Valorant Valiant Hero Skin Review Ratings, Key Points, Analysis And Impression

Valorant never ceases to amaze its player base with an array of captivating skin collections. The latest addition to this ever-expanding treasure trove is the Valiant Hero skin collection, which made its debut with the commencement of Episode 7 Act 3 on August 31, 2023. 

Drawing inspiration from the legendary Monkey King of Chinese mythology, this collection arrived with much anticipation, and the trailers that preceded it only served to amplify the excitement.

As players delved into the Valiant Hero skins, initial impressions varied. Some found them to be serviceable, while others were left wanting more. In a game that has continually pushed the envelope over its three-year existence, this collection may be seen as a mixed bag. Let’s dissect it further.

The Arsenal: Usability and Utility

Valorant’s Valiant Hero skin collection extends its regal touch to some of the most frequently wielded weapons in the game, including the Vandal, Operator, Ares, and Ghost. These are the go-to choices for players, heavily influenced by their individual preferences and economic considerations. This fact alone makes the Valiant Hero collection a practical choice for those who value both style and function.

One standout feature of this collection is the Ruyi Staff, a compelling innovation in Valorant’s melee weaponry. Amid a sea of knives, daggers, karambits, swords, axes, and claws, the Ruyi Staff introduces a breath of fresh air to Valorant’s melee animations. It makes the act of dispatching foes from the shadows a more engaging and satisfying experience.

The Ruyi Staff takes center stage as the hero of this collection, forming the central element for all four weapon skins. This clever design choice sets these skins apart from the numerous others inspired by myths from across Asia. However, it’s in the finer details that the Valiant Hero collection leaves room for critique.

The Ambivalent Artistry: Animations and Soundscapes

One of the most intriguing aspects of premium Valorant skins lies in their animations and sound effects. The Valiant Hero collection certainly delivers on this front to a significant extent, but it’s not without its shortcomings. The skin variants aim to depict different times of day, with the finisher boasting remarkable use of space and lighting, paying homage to the Monkey King.

Sound effects are laced with deep, bass-boosted resonance, a hallmark of Valorant’s premium offerings. While these aspects largely contribute to the appeal of the collection, it’s the inconsistencies that raise eyebrows. Notably, the disparity in reload animations between the Ghost and Vandal skins stands out.

In the Ghost’s reload animation, the nozzle undergoes a full in-and-out movement, indicating the completion of the process. However, in Vandal’s case, the rifle simply begins to glow, omitting the same level of detail. This inconsistency may be seen as an oversight on the part of the design team, particularly when Valorant has previously demonstrated a more comprehensive approach to skin animations.

The Verdict: A Balance of Utility and Aesthetic Appeal

In the grand tapestry of Valorant’s premium skin collections, the Valiant Hero collection stands as a balanced offering. It encompasses the everyday weapons that players frequently wield, ensuring that utility and aesthetics coexist harmoniously. The Ruyi Staff introduces an innovative twist to the melee weapon category, making the act of close combat more engaging.

However, it’s the uneven attention to detail that leaves some players yearning for more. Valorant has previously set the bar high with collections like the Radiant Entertainment System and Neo Frontier in past Acts, and the Valiant Hero feels just short of realizing its full potential.

The Pricing and Availability

Valorant’s Valiant Hero skin collection resides in the Premium tier of skins, with a price tag of 7,100 Valorant Points (VP) for the entire bundle or 1,775 VP for each weapon skin. The Ruyi Staff, a prominent inclusion in the collection, is available for 4,350 VP. Players and collectors have the opportunity to acquire these skins in the in-game shop from October 31 until November 14, 2023.

In the grand scheme of Valorant’s ever-expanding repertoire of skins, the Valiant Hero collection strikes a balance between practicality and style. Whether it becomes a cherished addition to the armory of Valorant players remains a matter of personal preference. 

It is undoubtedly an option worth considering for those who appreciate the blend of utility and aesthetic appeal, but it may leave some yearning for a more comprehensive and polished experience.

In the dynamic world of Valorant, where innovation and creativity are the norm, the Valiant Hero skin collection brings with it a touch of myth and magic, whether you see it as a mythological marvel or a missed opportunity is a matter of perspective.