ECONOMY GUIDE
Understanding Valorant's economy system is the difference between winning and losing. Learn when to buy, when to save, and how to manage your credits for maximum impact every round.
ROUND CREDIT REWARDS
LOSS STREAK BONUS
Losing consecutive rounds increases your reward: 1st loss = 1,900cr, 2nd consecutive loss = 2,400cr, 3rd+ consecutive loss = 2,900cr. This bonus resets after winning a round. The system ensures teams can eventually afford a full buy even after multiple losses.
ROUND TYPES
FULL BUY
Budget: 3900+ creditsBuy your preferred rifle (Vandal/Phantom), full armor (Heavy Shields 1000cr), and all abilities. This is your strongest possible loadout.
FORCE BUY
Budget: 2000–3900 creditsWhen you can't full buy but need to win this round. Buy a Spectre or cheaper rifle, light shields, and essential abilities only.
ECO ROUND
Budget: 0–2000 creditsSave your credits for next round's full buy. Buy nothing or only a Classic/Sheriff. Play for picks and orb control, don't force fights.
BONUS ROUND
Budget: After Win creditsAfter winning a buy round, you keep your weapons. Save credits and only buy shields and abilities you used. Build up bank for future rounds.
WEAPON TIERS BY BUDGET
Vandal
2,900One-tap headshot at any range
Phantom
2,900Higher fire rate, silenced, no tracers
Operator
4,700One-shot body kill. The ultimate angle holder.
Spectre
1,600Best SMG. Strong in close-mid range force buys.
Outlaw
2,400Budget sniper with double-shot burst
Guardian
2,250Semi-auto rifle. Great for long-range force buys.
Bulldog
2,050Budget rifle with burst fire ADS
Marshal
950Eco sniper. One-shot headkill at any range.
Sheriff
800Eco pistol. One-tap headshot at close-mid range.
Ghost
500Accurate silenced pistol for pistol rounds
Classic
0Free. Right-click burst is strong up close.
Shorty
300Pocket shotgun for tight corners
ARMOR BREAKDOWN
LIGHT SHIELDS
400 Credits / 25 HPAdds 25 shield HP. Reduces incoming damage by 66%. Best for eco/force rounds when you can't afford heavy shields. Total effective HP: 125 + damage reduction.
HEAVY SHIELDS
1000 Credits / 50 HPAdds 50 shield HP. Reduces incoming damage by 66%. Essential for full buy rounds. The difference between surviving a Vandal bodyshot and dying. Total effective HP: 150 + damage reduction.
ECONOMY TIPS
If your team can't all full buy, everyone should eco together. Mismatched buys waste credits.
Track your team's economy using Tab. Call out if you need to save or can force.
Always plant the spike, even in lost rounds. 300 credits per teammate adds up fast.
Save your weapon if the round is clearly lost and you have an expensive gun. Dying costs more than saving.
First pistol round: buy abilities + Light Shields, or go Ghost + abilities. Never buy heavy shields.
After losing pistol, you'll have 1900cr. Decide as a team: full eco or force buy with Spectres.
The maximum credit cap is 9000. If you're near the cap, buy for teammates who need weapons.
Loss bonus resets after a win. Losing the first round after a win streak is expensive.
QUICK REFERENCE
| Scenario | Credits Available | Recommendation | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Won Pistol Round | 3800–4200 | FULL BUY | Spectre + Heavy Shields + Full Abilities |
| Lost Pistol Round | 1900–2200 | FULL ECO | Save everything. Maybe grab a Sheriff. |
| 2nd Round After Eco | 3900–4500 | FULL BUY | Vandal/Phantom + Heavy Shields + Abilities |
| Close Game (9-9+) | Varies | FORCE BUY | Buy whatever you can. Every round matters. |
| Bonus After Win | 1500–3000 | LIGHT BUY | Keep weapons, buy shields + abilities |
| 3+ Loss Streak | 4800+ | FULL BUY | Loss bonus gives enough for full loadout |
EXPLORE ALL WEAPONS
View detailed stats, damage ranges, and compare weapons side-by-side to make the best purchasing decisions.