularity of Valorant may appeal to casual gamers looking for a fresh first-person multiplayer game. But when new players discover how time-consuming a match can be, things can quickly get out of hand. Competitive and Unrated matches might last anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the game mode.

The idea that you have to stay in a match this long before you can leave is tiresome. Even worse is the possibility of being banned for quitting a game early. So, make sure you have some time on your hands before jumping into Valorant.

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Read more about Valorant on Sportskeeda.