Valorant's New Weapon: the Bandit

Riot Introduces the Bandit, a New Pistol, Boosting Valorant's Arsenal

VALORANT is shaking up its weapon meta in a way players have not seen since launch. With Patch 12.00, Riot Games is adding the Bandit, the first brand-new sidearm to enter the game. This is not just another pistol option. It is a deliberate attempt to reshape how players approach light buys, thrifty rounds, and early-round decision making.

Meet the Bandit: VALORANT’s New Precision Sidearm The Bandit is officially described as a precision sidearm designed for players who want to steal rounds on a budget. That description fits perfectly. Priced at 600 credits, the Bandit sits neatly between the Ghost and the Sheriff, offering one-tap headshot potential without the high cost of the Sheriff.

This makes it the second new weapon ever added to VALORANT, following the Outlaw. While the Outlaw targeted a niche in the rifle ecosystem, the Bandit aims straight at one of the most contested parts of the game: pistol and low-economy rounds.

Why Riot Added the Bandit

According to Riot, the goal behind the Bandit is to add more diversity to light buy rounds. With this addition, Valorant 2026 (or V26) Act 1 will provide gamers with a brand new experience. Players often face a tough choice between investing credits into abilities or committing to stronger gunplay. The Bandit gives teams more flexibility, allowing them to maintain lethal headshot potential while freeing up credits for utility.

In practical terms, this means more viable options during eco rounds, half-buys, and force buys. Agents who rely heavily on abilities now have a weapon that does not drain their economy while still rewarding precise aim.

Bandit Weapon Stats and Key Details

Here is what we currently know about the Bandit’s core stats:

• Price: 600 credits
• Magazine size: 8 bullets
• Ammo reserve: 24
• Reload time: 1.5 seconds
• Equip time: 0.75 seconds
• Wall penetration: Medium
• Attachments: None

At a glance, the smaller magazine may seem limiting, but the weapon is clearly designed for accuracy rather than spray-heavy playstyles.

Bandit vs Sheriff: Clear Tradeoffs

When compared to the Sheriff, the Bandit makes its tradeoffs obvious. The Sheriff still boasts higher damage and high wall penetration, making it more forgiving in certain situations. However, the Bandit counters with faster equip and reload speeds, along with more bullets per magazine.

For players who thrive on quick peeks and crisp headshots, the Bandit may feel more responsive and less punishing during hectic early-round fights.

Bandit vs Ghost: The Missing Middle Ground

The more interesting comparison is between the Bandit and the Ghost. Both weapons share medium wall penetration and identical equip and reload timings. The Ghost offers a much larger magazine and ammo reserve, which makes it forgiving for spam and sustained fights.

However, the Ghost loses its one-shot headshot capability once enemies have even minimal overhealth or are positioned beyond 30 meters. This is where the Bandit shines. It maintains lethal headshot potential in scenarios where the Ghost falls short, creating a true middle ground between the two pistols.

Impact on Ranked Play and Climbing

For players grinding ranked, the Bandit introduces new strategic depth. Winning more thrifty rounds can significantly impact match outcomes, especially at higher ranks. Some players may even turn to external solutions like a Valorant boost to speed up their climb, but mastering weapons like the Bandit can offer a more rewarding path to improvement.

Likewise, those exploring Valorant boosting services often see how small optimizations in eco rounds can translate into consistent rank gains over time.

Final Thoughts on the Bandit

The Bandit is not meant to replace existing pistols. Instead, it fills a long-standing gap in VALORANT’s sidearm lineup. It rewards precision, smart positioning, and disciplined aim, all while keeping your economy flexible.

As Patch 12.00 rolls out alongside the Breeze rework and new game modes, the Bandit stands out as a subtle but impactful addition. Expect it to quickly become a staple in the hands of players who know how to make every credit count.

 

GG Boost, the Best Elo Boosting Experience!