Valorant: Shotguns guide - Bucky, Judge Valorant guide, tips
Last update: 16 April 2020
In this chapter you will learn about the the characteristics of all shotguns available in Valorant. The description of each weapon also has tips that can be useful during gameplay. In addition, each weapon has an example of its spread along with advice on how to control its recoil.
Shotguns in Valorant are characterized by a huge spread, and are generally effective at short distances. Due to the low fire rate (the exception being the Judge), sometimes you will have the opportunity to fire just one or two shots, which may decide your future in a given round. Despite these disadvantages, shotguns are capable of inflicting enormous damage if used appropriately.
Shotguns are highly situational weapons that reward players who enjoy a risky game in close contact with an opponent. Interestingly, you can shoot from shotguns accurately while moving and even jumping.
Bucky
Bucky is one of the two shotguns available in Valorant. Bucky holds 5 rounds and is an extremely effective weapon at close range - that is when most of the shrapnel from the shell hit the target.
In very close range and with the right aim, you can eliminate the opponent with just one shot. You will have to hit the body twice, provided the target has received full damage.
The image above shows an example of the Bucky's spread, one of the weapons in Valorant. The test was conducted at close range (spread is marked red) and at very close range (spread is marked blue). As you can see, Bucky has trouble with hitting the target located further away.
Interestingly, Bucky isn't useless at longer distances. If you want to use this shotgun at medium-range, switch to the alternate firing mode that concentrates the projectiles in such a way that their spread is within the crosshair. Important! Alternate mode (RMB) at very close range will deal far less damage. The alternate mode is only effective at medium range.
Judge
Judge is the second shotgun available in Valorant. Unlike the previously described Bucky shotgun, the Judge doesn't have an alternate mode, but instead fires much faster than its competitor. You could say it is almost an automatic shotgun. When it comes to damage, Judge deals less than its competitor - 34 damage with a headshot and 17 when shot in the body, assuming the shells hit an unprotected target within the effective range.
In very close range and with the right aim, you can eliminate the opponent with just one shot. You will have to hit the body twice, provided the target has received full damage.
The image above shows an example of the Judge's spread, one of the weapons in Valorant. The test was conducted from a medium distance - the closer the target, the smaller the bullet spread. Interestingly, at medium range, the spread of the shells fired from the Judge isn't all bad - you can successfully hit the target.