VALORANT Warden gun guide: Stats, damage & how to use it
The Warden is VALORANT's new 2,900-credit automatic rifle, joining the Vandal and Phantom with a much stronger focus on long-range fights. Added in Patch 13.06, it packs a 2x scope, 200 headshot damage, 50 body damage at any range, and an 18-round magazine.
Here's everything you need to know about the VALORANT Warden.
VALORANT Warden stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Price | 2,900 credits |
| Weapon class | Rifle |
| Magazine | 18 |
| Reserve ammo | 36 |
| Fire rate | 6.5 rounds/sec |
| Head damage | 200 |
| Body damage | 50 |
| Leg damage | 42 |
| Scope | 2x |
| Wall penetration | Medium |
| Reload time | 2.5 sec |
The Warden deals the same damage at every range. One headshot kills a fully armored enemy, while three body shots deal exactly 150 damage. Its main tradeoffs are the slow 6.5 rounds-per-second fire rate and small 18-round magazine.
How much damage does the Warden do?
Warden has no damage falloff.
| Hit location | Damage |
|---|---|
| Head | 200 |
| Body | 50 |
| Legs | 42 |
That makes it particularly strong across long sightlines. You don't have to worry about losing one-shot headshot potential as your target gets farther away. It also hits considerably harder per bullet than either the Vandal or Phantom.
How does the Warden scope work?
The Warden has a 2x scope, compared with the 1.25x ADS magnification of the Vandal and Phantom. That extra magnification is one of the main reasons to buy it. It makes distant targets easier to see and gives the Warden a clear role when holding long angles. You don't need to scope in for every fight, though. The Warden is still fully automatic and can be fired normally when enemies get close.
Warden vs Vandal
The Warden and Vandal both cost 2,900 credits and can one-tap a fully armored enemy at any range.
| Stat | Warden | Vandal |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 2,900 | 2,900 |
| Magazine | 18 | 25 |
| Fire rate | 6.5/sec | 9.75/sec |
| Head damage | 200 | 160 |
| Body damage | 50 | 40 |
| Leg damage | 42 | 34 |
| Scope | 2x | 1.25x |
The Warden hits harder and has a much stronger scope, while the Vandal fires faster and carries seven more bullets.
That makes the Vandal more flexible, while Warden is better suited to deliberate long-range engagements.
Warden vs Phantom
Warden and Phantom sit at opposite ends of VALORANT's premium rifle options. The Phantom favors close and medium-range fights with a faster fire rate and larger magazine. It's more forgiving when spraying or transferring between several targets. Warden favors range and per-shot damage. Its 200 headshot damage, 50 body damage, 2x scope, and lack of damage falloff reward accurate shots across longer sightlines. If you're expecting tight fights and aggressive pushes, Phantom makes more sense. If you're holding distance, Warden can take advantage of its higher damage and magnification.
Warden vs Guardian
Both guns work well at range, but there's an important difference: Warden is automatic, Guardian is semi-automatic. Guardian is considerably cheaper and offers high wall penetration, making it an excellent precision option when you don't want to spend 2,900 credits. Warden gives you a larger magazine, full-auto fire, and 2x magnification. You're paying more for greater flexibility if the fight doesn't stay at long range.
How to use the Warden in VALORANT
The Warden works best when you play around its range and first-shot damage. Hold longer sightlines where the 2x scope actually gives you an advantage, keep your crosshair at head level, and prioritize accurate opening shots instead of immediately spraying.
Ammo management matters too. With only 18 rounds per magazine, spraying through every smoke and corner can quickly leave you needing a reload. The Warden can still handle close fights, but its slower fire rate means a Vandal or Phantom player can punish missed shots quickly.
When should you buy the Warden?
Buy the Warden when you're on a full-buy round and expect to take long-range engagements. It's particularly useful when you're:
- Holding long angles
- Comfortable using ADS
- Confident in your first-shot accuracy
- Playing a position where enemies must approach from distance
There's no economy advantage over the Vandal or Phantom because all three cost 2,900 credits. You're buying the Warden specifically for its damage and 2x scope.
Is the Warden good in VALORANT?
The Warden is a strong but specialized rifle.
Its 200 headshot damage, 50 body damage, lack of damage falloff, and 2x scope make it one of VALORANT's strongest options for long-range rifle fights. However, its 18-round magazine and 6.5 fire rate make missed shots more punishing than with a Vandal or Phantom. Go with the Warden for long-range precision, Vandal for versatility, or Phantom for faster close-to-mid-range fights. The Warden doesn't replace VALORANT's existing rifles; it gives the 2,900-credit tier a dedicated long-range option.