Introduction
Valorant, a multiplayer first-person shooter developed by Riot Games, has gained immense popularity since its release in 2019. One of the key aspects of Valorant that has attracted players is its extensive customization options, including weapon skins. However, not all weapon skins come with finishers, which have become a popular feature in many first-person shooter games. In this article, we will explore why Riot Games has chosen to exclude some weapon skins from having finishers and what design decisions are behind these choices.
Why Weapon Skins Don’t Always Come With Finishers
Firstly, it’s important to understand the purpose of finishers in Valorant. Finishers are animations that players can trigger after they have defeated an enemy with a particular weapon. These animations add a layer of depth and immersion to the gameplay experience and make each weapon feel unique.
However, Riot Games has opted to exclude some weapon skins from having finishers for several reasons. One reason is that some weapon skins are designed to be more focused on cosmetic customization rather than gameplay mechanics. These skins may not have animations or effects that would add value to a finisher animation, so it makes sense to exclude them from having finishers.
Another reason for excluding some weapon skins from having finishers is that Riot Games wants to ensure that the game remains balanced. Finishers can potentially give an advantage to certain weapons or players over others, especially if they are too powerful or unique. By excluding some weapon skins from having finishers, Riot Games can maintain a level playing field and prevent any imbalance in the game.
Case Studies: Examples of Weapon Skins With and Without Finishers
To better understand why not all Valorant weapon skins come with finishers, let’s examine some examples of both types.
One example of a weapon skin that does have a finisher is the "Sherlock" Operator skin for the Phantom Assassin. This skin is based on the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and includes a finisher where the player can trigger an animation where they hold up a magnifying glass to the defeated enemy’s head, indicating that they are being studied by the detective.
On the other hand, the "Rainbow" Operator skin for the Vandal does not have a finisher. This skin is designed to be more focused on cosmetic customization and includes bright colors and patterns, making it stand out from other weapon skins in the game. While the lack of a finisher may seem like a missed opportunity, it aligns with Riot Games’ decision to prioritize cosmetic customization for this particular skin.
Personal Experiences: How Weapon Skins Affect Gameplay
As a Valorant player, I have noticed that weapon skins can have a significant impact on my gameplay experience. While not all skins are created equal, some can give players an advantage over others due to their unique abilities or animations.
For example, the "Reyna" Operator skin for the Sentinel is designed to be more focused on gameplay mechanics and includes a finisher where the player can trigger an animation where they shoot multiple arrows at the defeated enemy, indicating that Reyna is using her ultimate ability. This finisher adds a layer of depth to the gameplay experience and makes the skin feel unique.
On the other hand, some skins that lack finishers can still be customized to suit the player’s preferences. For example, the "Cyberpunk 2077" Operator skin for the Jett includes no animations or effects but has a sleek and futuristic design that appeals to me as a fan of the game.
Design Decisions: How Riot Games Chooses Which Skins Get Finishers
Now that we have examined some examples of weapon skins with and without finishers, let’s explore how Riot Games decides which skins get finishers.
Firstly, Riot Games considers the overall design and purpose of each skin. If a skin is designed to be more focused on cosmetic customization rather than gameplay mechanics, it may not receive a finisher animation.
Secondly, Riot Games looks at the potential impact that a finisher could have on the game’s balance. Finishers can potentially give an advantage to certain weapons or players over others, so Riot Games must carefully consider which skins receive finishers to avoid any imbalance in the game.
Thirdly, Riot Games considers player feedback and preferences. If players consistently request a finisher for a particular skin, Riot Games may consider adding one in future updates.
FAQs: Common Questions About Valorant Weapon Skins and Finishers
Q: Why don’t all weapon skins come with finishers?
A: Riot Games chooses which skins get finishers based on their overall design, potential impact on game balance, and player feedback.
Q: Can I customize my weapon skin to suit my preferences?
A: Yes, players can customize their weapon skins in Valorant to suit their preferences, regardless of whether they have a finisher or not.
Q: Are some skins more focused on cosmetic customization than gameplay mechanics?
A: Yes, some weapon skins in Valorant are designed to be more focused on cosmetic customization than gameplay mechanics. These skins may not receive finishers as a result.
Summary
In conclusion, Riot Games has opted to exclude some weapon skins from having finishers due to their focus on cosmetic customization or potential impact on game balance. While the lack of a finisher may seem like a missed opportunity, it aligns with Riot Games’ overall design decisions and ensures that the game remains balanced and enjoyable for all players. As a Valorant player, I appreciate the variety of skins available in the game and enjoy customizing my weapon to suit my preferences. With ongoing updates and new skins being added regularly, it will be interesting to see how Riot Games continues to balance cosmetic customization with gameplay mechanics in the future.