VALORANT: Flash Durations Of Agents – When To Dodge Flashes Like A Pro

We have all seen VCT matches where time comes to a standstill, it’s a 1v1 situation, the defender taps the bomb- only to get flashed and just as you start thinking it’s over.. the opponent drops dead. That is not because of luck but based on their in-game knowledge and reaction speed instead. 

If you’ve ever wanted to pull that off as well, then you should know- timing is everything and the biggest trick involves knowing exactly when to look away.

Flash Durations

Some agents' flashes feel like they will last forever, while some go away quicker. This is because each agent’s flash ability lasts for different amounts of time, meaning your response needs to be adjusted accordingly. Here’s a quick rundown of the current flash durations in Valorant:

• Phoenix (Curveball - "Fieser Wurf") – 1.5s
• Yoru (Blindside - "Überrumpeln") – 1.75s
• Breach (Flashpoint - "Blitzladung") – 2s
• Skye (Guiding Light - "Polarstern") – 1-2.25s
• KAY/O (Flash/Drive & Flash/Granade - "Blend/Granate") – 2.25s / 1.5s
• Iso (Undercut - "Bogenrose") – 2.25s

When to Look Away

Now that you know the durations, the key is to anticipate flashes and turn away at the right moment. Here’s a general guide based on flash types:

Fast pop flashes (Phoenix, KAY/O Grenade, Yoru) – These activate quickly, so you need to react before they pop. Keep your crosshair placement in mind and turn your back at the last second.

Longer flashes (Breach, Skye, Iso, KAY/O Arm Throw) – These give you slightly more time to react. If you hear the audio cue, you can momentarily dodge the flash before re-peeking.

Tips On How To Dodge Flashes

• Listen for cues – Most flashes have distinct sounds before they activate. Get used to recognizing them.
• Use cover – If you can’t turn in time, break line of sight by hiding behind walls or objects.
• Bait out flashes – If you suspect an enemy has a flash, jiggle peek or pre-fire to force them to waste it.
• Practice in custom games – Set up scenarios where you react to different flash abilities to train your muscle memory.

With the right awareness and reaction speed, you can dodge flashes like a pro and turn the fight in your favor. Now, get out there and blindside your enemies before they do it to you!