Unlocking VALORANT Agents After Level 20: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’ve hit level 20 in VALORANT and you’re wondering how to keep expanding your agent roster? Excellent question! After reaching account level 20, the initial agent contracts that gave you freebies and a straightforward path to unlocking agents are no longer the primary method. The main ways to unlock agents after level 20 are through Kingdom Credits earned by playing the game, purchasing them outright with VALORANT Points (VP), or leveraging Agent Recruitment Events. Let’s dive into each of these methods in detail, so you can continue building your dream team.
The Three Pillars of Agent Acquisition: Kingdom Credits, VP, and Recruitment Events
Unlocking new agents is crucial for expanding your strategic options and mastering different playstyles in VALORANT. Understanding the intricacies of each unlocking method is key to efficient agent acquisition.
Harnessing the Power of Kingdom Credits
Kingdom Credits are VALORANT’s freely-earned currency, obtainable simply by playing the game. You earn them by completing matches and completing Daily Missions. Accumulating enough Kingdom Credits is a primary pathway to unlock agents after level 20.
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Earning Kingdom Credits: Play, play, play! The more you engage with VALORANT, the faster you’ll earn Kingdom Credits. Daily Missions offer a substantial boost, so prioritize completing those whenever possible. Remember that playing various game modes will help you get this done as efficiently as possible.
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Cost of Agents: Each agent unlock costs 8,000 Kingdom Credits. This means consistent gameplay and diligent completion of missions is crucial to build up your pool of credits.
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The Patience Game: Unlocking agents solely through Kingdom Credits requires patience and dedication. Treat it as a long-term goal and enjoy the game along the way!
Leveraging VALORANT Points (VP) for Instant Access
For players who prefer immediate results, purchasing agents with VALORANT Points (VP) is the quickest solution. VP is VALORANT’s premium currency, acquired through real-money purchases.
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Buying Agents with VP: When an agent is first released, they have a period where you can purchase the agent. You can also purchase Agent Gear.
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The Cost Factor: Purchasing agents with VP offers immediate access but involves a financial investment. Weigh the cost against the time required to grind for Kingdom Credits to determine which method best suits your preferences and resources.
Agent Recruitment Events: A Limited-Time Advantage
Whenever a new agent launches, VALORANT introduces an Agent Recruitment Event. This limited-time window gives you a special opportunity to unlock the new agent by simply playing the game and earning XP through completing Daily Missions.
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The Recruitment Event: This event lasts for 28 days, and provides faster progress than relying solely on Kingdom Credits after the event concludes.
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Leveling Up the Event Pass: During the recruitment event, your progress towards unlocking the agent is tracked through a dedicated event pass. By playing matches and completing missions, you earn XP, which advances you through the tiers of the pass. Reaching the final tier unlocks the agent!
Choosing Your Path: A Strategic Decision
Ultimately, the best method for unlocking agents after level 20 depends on your playstyle, available time, and willingness to spend money. Patient players who enjoy the core gameplay loop can efficiently unlock agents through Kingdom Credits. Those seeking instant access or eager to play a newly released agent immediately can opt for VP. And everyone should take advantage of the Recruitment Events!
Tips and Tricks for Efficient Agent Unlocks
Regardless of your chosen method, these tips can accelerate your agent acquisition:
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Prioritize Daily Missions: Daily Missions are the most efficient way to earn Kingdom Credits. Always complete these whenever possible.
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Play Regularly: Consistent playtime translates to a steady stream of Kingdom Credits and progress in Agent Recruitment Events.
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Participate in Events: Keep an eye out for special events and promotions that offer bonus XP or Kingdom Credits.
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Experiment with Different Agents: As you unlock new agents, take the time to experiment with their abilities and playstyles. This will not only enhance your overall gameplay but also help you identify your favorite agents for different situations.
The Psychology of Unlocks: Why Agent Acquisition Matters
Beyond the practical benefits of expanding your agent roster, unlocking new agents also plays a significant role in player engagement and motivation. The sense of progression and accomplishment associated with unlocking a new agent provides a rewarding experience that keeps players invested in the game.
The Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, explores how games like VALORANT can be used for learning and skill development. The progression system in VALORANT, including agent unlocks, provides a framework for setting goals, tracking progress, and experiencing a sense of mastery. These elements are crucial for creating engaging and effective learning experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unlocking Agents
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about unlocking agents in VALORANT:
1. Can I unlock all agents for free?
Yes, it is possible to unlock all agents for free by earning Kingdom Credits through regular gameplay and completing Daily Missions. However, it requires significant time and dedication.
2. How long does it take to unlock an agent with Kingdom Credits?
The time required varies depending on your play frequency and mission completion. On average, it can take several weeks of consistent play to accumulate the 8,000 Kingdom Credits needed to unlock a single agent.
3. Do I need to reach level 20 before I can start earning Kingdom Credits?
No, you start earning Kingdom Credits before level 20. After level 20, the initial free agent contracts are no longer available, making Kingdom Credits and Recruitment Events the primary free unlocking methods.
4. What happens if I miss an Agent Recruitment Event?
If you miss the event, you can still unlock the agent using Kingdom Credits or by purchasing them with VP.
5. How much does it cost to buy an agent with VP?
The price of agents purchased with VP can vary. Check the in-game store for current pricing.
6. Are there any discounts on agents?
Occasionally, Riot Games offers discounts on certain agents or bundles. Keep an eye on the in-game store and official VALORANT channels for announcements.
7. Can I gift agents to my friends?
No, VALORANT does not currently offer the option to gift agents to other players.
8. What are Daily Missions and how do they help me unlock agents?
Daily Missions are tasks that refresh every day, offering a significant amount of Kingdom Credits upon completion. Completing these missions is crucial for accelerating your agent acquisition.
9. Is it better to buy VP or grind for Kingdom Credits?
This depends on your priorities. If you value time and prefer instant access, buying VP is the better option. If you enjoy playing the game and are patient, grinding for Kingdom Credits is a cost-effective alternative.
10. Do different game modes offer different amounts of Kingdom Credits?
Yes, some game modes offer slightly different amounts of Kingdom Credits based on match length and participation. However, the difference is usually minimal. Prioritize playing the modes you enjoy the most.
11. Can I get a refund for an agent I purchased with Kingdom Credits?
Unfortunately, agents purchased with Kingdom Credits are generally non-refundable.
12. Does leveling up my account affect the amount of Kingdom Credits I earn?
No, your account level does not directly affect the amount of Kingdom Credits you earn. The primary factors are game participation and Daily Mission completion.
13. How do I activate an Agent Contract after level 20?
While the initial Agent Contracts that offer free bonuses expire after you complete a certain number of them, the system is replaced by Kingdom Credits and Recruitment Events. Agent Contracts don’t exist to unlock agents after level 20.
14. Are certain agents easier to unlock than others?
No, all agents cost the same amount of Kingdom Credits to unlock after their initial recruitment event. The difficulty lies in the time it takes to accumulate those credits.
15. Will new agents be added to VALORANT in the future?
Yes, Riot Games regularly releases new agents to keep the game fresh and exciting. Be sure to stay informed about upcoming Agent Recruitment Events to unlock new agents quickly!