Phantom vs Vandal: Which One Actually Wins More Rounds?4 min read
When it comes to Valorant’s most debated rifles, the fight between Phantom vs Vandal never ends. Every ranked player, pro or casual, has asked this: Which one actually wins more rounds?
Here’s a quick summarized comparison for you:
| Feature | Phantom | Vandal |
| Headshot Damage | 156 (0–15m), 140 (15–30m) | 160 (all ranges) |
| Fire Rate | 11 rounds/sec | 9.75 rounds/sec |
| Magazine Size | 30 rounds | 25 rounds |
| Bullet Tracers | Hidden | Visible |
| Accuracy (Spraying) | More controllable | Less control after 3+ shots |
| Range Performance | Best at 0–15m | Best at 15–30m+ |
| Preferred For | Close fights, smokes | Long fights, clean taps |
Close Combat King – Phantom Dominates at Short Range
Phantom wins more rounds up close. Riot own data shows that nearly 50% of Phantom kills happen under 15 meters. That’s not a coincidence.
Why? It has tighter spray patterns, faster fire rate, and no bullet tracers. In smokes or during fast entries, Phantom is harder to trace and easier to spray with.
If you’re pushing sites, ratting through corners, or playing agents like Cypher or Viper, the Phantom fits your playstyle. Smokes become safe zones when your bullets don’t reveal your location.
Mid to Long Range Fights – Vandal’s Domain
At longer ranges, the Phantom loses damage in Valorant. If you headshot someone from 20 meters, it only deals 140. That often leaves enemies alive with 10 HP.
The Vandal doesn’t have this problem. It always one-shots to the head at any range. On open maps like Breeze or Ascent, Vandal wins more rounds because it’s lethal from anywhere.
Holding long angles on defense or taking duels from far? Use the Vandal. If you miss the first shot, though, its slower fire rate makes follow-ups tougher.
Spray Control and Multi-Kills
In multi-kill rounds, Phantom performs better. According to Riot’s Data Drop, Phantom users landed more 3K and 4K kills within 5 seconds than Vandal users.
That shows Phantom rewards spray control. More bullets, faster fire rate, and less bloom means it’s more forgiving when enemies stack up.
If you’re fighting in tight spaces or entering as a duelist, Phantom gives you a better chance to clean house fast.
Pro Play Trends Say Vandal, But Context Matters
Most pros prefer the Vandal in main loadouts. It’s the go-to gun in tournaments and ranked lobbies. But that’s partly because pro matches have more long-range fights.
Even then, many pro players switch to Phantom depending on agents or map setups. Controllers and lurkers prefer it to spam smokes and avoid giving away position.
This tells you the choice isn’t always about better stats. It’s about what fits your plan that round.
Headshot Debate (Numbers Don’t Lie)
Vandal is better if your aim is top tier. Riot’s headshot stats prove this. The Vandal gets more kills with fewer shots when aimed at the head.
But if you’re not consistently landing those perfect taps, the Phantom might win you more fights. The higher fire rate gives you more chances per second to land a lethal shot.
Also, Phantom users land more body and leg shots overall. It’s a solid pick for those who rely on sprays and peeking through cover.
Armor Considerations
Against light armor, both rifles perform well. But versus heavy armor, the Vandal has the edge. Phantom often needs multiple hits to secure a kill unless it’s within 15 meters.
If the enemy team keeps full-buying, the Vandal will give you more consistent results in direct duels. But if you expect close-range chaos, Phantom still holds its ground.
Phantom vs Vandal – Final Verdict
So, Phantom vs Vandal, who actually wins more rounds?
It depends.
Phantom wins more close fights, sprays better, and thrives in smokes. Vandal dominates longer duels, taps cleaner, and guarantees one-shot head kills from any distance.
If you’re a close-combat player, or spam smokes, Phantom is your gun. If you’re holding long angles and trust your headshots, pick Vandal.
Don’t get stuck on stats. Pick the rifle that matches your map, role, and mindset. One rifle won’t carry every match. But using the right one at the right time? That’s what wins rounds.
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