Bandit is finally here, and Valorant players are paying attention. After years without a new sidearm, Riot dropped the Bandit in Act 1 of the 2026 season. This Valorant Bandit Guide explains why the weapon instantly became a talking point. Bandit sits between familiar options and changes how you approach eco rounds. If you care about smart buys, Bandit already affects your decisions.
What The Bandit Is Designed To Do
Bandit is a precision pistol built for low-credit situations. It does not aim to replace rifles. It exists to pressure enemies during weaker buy rounds. Unlike the Ghost, Bandit can secure one-shot headshots on light shields. Unlike the Sheriff, it costs less and feels easier to control. This balance defines the Bandit’s role.
Where It Fits In The Sidearm Lineup
Bandit fills a gap Valorant never truly covered before. You already had the Ghost for speed. You had the Frenzy for close chaos as well as the Sheriff for raw power. Bandit now sits between Ghost and Sheriff. It gives you threat without committing too many credits. That positioning makes Bandit interesting.
Price And Economy Impact
Bandit costs 600 credits. That single number matters a lot. You save credits compared to the Sheriff. You still threaten headshots at range. This means more room for abilities. It also means more flexible force buys. This pistol helps you stay competitive without draining your economy.
Bandit Weapon Stats Overview
Bandit stats explain why the weapon feels forgiving. The magazine holds eight rounds. Reserve ammo gives you room for mistakes. Reload time feels quick for its class. Equip time stays snappy. Wall penetration sits at medium. There are no attachments. Everything about it encourages clean aim.
Damage Values At Different Ranges
Bandit damage stays consistent across distances. Headshots remain lethal against light armor. Body shots punish but do not melt. Leg shots are weaker and require follow-up shots. This reinforces precision play. You are rewarded for discipline. Spray habits will fail you here.
| Distance | Head Damage | Body Damage | Leg Damage |
| 0–10m | 152 | 39 | 33 |
| 10–30m | 128 | 39 | 33 |
| 30m+ | 112 | 34 | 28 |
Why ItChanges Eco Rounds
Bandit changes eco rounds by creating real pressure. You can challenge light shields confidently. You do not feel helpless against half buys. This forces enemies to respect pistol threats longer. Teams can no longer assume safety against cheaper weapons. Bandit raises the floor of eco rounds.
When It Is The Strongest
This pistol shines when enemies buy light armor. It excels in pistol rounds and also performs well during half buys. It also works after losing pistol but planting spike. In these scenarios, it gives you real win potential without full investment.
When Bandit Struggles
This pistol is not perfect. It loses value against full armor at long range. It does not replace the Sheriff in late-game ecos. Open maps reduce its impact. Long sightlines favor heavier weapons. You must choose it intentionally, not automatically.
Bandit Compared To Ghost And Sheriff
It competes directly with Ghost and Sheriff. Ghost offers speed and silence. Sheriff offers damage and range. Bandit offers balance and forgiveness. If you struggle with Sheriff recoil, Bandit feels easier. If you rely on spam, Ghost may suit you better.
Best Roles To Use With
It works best on aggressive entry players. It supports fast trades and also rewards sharp crosshair placement. Lurkers may still prefer Sheriff. Long-range control favors heavier damage. Bandit thrives in team fights, not solo duels across the map.
Map Design Helps Or Hurts Bandit
It performs better on tighter maps. Shorter angles favor its damage profile. Maps with frequent close fights help it shine. Wide-open maps reduce its value. Your map pool should influence your buy choice every round.
How It Affects The Current Meta
This pistol adds variety to buy decisions. You no longer default Ghost every pistol. You no longer force Sheriff every eco. Teams can adapt purchases better. Ability-focused agents benefit most. This adds depth to economy management.
Bandit Pistol In Valorant
Bandit does not break Valorant. It refines it. The weapon rewards precision without demanding perfection. It gives eco rounds more meaning. It creates smarter choices instead of power creep. This Valorant Bandit Guide shows why the pistol belongs in the game. Expect Bandit to stay relevant as players learn its limits.
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