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How Long is a Game of Valorant?

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Image via Riot Games

Ever wondered just how long is a game of Valorant? Some Valorant matches feel like they last centuries, while others are over dramatically fast. With how busy a lot of us are these days, that makes it difficult to determine whether or not we have time to squeeze a game in. 

That’s why we’ve gone over how long a game of Valorant lasts, in detail. We’re breaking down each game mode and looking at how long you can expect each one to last. We also go over some influencing factors that determine how long your game is going to take. 

So, if you’ve ever wanted to know how long is a game of Valorant, we’ve got the answers – regardless of what game mode you’re talking about.  

How Long is a Valorant Game?

How long is a game of VALORANT - lobby screen.
Image via Riot Games

How long a Valorant game lasts fully depends on the game mode. Of course, most players play either competitve or unrated, both of which tend to last the same amount of time on average. 

In a regular competitive or unrated game, you can expect to spend between 30 and 50 minutes per game. This is assuming the game is relatively balanced and both teams are consistently picking up rounds. 

Not every game is an equal affair, though. If you or the enemy team has a smurf, or the game is particularly one-sided, a game can last as little as 20 minutes. For a game to be this short, a scoreline typically needs to be 13-0 either way. 

Some factors that can influence how long a game of Valorant lasts include:

  • Rank – Lower-ranked games tend to be one-sided more often, resulting in shorter game times. 
  • Whether or not there’s a smurf in the game – Having a smurf on either team typically leads to a one-sided game at every rank. Again, this results in shorter game times. 
  • Overtime – Overtime in a competitive game is indefinite. Provided neither team votes for a draw, the match can go on until someone wins. This can turn a 50-minute competitive game into one that lasts well over an hour.

Unrated and competitive aren’t the only gamemodes in Valorant though. Sometimes you don’t have a spare hour for a game – in which case you can jump into one of the quicker game modes. 

How Long is a Valorant Game of Deathmatch

VALORANT deathmatch.
Image via Riot Games

Aside from unrated and competitive, deathmatch is the most popular Valorant playlist. Whether you’re playing deathmatch for fun or to warm up, you can expect a typical game to last around 10 minutes

Like with other game modes, this time can be significantly lower if you have a particularly skilled player in your lobby. If there’s a Radiant player popping off in your deathmatch, it’s possible for the game to last less than 10 minutes, although it’s rare that this would happen. 

How Long is a Valorant Game of Spike Rush / Replication

How long is a game of VALORANT - Character selection.
Image via Riot Games

The other two staple Valorant game modes are spike rush and replication. These are fun game modes that act as short, casual alternatives to the intensive 13-round game modes. 

Both spike rush and replication are best of nine game modes. Once one team hits four rounds, they’ve won the game. 

As a result, one of these games of Valorant can last as little as 15 minutes, but that time is cut drastically if it’s a blowout. A 5/0 spike rush or replication game can last less than 10 minutes in some cases. 

So, that’s how long a game of Valorant is going to last. Whether you’re playing ranked, deathmatch, or something a little more fun – now you know just how much time you’re going to have to put aside for a game. 

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AUTHOR

Based in Dublin, Ireland, Eoin is a Guides Writer at Gamzo. With an extensive experience in Esports - he brings a tactical and analytical approach to every game he covers.