If you play VALORANT, you have no choice but to be part of the Phantom versus Vandal discussion. So which one reigns supreme?
Riot Games is back with another VALORANT Data Drop. The series was once known as Data Breach, but the purpose remains the same with the name change. This time, they focus on the age old VALORANT debate of the Phantom versus the Vandal.
Their data team retrieved information from over 4 million matches across all ranks, between both the unrated and competitive queues. You'll be surprised to see what victories the two weapons hold over one another, yet some statistics won't be a shock at all.
Situations where the Phantom emerges victorious versus the Vandal
Those of you who play VALORANT frequently will know most of this, but seeing the data to back it up is something else. There are some interesting VALORANT scenarios in which the Phantom rises above the Vandal.
With a higher rate of fire, it naturally will win in close-range situations where it can start spraying long before a Vandal user does. As well, a wild statistic shows that in longer-ranged fights, the Phantom wins over the Vandal if the former lands its 140 damage headshot.
You can view all of the data in the graphs above, but here are the wins the Phantom can claim versus the Vandal:
- Close-range engagements
- Multi-kills in a five second window within 15 meters and spray control
- Duels against Vandal users within 15 meters
- Gunfights after Phantom does 140 headshot damage to a Vandal user from over 15 meters
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How the Vandal stacks up against its rifle counterpart
The Vandal is clearly the superior weapon in the eyes of the overall VALORANT community. Competitive queue players and professional players all prefer it, but more pro players go for the Phantom at times. The reason for that is because it can net an elimination from any distance.
The Phantom does not damage full health and armor after 15 meters. While the Vandal does not have the same spraying capabilities, if you can just click on a head, you win. VALORANT players love their aim training and work hard for their one-taps, making the Vandal an easy favorite versus the Phantom.
Again, the graphs beautifully display the data. This time, for all of the Vandals strengths:
- Pick rate across the competitive queue and pro play
- Lethal headshots across all ranges
- Higher percentage of headshot accuracy
- Higher K/D against both light and heavy armored opponents
Phantom versus Vandal: Which weapon is better in VALORANT?
The end of the VALORANT Data Drop delivers a verdict on the Phantom versus Vandal debate. They state it is all subjective, which is absolutely correct. Each weapon gets the job done in scenarios where it excels. It is as simple as that.
There are several areas in VALORANT where a Phantom user will easily take down a Vandal user. And vice versa. The Vandal, while it can land consistent headshot eliminations, is not very forgiving if you miss. The Phantom gives much more room to adjust for a first-shot to the body or even a complete whiff.
Therefore, you should pick the one that goes with whatever playstyle you employ. Or determine what type of angles you'll hold and scenarios you'll face heading into the round. There are so many unknown factors in each VALORANT match that anything could truly happen at any time.
Stay tuned to esports.gg for more esports news and VALORANT coverage.
*All graphs courtesy of Riot Games/VALORANT
