Updated on April 14, 4:30 p.m. (GMT+8): Improved relevancy.

Valorant is a first-person shooter game that demands strong gameplay skills such as game sense, strategic thinking, and precision aiming. 

Refining these fundamental skills can enhance a player’s performance. However, notable Twitch streamer Michael “Shroud” Grzesiek has raised concerns about the use of certain high-tier skins, which he believes may hinder a player’s performance.

The former CS:GO and Valorant pro argued that these skins could cost players crucial rounds by becoming too distracting and impeding their ability to focus, ultimately impacting their overall gameplay.

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Shroud unveils his collection of Valorant skins that minimizes distractions

Shroud firmly believes that specific Valorant skin collections, particularly those categorized as premium, ultra, or exclusive, can place players at a disadvantage.

He demonstrated this by trying out the Ruination Phantom. This rifle features a loud equip and reload sound effect, which can mask crucial audio cues in the game.

He went as far as labeling the pricey Valorant bundles and collections as “pay to lose” because of their unique sound and visual effects that can be a hindrance during gameplay.

In his opinion, opting for lower-tier Valorant skins that lack such distractions is a wiser choice for players who want to maintain their focus and edge in the game.

Shroud’s Valorant skin collection

Shroud's Valorant skin collection
Screenshot by Nigel Zalamea/ONE Esports from Shroud’s Twitch stream

These skins were taken from Shroud’s Valorant collection on November 2022.

Sidearms

  • RGX 11Z Pro 2.0 Classic
  • Wayfinder Shorty
  • RGX 2.0 Frenzy
  • Reaver 11Z Pro Ghost
  • Crimsonbeast Sheriff

SMGS

  • RGX Stinger
  • Wasteland Spectre

Shotguns

  • Magepunk Bucky
  • Crimsonbeast Judge

Rifles

  • Endeavor Bulldog
  • Reaver Guardian
  • ChronoVoid Phantom
  • Elderflame Vandal

Machine Guns

  • Singularity Ares
  • Prime 2.0 Odin

Sniper Rifles

  • Crimsonbeast Marshal
  • RGX 11Z Pro 2.0 Operator

Melee

  • Crimsonbeast Hammer

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