The Outlaw: Transforming Eco Rounds in VALORANT
The competitive landscape of VALORANT is under siege as the arrival of a fearsome new weapon has the potential to reshape the way the game is played during economy rounds. Known as “The Outlaw,” the weapon has been met with intrigue and skepticism by pro players and fans alike, as it packs enough punch to turn eco-round tide in their favor. In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of this game-changing rifle and find out what exactly has the world of VALORANT buzzing.
A Shorty with a Sniper Scope
Unveiled at the start of Episode Eight with Patch 8.0, The Outlaw has quickly been dubbed “a Shorty with a sniper scope” and revolutionized the gameplay of save rounds in VALORANT. The rifle fires two slugs in quick succession, boasting zero recoil between the shots. The real kicker, however, is the damage it can deal – 140 on body shots, resulting in an instant kill against enemies with half armor.
Traditionally, half armor has remained a staple for eco buys, offering moderate protection from weapons such as the Marshal or various SMGs. Yet, The Outlaw shatters this notion, as only one shot is necessary to overcome half armor. Even the game’s top players would be hard-pressed to miss a body shot with two attempts on their hands.
A Death Sentence for Eco Rounds?
Fnatic’s Timofey “Chronicle” Khromov, a renowned VCT winner, was quick to label The Outlaw “broken” on its introduction to pro players. With “the death of eco rounds” on the horizon, he believes the weapon will dramatically decrease the chance of losing an anti-eco round with just one or two Outlaws at the ready.
Chronicle isn’t alone in this sentiment. Other pros like the Sentinels’ Zachary “zekken” Patrone, Tyson “TenZ” Ngo, and Mouhamed “johnqt” Ouarid also believe The Outlaw will wield a significant impact, particularly when tackling eco situations.
Altering Tactics Across the Board
From ranked to esports stages, The Outlaw is doubtlessly going to influence gameplay. At a 2,400 credit cost, it’s likely to minimize half-buy rounds while increasing its value during mandatory light armor buys, especially when held at long angles.
As the meta surrounding light armor potentially declines, will strategies also adapt? It’s natural to anticipate changes in tactics, given the weapon’s unparalleled ability in eco rounds. Moreover, will Riot Games step in to make necessary balancing adjustments for the sake of fair play?
The Outlaw’s Role in VALORANT – A Personal Take
As a game journalist and avid VALORANT player, The Outlaw has captured my attention. Although the weapon’s power and impact on eco rounds cannot be denied, I can’t help but wonder if such a game-changing addition will ultimately tip the balance.
While sufficient time will tell whether The Outlaw is due for modification, the notoriety it holds amongst the pros is certainly thought-provoking. It is an exciting time to be involved in the world of VALORANT, as The Outlaw ushers in new strategies and gameplay dynamics that could irrevocably alter how we approach the game.
