This is how to unlock new agents and cosmetics in Valorant

TL;DR

  • Six agents are available immediately while four require unlocking through contracts
  • Contracts require 25,000 XP for agent unlock and 125,000 XP for cosmetic rewards
  • Navigate to Collection > Agents tab to activate contracts for specific characters
  • Progress any contract without playing the locked agent – XP is universal
  • Premium unlocks available up to level 5 but cosmetics require grinding

Valorant’s tactical shooter experience revolves around mastering diverse agent abilities, making character acquisition crucial for competitive success. The game’s distribution system provides immediate access to foundational operators while reserving specialized tactical options for dedicated progression.

New players receive six immediately accessible agents representing the core tactical archetypes. Each available character demonstrates distinct playstyle philosophies within their designated combat roles, establishing fundamental team composition principles.

What characters can players unlock in Valorant?

Beyond the initial roster, four additional specialists await discovery through systematic progression. These unlockable agents expand tactical possibilities within the established role framework, offering advanced strategic alternatives for experienced operators.

Default Controllers Brimstone and Omen establish area denial fundamentals through contrasting methodologies. Brimstone’s incendiary and smoke deployments create persistent zone control, while Omen’s shadowstep teleports and paranoia blinds enable unpredictable repositioning tactics. The baseline Duelist pairing of Phoenix and Jett emphasizes aggressive engagement philosophies – Jett’s aerial mobility facilitates flanking maneuvers whereas Phoenix’s self-sustain capabilities support frontline combat persistence.

The complementary support duo Sage and Sova complete the foundational tactical triangle. As Valorant’s premier Sentinel, Sage provides team sustainability through healing orbs, resurrection ultimates, and barrier creations. Sova’s Initiator designation focuses on intelligence gathering with recon bolts that reveal enemy positions and shock darts that disrupt defensive setups.

Strategic expansion opportunities include these specialized agent additions:

  • Sentinal – Cypher
  • Initiator – Breach
  • Duelist – Raze
  • Controller – Viper

Pro Tip: Master at least one agent from each role before pursuing unlocks to ensure team composition flexibility during competitive matches.

How do you unlock Cypher, Breach, Raze, and Viper?

Valorant implements character acquisition through dedicated Agent Contracts, functioning as personalized progression tracks similar to battle pass systems. Each contract contains ten distinct tiers of rewards, with the critical fifth level granting permanent access to that specific operative for both casual and ranked gameplay scenarios.

Riot’s monetization strategy permits premium acceleration of contract progression, but exclusively up to the character unlock threshold. This creates an accessibility balance where dedicated play or financial investment can secure tactical options, while cosmetic prestige items remain exclusively earnable through gameplay commitment.

The initial five contract levels demand 25,000 cumulative experience points, achievable within approximately 7-10 matches for average performers. However, levels six through ten escalate dramatically to 125,000 XP, representing a fivefold increase that demands substantial time investment for cosmetic acquisitions.

Advanced Strategy: Prioritize unlocking agents that complement your mastered roles rather than chasing meta picks – team synergy often outperforms individual agent strength.

How do you start a contract in Valorant?

Agent contract management initiates from the Collection interface within the main menu hub. While defaulting to weapon customization displays, navigation to the centrally-located Agents tab reveals the complete character roster with progression status indicators.

Target selection involves hovering over locked operatives to highlight the activation prompt. Engagement confirms that contract as your active progression focus, directing all subsequent match experience toward its advancement regardless of currently selected character.

Contract activation operates independently from agent selection – pursuing Sage’s cosmetic rewards doesn’t mandate playing Sage during the grind. Universal experience allocation means strategic contract selection should align with your long-term tactical development goals rather than immediate gameplay needs.

Progress monitoring occurs through the circular icon positioned on the primary navigation bar. This dashboard provides real-time advancement metrics, tier completion status, and previews of upcoming reward unlocks.

Common Mistake: Avoid frequently switching active contracts as this fragments your progression efficiency. Commit to completing one contract before initiating another to maximize time investment returns.

While Valorant’s interface doesn’t explicitly tutorialize contract mechanics, intuitive menu exploration reveals the system. However, players should note Riot’s ambiguous stance regarding beta progression carrying forward to official release, potentially affecting cosmetic investment decisions.

For comprehensive tactical development, consult our Class Guide to understand how agent roles translate to battlefield effectiveness.

Action Checklist

  • Access Collection tab from main menu and navigate to Agents section
  • Hover over desired locked agent and click Activate button
  • Play matches with any agent to accumulate XP toward active contract
  • Monitor progress via circle icon on top navigation bar
  • Complete contract to level 5 for agent unlock or continue to level 10 for cosmetics

No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » This is how to unlock new agents and cosmetics in Valorant Master Valorant's agent unlocking system with strategic contract management and XP optimization techniques