Just like the name suggests, the new game mode in Valorant is really a Rush through the game with some added power-ups for flavor.
Unranked and ranked were already part of the closed beta but now fans get something completely different (sorta) - Spike Rush. Since ranked won't be in Valorant for a few weeks, players will be able to explore the brand-new game mode. Spike Rush came out with the official release of the game today. It is not only a nice change between the longer-lasting modes but can also be used as practice in some ways. This is how Spike Rush works.
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VALORANT is almost here! Here are a few highlights from Patch Notes 1.0. Read all about it here: https://t.co/0uC2MoG3B8 pic.twitter.com/BB3FUceGLh
— VALORANT (@PlayVALORANT) June 1, 2020
Spike Rush Guide
Spike Rush works similarly to the classic Valorant game modes that we've already seen. Ten players enter a lobby and play in a five versus five match. The two groups are divided into attackers and defenders on one of the maps. Since Ascent just came out, it'll be the preferred map so don't get too surprised if you end up playing a lot on it. Back to Spike Rush. What differs the mode is that each of the attackers spawns with a spike. There is no reason to be frugal because every player gets the same weapons at the beginning of each round and all basic abilities of the agents are free - that's why there is a 25 seconds "barrier phase" at the beginning of each round instead of the usual "buy phase". A round lasts a maximum of 1 minute and 20 seconds and a whole game takes somewhere between 8-15 minutes. That's less than half the length of a normal match in Valorant which could often take over 40 minutes.
Here's a full round from the brand new Spike Rush game mode in #VALORANT.- All Attacking players spawn with a Spike- Everyone has the same weapon each round- Orbs are scattered across the map with unique buffs- First to four round wins pic.twitter.com/ywoHh4bJz5
— Valorant News (@ValorantUpdates) June 2, 2020
There are also power-ups/orbs on the map that spawn randomly each round and, when picked up, give various boosts: more damage, more speed, etc. Then there are also curses that can weaken the enemy team. The Crippling Decay Orb, for example, ensures that the enemy's health drops for a short time. To use the orbs/power-ups, you have to find them on the map and interact with them for a while. During that time you can easily be picked off as the pace of the game here is much faster.
- READ MORE: Valorant Weapon Guide - Part 1: Spectre
While many players were asking for a practice mode like deathmatch, Riot Games decided to deliver something different - a quick fun mode. We're mainly concerned about the same weapon part, as certain agents will often benefit greatly from the RNG. Dread not as a deathmatch mode might still be on the way, just not yet. If you can't get enough of Valorant, you can find all the news and tips you need on EarlyGame.
