Is the Spectre good in Valorant? Damage stats, tactics, how to use
Riot Games / DexertoIf you prefer to take your gunfights from a closer range, Valorant’s Spectre is one of the best weapons you can grab. We’ve broken down the SMG so you can get the edge in your next match.
From snipers to shotguns, all 17 weapons in Valorant offer a wide array of gameplay opportunities, allowing you to play to your strengths in each round.
If you have a tendency to play aggressively, flank constantly, or you’re just looking to half-buy, the Spectre is a fantastic option. Here’s every little detail about the powerful SMG, so that you can master it in no time.
Contents
- What is the Spectre in Valorant?
- Is the Spectre a good gun in Valorant?
- Spectre damage stats
- How to use the Spectre
What is the Spectre?
The Spectre is one of two SMG-type weapons in Valorant. Priced at 1,600 Creds, the Spectre offers a fast-firing, fully-automatic gun that is 1,300 creds cheaper than the two fully-automatic rifles in Valorant.
Designed for rapid sprays at a close range, the Spectre won’t be getting you cross-map eliminations anytime soon. But, if you’re able to flank around an enemy and get the first shots in, one spray from this SMG will likely close out the fight.
Is the Spectre a good gun in Valorant?
The Spectre won’t be instantly ‘dinking’ enemies, though a close-range burst could see some rapid eliminations. Each shot from up close will deal 78 damage to the head. With a fire rate of 13.33 rounds per second (when you’re not aiming down sight) and 30 rounds in a magazine, one quick spray to the dome can easily wipe out your opposition.
All these stats — plus the fact it has an ADS option with increased zoom but lower fire rate — makes the Spectre a very effective eco buy at 1,600 Creds. While its ability to gun down enemies at range has been hampered as of Valorant Episode 4, it’s a bullet hose up close that’s almost unrivalled in the game.
Spectre damage stats
- Magazine capacity: 30
- Wall Penetration: Medium
- Fire rate: 13.33 rounds/sec
| Location | Damage at 0-20m | Damage at 20-50m |
| Head | 78 | 66 |
| Torso | 26 | 22 |
| Legs | 22 | 18 |
Spray pattern
The Spectre has a rather unique spray pattern in Valorant. After the first handful of bullets, your reticle will be sent upwards rather dramatically. About 10 bullets into a spray and you’ll reach the maximum height of the recoil. However, the spray pattern doesn’t end here.
Your weapon will dip slightly to the right for a bullet or two, then snap sharply to the left. Continuing to fire here will see the Spectre alternating from left to right at intervals that can be near impossible to nail down. At times the Spectre will stick to the left for half a second before returning. Other times it can veer left and almost instantly return back to the right.
One of the best ways to help control your spread is to simply lower your reticle mid-burst. Aiming for the head initially, then lowering to the mid-torso will see your bullets continue to deal maximum headshot damage throughout the spray.
How to use the Spectre in Valorant
When to buy the Spectre
At only 1,600 Creds, the Spectre is a reasonably affordable weapon. One that can be purchased until your economy is comfortable enough to support full-buy rounds with Rifles and Snipers aplenty.
If you’re looking for an eco-round, you’re still going to want a cheaper option most of the time. If you’re able to half-buy though, the Spectre is a fantastic choice. It makes a great second-round pickup if you’re looking to capitalise on a pistol-round win.
For Attacking teams, it allows you to get up close and catch enemies by surprise. For Defending teams, it can be a great way to find a few picks and stunt momentum without needing to dole out for a Vandal or Phantom.
Spectre tactics
While the Spectre is a well-rounded weapon in all manner of scenarios, it can be best utilized by aggressive Agents. If you’re flanking as Phoenix or Reyna, you’re going to want a weapon that can quickly spray down a few targets.
Really, the Spectre is really useful in holding tight areas — say Garage on Haven — where you need to spray a ton of bullets very quickly to mow down unsuspecting enemies. It doesn’t require perfect accuracy, just good enough to hit your enemies up close.
The main thing to remember when using the Spectre is that it’s not a Rifle. While you can spray transfer to multiple targets, and occasionally find miracle picks from afar, it’s best used up close. Getting the jump on enemies could see them wiped out before they’re even able to turn and react.
Because it’s silenced too, you can be slightly sneaky with it. It’s not perfectly silent, but getting a kill, changing your position quietly, and then assassinating another enemy is a sure-fire way to make big impact with the Spectre. Play fast and strike hard, but also play with stealth.
