TL;DR
- Shroud’s explosive reaction to Judge shotgun highlights weapon balance issues in Valorant
- The Judge provides easy kills with minimal skill requirement, frustrating competitive players
- Previous price increases haven’t reduced the weapon’s popularity or effectiveness
- Community frustration centers on eco rounds where cheap weapons defeat expensive loadouts
- The incident raises questions about skill-based gameplay versus equipment advantages
While the Judge ranks among Valorant’s most lethal close-range options, professional streamer Michael “Shroud” Grzesiek vehemently opposes its inclusion in the game’s arsenal.
Valorant features a diverse weapon collection where mastering firearms like the Vandal for precision taps or Phantom for controlled sprays demands significant practice time. This skill development process forms the core of competitive shooter gameplay, requiring players to understand each weapon’s unique recoil patterns and effective ranges before engaging in matches. However, certain firearms possess inherent advantages that can overshadow skill requirements.
The Judge shotgun enables players to eliminate opponents with single shots without demanding extensive mechanical skill. Each discharge releases twelve pellets, though typically only nine connect to eliminate a fully-armored target. Positioning and aim precision become secondary concerns—maintain proper engagement distance, and securing kills becomes remarkably straightforward.
For these compelling reasons, dedicated FPS enthusiasts often avoid what they perceive as an unbalanced weapon. Prominent Twitch broadcaster Shroud similarly expressed extreme frustration when an opponent using Judge eliminated him mid-air during a competitive match on Bind.
Shroud Demands Judge Removal: Why Valorant’s Shotgun Sparks Controversy
The ex-Counter-Strike: Global Offensive professional had successfully secured bombsite B alongside his teammate. After strategically planting the Spike, Shroud began surveying the area to maintain optimal post-plant positioning when an enemy Reyna unexpectedly appeared and eliminated him using Judge. The seasoned player expressed both shock and anger, having received virtually no opportunity to counter the attack.
Following this seemingly unfair elimination, Shroud directly appealed to Riot Games to remove the weapon entirely from Valorant.
“These damn Judges. Remove them from Valorant completely. Seriously, Riot, just press the delete button, that’s all. Simply eliminate them. The solution is that straightforward,” he exclaimed during the broadcast.
Shroud maintains a reputation for exceptional FPS proficiency and typically composed behavior. The former competitive player seldom displays anger during live streams, making his intense response to the Judge elimination particularly notable for viewers. This incident likely represented one of multiple occasions where Shroud found himself unexpectedly defeated by Judge-wielding opponents, explaining his emotional outburst during the public broadcast.
His reaction resonates deeply with both fans and Valorant participants who invest considerable time in practice ranges refining their aim, only to be eliminated during movement. Frequently, competitors lose their costly primary weapons to opponents utilizing Judge-exclusive economy rounds, creating particularly aggravating scenarios within ranked matchmaking.
The Judge stands as Valorant’s priciest shotgun at 1600 credits, yet remains economically accessible compared to other premium firearms. The weapon previously attracted developer attention in Patch 1.07, receiving a cost adjustment. Nevertheless, players continue selecting it over alternative weapons within Valorant’s arsenal.
Many community members share Shroud’s perspective, arguing that the Judge undermines competitive integrity by rewarding positioning over mechanical skill. This creates frustrating situations where players who’ve mastered precise aim weapons like the Vandal find themselves defeated by opponents requiring minimal aiming proficiency.
Understanding when to deploy the Judge versus when to avoid it becomes crucial for strategic gameplay. On defense during eco rounds or when holding tight angles, the shotgun proves exceptionally effective. However, players relying excessively on Judge may develop poor fundamental habits that hinder long-term skill development.
Riot Games has demonstrated willingness to adjust weapon balance based on community feedback and gameplay data. The previous Judge price increase indicates developer awareness of balance concerns, though many players believe further adjustments remain necessary.
For players seeking to improve their fundamental skills, our Weapons Unlock guide provides comprehensive training methodologies applicable across multiple FPS titles.
The ongoing debate surrounding the Judge reflects broader discussions about weapon balance in competitive shooters. While easy-to-use weapons help newer players contribute, they can create frustration among skilled competitors who value mechanical proficiency. This tension between accessibility and competitive integrity represents an ongoing challenge for game developers.
Mastering various engagement ranges and understanding when different weapons excel forms the foundation of strategic gameplay. Our Complete Guide to FPS fundamentals can help players develop versatile skills applicable beyond specific weapon controversies.
Action Checklist
- Practice identifying and countering Judge users through positioning and utility usage
- Learn optimal engagement distances for each weapon type to minimize Judge effectiveness
- Develop eco round strategies that account for potential Judge opponents
- Master alternative close-range options like the Spectre to maintain competitiveness without relying on Judge
- Analyze gameplay replays to identify patterns in Judge usage and develop counter-strategies
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Twitch streamer Shroud wants shotgun Judge deleted from Valorant Professional FPS player Shroud demands Judge shotgun removal from Valorant after frustrating gameplay experience