The Ares is a powerful yet budget-friendly light machine gun (LMG) in Valorant. Known for its high fire rate, large magazine size, and ability to maintain accuracy the longer it fires, the Ares is a favored weapon among both new players and veterans. This guide explores the ins and outs of the Ares, from its cost-effectiveness to handling techniques, so you can make the most of this formidable weapon. Learn everything about the Valorant Ares with this comprehensive guide—damage, cost, recoil control, and strategies for maximum impact.
Table of Contents
Why Choose the Ares in Valorant?
In Valorant, selecting the right weapon depends on economy, strategy, and the round’s objective. Priced at 1,600 credits, the Ares is the cheaper option compared to its heavier counterpart, the Odin. This makes it ideal in rounds where a team is low on funds but needs a solid defense option to halt aggressive pushes. Its high magazine capacity and bullet penetration make the Ares particularly effective on Defender’s side, where it can control choke points and suppress advancing enemies.
The Role of the Ares in Different Game Situations
The Ares works well in early to mid-rounds when the team needs a sturdy weapon but lacks the economy for more expensive rifles. Due to its high fire rate and ample magazine, the Ares can handle multiple targets, making it ideal in crowded scenarios or in holding strategic points. For players who anticipate aggressive enemy pushes, the Ares serves as a reliable weapon to counteract and push them back.
Key Stats and Damage Output
Cost and Fire Rate
The Ares costs 1,600 credits, making it accessible in eco and force-buy rounds. Its fire rate is a standout feature, starting at 10 rounds per second and quickly ramping up to 13 rounds per second as you hold down the trigger. This unique trait encourages continuous fire, giving the Ares an edge over other weapons that suffer from increased inaccuracy during prolonged firing.
Damage Breakdown by Range and Target
The Ares maintains impressive damage at both short and medium ranges, although its effectiveness diminishes slightly beyond 30 meters.
- 0-30 Meters
- Head: 72 damage
- Body: 30 damage
- Legs: 25 damage
- 30-50 Meters
- Head: 67 damage
- Body: 28 damage
- Legs: 23 damage
These values allow the Ares to down an unshielded enemy in two headshots or a few body shots, making it effective in close-quarters combat. The drop-off at longer ranges makes it less ideal for extended battles, but in mid-range firefights, it remains a strong competitor.
Mastering Recoil Control with the Ares
One of the defining characteristics of the Ares is its recoil pattern, which requires careful control to maximize accuracy. Like most LMGs, the Ares has substantial vertical recoil. However, unlike other automatic weapons in Valorant, the Ares becomes more accurate as it is continuously fired, rewarding players who can manage its sustained fire without resetting their aim.
Using ADS and Crouching for Accuracy
Aiming down sights (ADS) with the Ares adds a slight zoom effect (1.15x) and reduces recoil, making it a viable choice for medium-range encounters. Crouching with the Ares further minimizes both vertical and horizontal recoil, enhancing accuracy. Combining ADS and crouching allows players to better control the weapon’s spread, especially in longer engagements where precision is critical.
Best Situations to Use the Ares
On Defense
The Ares shines when used to defend key areas, thanks to its high penetration and suppressive capabilities. Its rapid fire rate allows players to cover entry points effectively, creating a wall of bullets that deters enemy advances. Paired with agents like Sova or Fade who can reveal enemy positions, the Ares becomes a powerful deterrent in holding down choke points and critical areas.
Wallbanging and Suppressing Fire
Due to its high penetration, the Ares can damage enemies through walls and obstacles. This feature is particularly useful when combined with agents who can scan for enemies. Players can position themselves behind cover and use the Ares to wallbang, providing both offensive and defensive advantages.
Aggressive Pushing
While the Ares is traditionally seen as a defensive weapon, it can also be effective for aggressive plays. Its high fire rate is deadly in close-quarters combat, making it suitable for pushing alongside teammates. However, players should be cautious about overextending since the Ares is not as mobile as some other weapons, especially in close-range firefights.
Tips for Using the Ares Effectively
Perfecting Burst Control
While the Ares rewards continuous fire with increased accuracy, it’s also essential to learn how to control bursts for longer engagements. In situations where prolonged fire could expose your position or waste valuable rounds, firing in short, controlled bursts can help maintain accuracy without compromising ammo.
Positioning with the Ares
Due to its size and relatively slower movement speed while firing, players using the Ares benefit from smart positioning. It’s often advantageous to hold angles where the Ares’ high fire rate can cover a wide area, particularly at choke points or corridors. Avoid positioning in open areas where enemies can easily flank or where the Ares’ slower handling speed could become a disadvantage.
Knowing When to ADS
The Ares’ ADS feature reduces recoil and provides a minor zoom, which is useful in medium-range fights. However, in close-range combat, it’s generally better to fire from the hip, as ADS may limit your field of view and reduce your reaction time. Knowing when to ADS based on the engagement range will enhance your versatility with the Ares.
Ares vs. Odin: Which LMG to Choose?
The Ares and Odin serve different purposes, despite both being classified as light machine guns. Priced at nearly double the Ares, the Odin is a powerful option with higher damage output and a larger magazine. However, for players seeking a balanced, cost-effective LMG that excels at controlling medium-range engagements, the Ares is often the preferable choice.
Comparing Fire Rate and Damage
While the Odin starts with a higher base fire rate, the Ares’ ramping fire rate makes it competitive. The Odin is generally better for players looking to dominate long-range firefights or suppress multiple opponents. Conversely, the Ares provides better flexibility, allowing players to control medium-range engagements and conserve credits for future rounds.
Budget-Friendly Power
The Ares shines in its price-to-performance ratio, providing a high fire rate and solid damage output for minimal credits. This advantage makes it an excellent choice for eco rounds or when teammates need an affordable yet reliable weapon. When compared to the Odin, the Ares stands out as the practical choice for players prioritizing economy over heavy firepower.
Conclusion: Making the Ares Work for Your Playstyle
The Ares is more than just an affordable machine gun; it’s a versatile tool that can be tailored to various strategies and roles in Valorant. With its high fire rate, strong mid-range capabilities, and cost-efficiency, the Ares empowers players to defend strategic points effectively and support aggressive plays when necessary. Learning to control its recoil, leveraging its ADS for accuracy, and understanding the ideal situations for its use will elevate your performance and make the Ares a staple in your Valorant arsenal. Whether on defense or leading an aggressive push, mastering the Ares will make you a formidable force in the game.
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