Not Rotating Quick Enough on T

In the first mistake highlighted in the post, clone162 notes that many lower-ranked players fail to rotate quickly enough when playing on the attacking side. If you're approaching a site and notice that the enemy team is stacking the site, or using Sage's wall or other utility to make it difficult to push, you need to make the decision to rotate immediately. Waiting even a few seconds can give the enemy team the chance to anticipate your move, making it easier for them to shoot you down. To avoid this situation, be decisive and begin the rotation process as soon as you notice that the enemy team has the site locked down. If your entire team is pushing one site and it's clear that the other site is empty, be sure to run to it quickly with your knife out in order to get there faster. Plant the bomb immediately to create pressure on the enemy team and force them to come to you.

Rotating Too Quick on CT

When playing on the defending side, many lower-ranked players make the mistake of over-rotating. As clone162 notes, it's important to stay on your site until the opposing team commits to a push or you have intel that they can't be anywhere else. Don't try to anticipate their moves or go off of a hunch. Doing so will only leave the site you're supposed to be guarding open, making it easier for the enemy team to plant the bomb and win the round. Instead, stay focused on your site and only rotate when you're sure that the other team has committed to a particular direction. Of course, if a teammate is flanking or gathering valuable intel, it's also important to use that information to your advantage and make a smart decision about where to position yourself.

Making Inefficient Decisions on Defuse

Clone162's third point discusses the mistakes many players make in a 1v1 situation when trying to retake a site. Rather than trying to defuse the bomb immediately, it's often more effective to prioritize killing the enemy player quickly so that you can get the advantage and turn it into a 2v1 situation. This way, one player can focus on covering while the other defuses the bomb, creating a higher likelihood of success overall. Additionally, it's important to note that defusing the bomb can also provide your team with valuable information. If the enemy team is waiting for you to defuse, they'll peek to try and stop you, allowing your team to get a better idea of where they're positioned and what they're doing.

Taking Out Utility When Vulnerable

The final point made by clone162 is that many lower-ranked players frequently take out their utility (such as grenades or Sage's orbs) when they're vulnerable and could easily be peeked. Instead, it's important to keep your gun out as much as possible and use utility only when you have time to take cover or when it's part of a strategic plan that your team has made. This will help ensure that you're always ready for a surprise attack and can respond quickly to any changes in the play. Of course, there are times when it might make sense to use utility while you're exposed, but those situations should be the exception, not the rule.

Additional Tips and Comments from the Community

In the comments of clone162's post, several players provided additional insights into common mistakes lower-ranked players make. User GimmeDatClamGirl noted the importance of understanding defaults and map control, while user EntertainmentNo4490 highlighted the importance of trading kills on entry, having proper spacing, communicating which areas you're holding on the map, and understanding when to back out of a bomb site. Overall, the post and comments provide a valuable guide for lower-ranked players who want to improve their gameplay and climb the ranks in Valorant. By avoiding these common mistakes and adopting a more strategic and cohesive approach, you'll be well on your way to success!