Valorant: The Best Phantom Skins

With the 9.04 update coming to the competitive FPS Valorant, the hype has been growing for Sentinel players: Vyse, a new agent capable of using metalmancy and forging walls, roses and vines has been added to the game, and can be acquired for free as the player evolves their battle pass and gains experience. With the addition of a new defensive character, the classic dilemma between the game's main assault rifles returns: Vandal or Phantom? Here in this article, we will discuss which are the favorite Phantom skins by players to date, whether for the subtlety of details, synchronization with the gameplay or style!

This year, Play Valorant made available an informative page of data on the statistical differences between these two weapons, even knowing the big argument in favor of the Vandal: The Vandal kills an opponent with just one shot to the head, even if they’re wearing a heavy vest; the Phantom can deal 140 damage, which is not enough and can result in a loss in combat. However, here is the data, which brings more objectivity to the discussion:

The graph above shows the percentage of kills obtained by each weapon compared to the distance the shooter was from the opponent when using the rifle. As we can see, between 5 meters and 20 meters, the Phantom has the advantage over the Vandal; however, the Vandal establishes a smaller advantage at longer distances, and its curve is more consistent. Several factors can be discussed here: the Phantom's spray is more stable, and this shooting technique is more used in close combat, so a player who shoots at close range has an easier time with this weapon. This may not be the same in all elos, as the act of "panic spraying" is very common, where the player panics upon seeing the enemy and shoots without stopping, something that is not common in higher elos, and that is why the Vandal is also effective in close range.

Here, we illustrate who usually wins a match up between Vandal and Phantom, depending on the distance and elo. It’s clear that in lower elo and at shorter distances, the Phantom is objectively the better weapon; while in higher elo and also at longer distances, the Vandal takes the victory without a doubt.

In short, both weapons are super viable in most situations, and it’s up to the player to define which one best aligns with their gameplay and shooting skills.

This one needs to be the first to be mentioned, simply because of the current situation: available for purchase in your pack or individually, Champions 2024 Phantom is the commemorative skin for this year's competitive events. With the game's first interactive finisher, if the player finishes the last kill of the round with the weapon, asteroids appear on the screen while the Superpower theme plays, and the player can shoot them. It's definitely one of the best releases of the year, it feels good when shooting, and it's exclusive only to the current days, making it almost impossible to acquire later.

The first collection with a more delicate and feminine focus, using a pastel pink palette, the Mystbloom Phantom came with a full line with Operator, Judge, Sheriff and a drop-dead gorgeous kunai as a melee weapon. The weapon's theme is focused on pink petals, with numerous references to cherry trees; its finisher summons a large lotus flower on the ground, and it has variants with chromas of other colors: blue, orange and purple. Currently, it can only be obtained through the daily shop.

Another weapon with an eastern theme, this one particularly appealing due to the subtlety of its particles and gunshot sound effects, the Oni Phantom is considered by many players to be the best Phantom skin in the game. In its finisher, the eliminated agent is trapped with an oni mask in a spiritual world with chains and katanas, while drums play in the background. It also has three color variants, Gold, Silver and Mixed.

The Nocturnum Phantom is the latest release in a bundle also currently in the store with Vyse, which includes the first melee weapon in the game, which is a Scythe. With a theme of ancient Gods, mysticism and crows, the line is highly recommended for those who like this Goth and Coven theme, already known by players of Riot's MOBA.

In its finisher, a red ritualistic circle appears on the ground, from which an ancient God with a wooden mask and glowing eyes appears on the map; it definitely shows how the animations have evolved as the game progressed and have become increasingly stunning.

Released in 2023, and with a more polished and minimalist design for the player, Recon Phantom is also one of the most loved skins by the community. A unique mechanic was also added to the weapon: with each purchase, the agent adds a new accessory to the weapon, such as a Flash Light, a laser sight, which obviously does not improve the aim itself, but is aesthetically pleasing and creates a random effect where each Recon Phantom looks different in each match. Currently, it can only be obtained through the daily store.

There are several options available, especially with two of the most beautiful ones, which are the most recent, and can be purchased individually or with their respective packages in the current in-game store. It’s also always an option to wait for the desired skin. However, you never know if it will appear in your store tomorrow, or only in 6 months; in any case, both options are valid, and having a beautiful skin is always a great incentive to enjoy the gameplay and express yourself as a player.