VALORANT's Closed Beta: Unearthing the Treasures of Its Humble Beginnings

Since its launch in June 2020, VALORANT has attracted millions of players with its bustling esports scene, high-stakes competitive gameplay, and vibrant community. However, among the player base, those who participated in the Closed Beta hold a special appreciation for the game's early days. Let's delve into the unique charm and memorable moments that define VALORANT's Closed Beta.

Beta Player Cards

One of the aspects that Beta VALORANT players fondly recall is the assortment of Beta player cards. These cards, sadly removed from the game after its official release, left players nostalgic for their distinct designs. While Riot Games introduced revamped cards in the official release, the original ones are still cherished. These cards featured striking images like Omen's confident stride, Viper in her unsettling alien-like mask while using her ultimate, and Sage in a serene meditation pose. The level of detail in these player cards made them truly special.

Glitches Galore

As is typical in any beta phase, VALORANT's Closed Beta was riddled with glitches. One notorious glitch involved Cypher's camera picking up a gun and firing it at enemies, turning "it's on sight" into a literal affair. Viper could exploit her wall to boost an ally, sending them hurtling through the air, which created unforgettable moments. However, the community quickly devised strategies, such as using Cypher's tripwires to comically sling players in the opposite direction when they tried to exploit Viper's tricks.

Original Graphics

Agent icons in VALORANT's Closed Beta looked quite different from the current uniform side-profile images. Each agent had a unique headshot photo with added personality. Sage exuded calm and composure, while Viper's confident head tilt reflected her character's persona. The character models possessed a more plastic and minimalist appearance in the beta, contributing to VALORANT's unique charm that captivated millions of players. The minimap was also notably simpler, lacking indicators for abilities like Omen's teleport or Viper's wall. The menu UI had just five tabs: "Latest," "Collection," "Play," "Career," and "Store."

Utility Imbalance

Veteran VALORANT players reminisce about a time when Raze wielded TWO immensely powerful grenades and could activate her ultimate ability with minimal cooldown. Sage's wall was nearly indestructible with 1,000 health, and her slow orb produced noise even when players attempted to sneak across it. Sage could also perform significant healing, restoring 100 health points to players or herself. Phoenix's wall inflicted a daunting 15 damage every 0.25 seconds and provided substantial healing. In contrast, Jett was often considered one of the weaker agents, unable to disable Cypher's traps with her dash ability, and her smokes lasted a mere 4 seconds. Omen also faced challenges, lacking precise placement for his Phased smokes and the ability to cancel his ultimate after activation.

Original Skins

Closed Beta players had the privilege of purchasing skins before VALORANT's official release. Among the available Beta skin sets were Reaver, Ronin (the precursor to the later Oni set), and Luxe. While some of these skins, like Prism, made a return, Riot Games revamped nearly all of them, enhancing their visuals and concepts. For instance, the beta Reaver skins featured different variants and animations. One Reaver variant combined the familiar purple hue with gold, instead of the current silver. Riot Games refunded Beta players for any skins they had purchased upon the game's full release, along with a 20% bonus of VP (Valorant Points) for future transactions.

Despite its imperfections, the original VALORANT Closed Beta managed to capture the hearts of players and set the stage for VALORANT's remarkable journey. As we anticipate the arrival of VALORANT Mobile's beta, we hope for more laughs and cherished memories to come.