ACS, or Average Combat Score, is Valorant's main metric for evaluating a player's match performance. This comprehensive scoring system evaluates various aspects of gameplay, from raw damage output to strategic plays, condensing them into a single numerical value that represents your overall contribution to the match.

How is ACS Calculated in Valorant?

Riot Games hasn't officially revealed the exact formula of how is ACS calculated in Valorant, but they have mentioned what it involves. At its core, ACS comprises several components that work together to determine your final score, including damage inflicted, assists, kills, and factors such as first bloods and streaks.

Damage points form the foundation, with every single point of damage dealt equaling one point in your combat score. For instance, if you deal 150 damage in a round, you'll receive 150 points toward your combat score.

Kill-based points add another layer to the calculation, with rewards varying based on the number of remaining enemies. When facing a full team, securing a kill grants 150 points, which decreases to 130 points with four enemies remaining, continuing to scale down to 110 and 90 points, and finally 70 points for the last enemy standing. The system rewards multi-kills with an additional 50 points each round, promoting strategic aggressive play. Scoring an ACE grants an additional 200 ACS points.

Beyond direct combat, the system acknowledges support play through non-damaging assists, such as using blinding abilities or abilities like Sage’s healing or KAY/O's knife, which earns 25 points. Round victories also contribute additional points to your overall ACS, ensuring that team success factors into individual performance metrics.

Also Read: What is Econ Rating in Valorant?

How to Determine Your Overall Combat Score?

To calculate your total combat score (shown right below your KDA), divide it by the number of rounds you’ve participated in. For instance, if you gather 6,000 points over a 13-7 (20-round) match, your ACS will be 300.

To put your performance in perspective, here's what different ACS ranges typically indicate:

• 150-200 represents an average performance level
• 200-250 shows above-average gameplay
• 250-300 demonstrates exceptional skill
• Scores above 300 indicate outstanding performance

After the match, the player who tops the scoreboard may not always be the MVP, but rather the one who achieves the highest ACS.

Does the ACS Affect your Valorant Rank?

While developers officially state that ACS doesn't directly determine ranking, the reality of its impact on competitive play is more complex. Your Average Combat Score significantly influences the Rank Rating (RR) points you receive after each match.

Players who achieve higher ACS compared to others in their match typically earn more RR points for victories and lose fewer points for defeats. For example, if you consistently outperform both teammates and opponents in terms of ACS, the game recognizes this superior performance by awarding more ranking points. 

This system ensures that players who demonstrate greater combat effectiveness and overall contribution to their team can potentially climb ranks more efficiently, even though match outcomes remain the primary factor in rank progression. Despite EvrMoar's statement that ACS is "just a stat," its practical influence on rank adjustment makes it an important metric to consider while pursuing competitive growth in Valorant.

Also Read: What is ESR in Valorant?

How to Improve ACD in Valorant?

Improving your ACS requires a balanced approach to gameplay. Securing early round kills (first bloods) provides maximum points, while supporting teammates with utility can earn valuable assist points.

To boost your Average Combat Score (ACS) in Valorant, focus on these key strategies:

• Agent Selection: Choose agents that excel at dealing high damage, such as Raze with her explosive abilities. Agents with self-sustaining mechanics, like Reyna's healing, can also facilitate aggressive plays for higher kill counts.
• Maximize Round Scores: Remember that ACS is calculated as a round average, so strive to perform at your best in each round. Securing early "first blood" kills is especially valuable.
• Balance Aggression and Utility: While frags are important, don't neglect non-damaging assists from abilities, as they also contribute to your ACS. Coordinate with your team to maximize your combat impact.
• Maintain Composure: Engage in fights strategically, balancing aggression with smart decision-making. Reckless play can hurt your ACS despite high kill counts.

By implementing these focused tactics, you can steadily improve your Valorant ACS and increase your chances of earning the MVP distinction.

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