VALORANT Bandit gun: Everything you need to know
As a newly introduced weapon with the start of Season 2026 (Act 1), the VALORANT Bandit gun adds a fresh option to the pistol meta by offering strong damage without the extreme recoil or price of heavier pistols. Designed for accuracy, smart positioning, and controlled gunfights, the Bandit rewards players who rely on precision rather than raw fire rate.
This VALORANT guide explains exactly what the Bandit gun is, how this new VAL gun performs, when to buy it, and how to use it effectively in matches.
What is the VALORANT Bandit gun?
The VALORANT Bandit gun is a semi-automatic sidearm intended for players who want strong damage without committing to the Sheriff’s high price and recoil. It sits between the Ghost and the Sheriff in both cost and performance, making it a flexible choice in pistol rounds, eco rounds, and half-buys.
The Bandit is not meant for spraying or panic shooting. Instead, it encourages calm aim, good crosshair placement, and smart positioning. If you land headshots consistently, the weapon can be extremely effective even against armored opponents.
VALORANT Bandit gun stats
Understanding the VALORANT Bandit gun’s stats is essential to using it correctly:
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Weapon type | Sidearm |
| Cost | 600 credits |
| Fire mode | Semi-automatic |
| Magazine size | 8 bullets |
| Reserve ammo | 24 bullets |
| Releod time | 1.5 sec (Fast compared to heavy pistols) |
| Wall penetration | Medium |
The small magazine size means every bullet matters. Missing shots can quickly put you at a disadvantage, especially in multi-enemy fights.
VALORANT Bandit gun damage and range
- Close range: One-shot headshots, even against heavy armor
- Medium range: Headshots remain lethal, body shots require multiple hits
- Long range: Requires very accurate aim; damage falloff applies
| Range (meters) | Head damage | Body damage | Leg damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 10 m | 152 | 39 | 33 |
| 10 – 30 m | 128 | 39 | 33 |
| 30 – 50 m | 112 | 34 | 28 |
Compared to other pistols, Bandit is clearly designed around headshot efficiency rather than body-shot spam.
How to get the Bandit gun
The VALORANT Bandit gun is not something you unlock through challenges or progression; instead, it becomes available automatically to all players once the season update goes live in the game. To use the Bandit in matches:
- Update your game to the latest patch (the Bandit was introduced in the Season 2026 // Act 1 update).
- Join a regular match mode like Unrated, Competitive, or Spike Rush.
- During the buy phase at the start of a round, you can purchase the Bandit from the buy menu under the Sidearms category for 600 credits.
Because it is part of the default weapon pool, every player can buy the Bandit once the patch is active.
4 tips for the VALORANT Bandit gun
- Aim discipline is critical: Because of its limited magazine, you must aim carefully. Take the extra split second to line up headshots instead of firing too quickly.
- Stop before shooting: Movement heavily affects accuracy. Always stop fully before shooting to get the most out of the Bandit’s precision.
- Choose the right fights: Avoid wide, open duels against rifles unless you have a clear positional advantage. The VALORANT Bandit gun performs best in:
- Short corridors
- Tight angles
- Controlled peeks
- Combine with utility: Flashes, smokes, and slows make it much easier to land accurate shots. Utility usage greatly increases the Bandit’s effectiveness.
VALORANT Bandit vs other pistols
- Vs Classic: Far more lethal but less forgiving
- Vs Ghost: Higher damage but smaller magazine
- Vs Sheriff: Easier to control, cheaper, but weaker at long range
The Bandit is not strictly better than other pistols—it is situational. In the right hands, however, it can outperform more expensive options.
What to know about the VALORANT Season 2026
| Category | Key updates |
|---|---|
| Replays | Replays are now available for Custom Swiftplay and Standard matches (opt-in by party leader). |
| Competitive | Hidden MMR updated to improve match quality and consistency. |
| Security (EU) | EU accounts flagged for sharing and all Ascendant+ players must enable MFA for Competitive (from Patch 12.01). |
| Agent updates | Buffs and adjustments to Breach, Brimstone, Harbor, Tejo, Sage, and Vyse. |
| Map updates | Breeze fully reworked; Haven and Corrode received wall penetration adjustments. |
| Breeze event | Competitive RR losses on Breeze reduced by 50% for the first two weeks. |
| Map pool | Breeze added to Competitive & Deathmatch; Sunset removed. |
| New game mode | All Random, One Site – a fast-paced limited-time 5v5 mode with random agents and free loadouts. |
| Player behavior | Behavior Standing system added; updated penalties, Community Pact introduced. |
| New weapon | New sidearm introduced: Bandit, a precision pistol priced at 600 credits. |
| UI updates (PC) | New Home Screen, refreshed Lobby, Queue Select, and Social Panel. |
| Bug fixes | Numerous fixes across Agents, Maps, Competitive, Client, and Console. |
| Premier | Stage V26A1 begins January 14; division updates and team seeding adjustments applied. |
In short: new gun, refreshed map, less ranked risk on Breeze, and more casual-friendly modes—a solid update for players who just want to jump in and enjoy the game. That’s all for today! Looking for more bundle breakdowns, weapon comparisons, or cosmetic reviews? Don’t miss our latest VALORANT guides: