Vandal vs Phantom in VALORANT: Which Gun Is Better in 2025?

In 2025, Valorant has grown a lot. New agents, fresh maps, updated mechanics, and yet the age-old debate is still alive, and that is Vandal or Phantom? It might sound like a small choice, but ask any player grinding ranked or clutching in a tournament, and they’ll tell you it matters more than ever. Both rifles cost the same, but the experience they give is very different. Let’s break it down.

Why Players Still Pick Vandal

 

 

The Vandal is loved for one simple reason, and that is headshots. One bullet to the head will get you the kill, no matter how far the enemy is. That kind of consistency is hard to ignore. If your aim is sharp, the Vandal rewards you every time. It works great on long-range maps like Breeze or Sunset, where most fights are at a distance.

Players who play duelists or like to hold long angles usually prefer the Vandal. It gives them the power to win a fight in a single bullet. But it’s not a perfect gun. Its recoil is harder to manage. If you miss your first shots, the spray becomes harder to control. Also, the firing sound is loud, which can give away your position.

Why Phantom Still Has Loyal Fans

 

 

The Phantom may not have the one-shot power at long range, but it offers something different. Its fire rate is faster. It’s quieter. It doesn’t show bullet tracers through smokes. These things matter a lot in real games, especially on maps like Split or Bind where fights are usually close.

Phantom is the safer pick in many ways. It lets you spray more comfortably, and in chaotic situations, it often performs better than Vandal. Yes, the damage drop-off at long range can be frustrating. You might land a clean headshot and the enemy still walks away. But if you stick to short and mid-range fights, the Phantom feels more reliable.

So Which Gun is Better in 2025?

Honestly, there is no one right answer. It depends on your style. If you like to take long fights and trust your aim, go Vandal. If you play more safely or like holding tight angles, Phantom might suit you better.

At the end of the day, both guns are strong. What matters most is how you use them. Pick the one that feels right and build your confidence around it.

 

Written By:  Ashish Jha, India Today Gaming