Valorant: This is the spike - all info for beginners

In the fast matches of Valorant, a lot revolves around the spike. You may already know the principle behind it from other shooters. We explain everything you need to know about the spike in the Riot game.

Lay spike vs. disarm spike: In Valorant, attackers and defenders are clearly defined.

Shooters are not exclusively about firing at the enemy. The spike in Valorant means an additional facet.

Valorant: This is the role of the spike

The spike resembles the bomb that is the focus in CS: GO. This is also evident in the game:

• In Valorant matches, the two teams are divided into attackers and defenders. These roles change approximately halfway through the maximum number of rounds.
• The attackers must place the spike in one of the designated spots before the round time runs out. On some maps there are two spots for this (A and B), on others a third spot is added (C).
• The defenders try to prevent the placement of the spike. If this does not succeed, the defenders must then try to defuse the spike before it explodes.
• If the spike is defused, the defender team automatically wins the round. Explodes the spike, the attackers win.
• However, the spike does not necessarily have to play a role. If a team eliminates all opposing players before the spike is planted, that team wins - regardless of role. However, keep in mind that the spike can also be tactically valuable: By planting it, the pressure on the defenders increases massively, as they are now playing against the clock.

This creates a whole new dynamic and the action shifts towards the spike. In turn, the attackers can take advantage of this, for example to set an ambush.Valorant allows for very different tactical variations because of this element; taking advantage of these becomes more and more important as you get better at the game.