Selecting the right assault rifle is the first challenge new players face when entering the game. There aren't many types of assault rifles in the game, but each has very distinct characteristics. Choosing the right one can make battles much easier. The selection of an assault rifle in the game should be based on your own operational skills and the map's characteristics, as different rifles are suitable for different combat scenarios. Below is a detailed guide on how to choose.

The game features two main assault rifles: Phantom and Vandal. Phantom has a fast firing rate, capable of firing 11 rounds per second, with a relatively straight trajectory. It has minimal recoil when firing continuously, making it easy to control. It comes with a silencer, so no red dot will appear on the mini-map when shooting, making it ideal for ambushing from smoke or flanking. In close combat, the advantages of Phantom are clear; within 15 meters, a headshot deals 156 damage, enough to kill an enemy even if they are wearing heavy armor. However, its damage decreases over longer distances, requiring two shots to the head to kill an enemy beyond 30 meters.

Vandal, on the other hand, has higher damage. Regardless of the distance, a headshot always deals 160 damage, capable of killing any enemy with a single shot. However, it has significant recoil, causing the gun to jump and sway considerably during continuous fire, which requires practice to control. Vandal does not have a silencer, so enemies can see your position on the mini-map when you shoot, making it more suitable for direct confrontations or defensive positions. If you are accurate and prefer mid-to-long range engagements, Vandal would be a better choice.

Besides these two main assault rifles, you can also consider the Guardian and Bulldog. The Guardian is a semi-automatic rifle, priced at 2700 Valorant Points, and comes with a 1.5x scope, making it more precise when aiming down sights. It is suitable for players who prefer long-range precision shots. However, it has a slow firing rate and only holds 12 rounds, leaving little room for error and requiring precise aim. The Bulldog is the cheapest, costing 2050 Valorant Points, and has a three-round burst mode, making it effective in close quarters, but it suffers from severe bullet spread at longer ranges, making it more of a transitional weapon during tight economic situations.

When choosing an assault rifle, you should also consider the map. Narrow maps like "Ascent" are suitable for Phantom, while open maps like "Bind" are better for Vandal. New players are advised to start with Phantom, getting familiar with its trajectory before trying Vandal.

Ultimately, there is no best assault rifle, only the one that suits you the most. Practice extensively in training mode to find the gun that feels most comfortable, and you will perform better in battles. The key to selecting the right assault rifle in the game lies in your playstyle and operational skill. Choosing the right rifle can significantly boost your combat effectiveness.