Valorant is a free-to-play tactical first-person shooter (FPS) developed and published by Riot Games. It was officially released on June 2, 2020, after an extended closed beta period that started in April 2020. The game combines precise gunplay with unique hero abilities, creating a dynamic and strategic gaming experience. The core gameplay revolves around two teams of five players each, with one side attacking and the other defending. The attackers aim to plant a device known as the "spike," while defenders work to stop them, either by eliminating the attackers or defusing the spike if planted. Each character, or "Agent," has their own set of abilities, ranging from healing and vision manipulation to crowd control and area denial, adding an extra layer of strategy beyond just shooting. Valorant emphasizes team coordination, communication, and strategy, requiring players to make smart decisions about when to use their abilities, where to position themselves, and how to outsmart their opponents. Since its release, the game has grown rapidly in popularity, becoming a major title in the esports world and hosting tournaments such as the VCT (Valorant Champions Tour), which began in 2021. Valorant continues to offer both casual and professional players a challenging and rewarding experience.