Your Sensitivity is Set. Now What? 5 Tips to Actually Improve Your Aim in Valorant

 Found your perfect Valorant sensitivity but still struggling to win duels? Learn 5 essential tips beyond settings, including crosshair placement, movement, and firing techniques, to transform your aim.

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So, you’ve done your research. You’ve set your DPI, found a comfortable in-game sensitivity, and it feels pretty good. But when you jump into a match, you’re still losing gunfights and feeling a step behind. What gives?

The truth is, your sensitivity is just the foundation. Great aim is built on good habits and solid mechanics. If you're ready to move beyond the settings menu and start winning more duels, these five practical tips are your next step.

1. The #1 Rule: Master Crosshair Placement

This is the most critical aiming skill in Valorant, period. Crosshair placement isn't about what your crosshair looks like; it's about where you put it on the screen.

Instead of aiming at the ground while you run, force yourself to keep your crosshair at head level at all times. When you approach a corner, trace the edge where an enemy's head would appear. By doing this, you drastically reduce the distance you need to move your mouse when a target appears. You're no longer flicking wildly; you're making tiny adjustments and letting enemies walk right into your line of fire.

2. Stop Before You Shoot: The Power of Counter-Strafing

In Valorant, your bullets are incredibly inaccurate when you're moving. To land a precise shot, you have to be perfectly still. The fastest way to do this is by "counter-strafing."

It sounds technical, but it’s easy:

• If you're moving left (holding 'A'), tap the 'D' key right before you shoot.

• If you're moving right (holding 'D'), tap the 'A' key.

This action stops your momentum instantly, giving you a brief window of perfect accuracy. Mastering this mechanic is the key to winning duels when peeking out from behind a corner.

3. Know Your Firing Modes: Tap, Burst, or Spray?

Holding down the fire button isn't always the answer. Different situations call for different firing techniques.

• Tapping (Single Shots): Use this for long-range fights. It’s the most accurate way to shoot, allowing you to precisely aim for the head from a distance.

• Bursting (2-4 Shots): This is your go-to for most mid-range encounters. Firing in short, controlled bursts helps manage recoil and gives you a better chance of landing a headshot than a full spray.

• Spraying (Full Auto): Reserve this for close-quarters combat only. When an enemy is right in front of you, aim for their body or upper chest and pull your mouse down slightly to compensate for the gun's upward kick.

4. Don't Play Cold: The 10-Minute Warm-Up Routine

Jumping into a competitive match with cold hands and a slow reaction time is a recipe for disaster. A quick warm-up prepares your muscles and gets your brain into the game.

A simple and effective routine is:

1. 5 Mins in The Range: Shoot the practice bots. Focus on clean, snappy movements from one target to the next.

2. 5 Mins in Deathmatch: This puts you against unpredictable human players. Don't worry about your score; focus on practicing your crosshair placement and counter-strafing.

5. Practice with Purpose

Mindlessly playing games for hours won't automatically make you better. To see real improvement, your practice needs a goal. Instead of just playing, dedicate a session to one specific skill.

For example, play a full game of Deathmatch where your only goal is to keep your crosshair at head level. The next day, focus only on counter-strafing every corner you peek. By isolating these skills, you build strong habits that will become second nature in your ranked games.