Shields & Melee

Understand the importance of shields (Light and Heavy) for defense in Valorant, and the situational use of your melee weapon.

Shields are a crucial defensive item, and your melee weapon is always available.

• Light Shields (400 Credits): Adds 25 armor, increasing your effective health to 125.
• Heavy Shields (1000 Credits): Adds 50 armor, increasing your effective health to 150. Always prioritize heavy shields if you can afford them.
• Melee (Knife): Your default close-quarters weapon. Deals low damage with primary fire, but a one-shot kill to the back with alt-fire. Primarily used for breaking utility or for a quick, silent kill if an enemy is unaware.

Shields are often the difference between winning and losing a gunfight. Never go into a round without shields if your economy allows.