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Have you ever wondered why your favoriteValorantpro player has their game setting turned all the way down? You might’ve thought it’s so they get the most Frames Per Second (FPS) possible. And you’d be correct. But they also do it for another reason, clarity.
But wouldn’t reducing visual quality reduce clarity? You’d think so. But lower settings actually reduce the visual clutter in the game. For pros, this makes it so they can focus better on essential in-game elements and have faster reactions to them. And you can see the difference if you try it for yourself.
Low Settings Make You See Things Better InValorant
InValorant, agent abilities can create a lot of visual noise, especially on high settings. For instance, Viper’s toxic wall produces extra gas particles on high settings, adding unnecessary layers of visuals that obscure vision. On low settings, the wall is cleaner and simpler, allowing players to spot enemies more easily.
This minimalism extends to other abilities, where flashy effects and added details can sometimes blend into the environment or distract from more important visual cues. The cleaner look of low settings removes these distractions, making it easier to focus on opponents. This reduction in “flair” is exactly why pros prefer low settings.
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Beyond individual abilities, environmental details like textures and shadows also create obstacles. On high settings, some areas on maps, such as Ascent or Lotus, feature detailed foliage or intricate terrain, which can obscure key items or abilities, like hidden Killjoy mollies or Chamber’s traps.
By turning these details down, everything becomes clearer, helping pros easily spot critical objects and enemy movements. In essence, lowering the graphics removes the non-essential elements, ensuring that players only focus on what matters—the enemies and their utility.
Similarly,Fortnitepros use performance mode, a graphical setting that reduces details and visual effects, especially in cluttered environments. This allows them to see enemies hiding behind trees or in bushes clearly.Valorantmight be joiningFortnitewith an upcoming change.
In competitive games, split-second reactions can decide who wins. So the reduced clutter helps players see, track, and react to opponents more effectively.
The concept of reducing visual clutter isn’t unique toValorantorFortnite. In fact, it’s a practice followed by professional players in many competitive games. Other genres, such as MOBAs likeDota 2, have seen a similar shift.
InDota 2, many pros reduce graphics settingsto avoid the overwhelming number of particle effectscreated by hero abilities, cosmetic items, and map details.
During intense team fights, which are often a blur of color and movement, cleaner visuals help pros better identify key threats and react accordingly.
The same principle applies in games likeApex Legends, where high-detail weapon muzzle flashes and environmental effects can obscure opponents. Lowering settings helps players spot enemies faster and track movement more efficiently.
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Though some casual players may prefer the rich, visually immersive experience of high settings, pros cannot afford to let these aesthetic enhancements affect their gameplay. The ultimate goal is not beauty but clarity and performance.
The less your brain has to process visually, the faster it can react to crucial information. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
Daniel Royte
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1370
As part of the FandomWire team, Daniel has followed the hero-shooter genre closely with a focus on titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals. You can also find him providing insight on the latest AAA titles from Elden Ring to GTA 6 and exploring the world of gacha games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. With more than 1,000 articles under his belt, you’ll need to look no further for a unique insight into every situation.If he’s not looking for the latest video game news, you’ll find him cheering on Ferrari in the race tracks of Formula 1 or at the theatres for the latest MCU releases.
