How and When to Use the New Bandit Pistol in Valorant

With the release of Patch 12.00 in Valorant, Riot Games added a new pistol to the game — Bandit. This is the first new weapon in nearly two years, and the player community is actively discussing how it fits into the current meta and tactical decisions. We’ve collected player reactions, practical usage tips, and a detailed overview of the weapon to understand what Bandit brings to the game.

Community Impressions

Players are generally intrigued by Bandit. Many see it as a middle ground between Ghost and Sheriff: stronger than the former, but weaker than the latter in terms of damage. At the same time, Bandit is cheaper than Sheriff, opening up new purchase options in pistol and eco rounds.

The community also emphasizes that the release of a new weapon is a major event. Riot hasn’t added a similar sidearm in almost two years. For many, it provides a fresh tactical option that could change early-round strategies.

Real Player Opinions

On Reddit and other forums, players share various impressions:

• Bandit is described as a “solid mid-tier option” for eco and force rounds, when you want more firepower than Ghost provides.
• It handles light shields better, allowing players to secure headshots and win pistol rounds.
• In skilled hands, Bandit can dominate close- to mid-range duels, especially for precise headshot players.

Criticism and Concerns

However, there are also critical opinions:

• Some players feel Bandit “takes over too much of Ghost’s role,” and its spray pattern feels unusual.
• In standard rounds, it’s often better to take Ghost and save more credits for utility or agent abilities.
• Although Bandit has theoretically high first-shot accuracy, Ghost still feels more reliable in actual pistol rounds.

It’s also worth noting that Bandit was introduced as part of Valorant Season 26: Patch 12.0. This update didn’t just add a new pistol — it included map pool changes, agent balance updates, and other key adjustments that affect the overall strategy of the game. Bandit’s introduction should therefore be viewed as part of a larger shift in the meta, influencing both tactical decisions and economic choices in matches.

Early posts jokingly claimed Bandit “breaks eco rounds” or makes older pistols obsolete. This is typical emotional feedback right after release — most players acknowledge that a proper assessment requires several weeks of gameplay.

When to Use Bandit

Players have shared practical advice on when Bandit is truly effective.

1. Pistol Rounds

Bandit costs 600 credits, placing it between Ghost and Sheriff. Advantages include:

• One-shot headshots against enemies with light armor.
• Strong choice for aggressive play in close- to mid-range duels.
• Helps win pistol rounds when opponents often buy light shields or push aggressively.

However, it’s generally better not to use it in a pistol round, as alternatives like Ghost, and sometimes even Classic, tend to be a better choice.

2. Force and Eco Rounds

Bandit is ideal for partial buys when there aren’t enough credits for a full rifle purchase:

• Stronger than Ghost but cheaper than Sheriff — a good balance of economy and firepower.
• Medium wall penetration allows punishing enemies hiding behind thin cover.
• Often serves as a “Sheriff-light,” enabling impactful frags without overspending.

3. Close- and Mid-Range Duels

• Bandit excels at short- to mid-range fights if you can reliably hit headshots.
• Great for defending tight corridors or attacking points with expected close combat.

When Not to Buy

• If you have enough credits for Sheriff or a rifle, these are often better at long ranges.
• If the team needs maximum utility early in the round, Ghost may be a more strategic choice.

Despite everything mentioned, this pistol has great potential to turn an almost impossible round in your favor.

Bandit Overview: Stats and Feel

Bandit is a sidearm positioned between Ghost and Sheriff. Key stats:

• Cost: 600 credits
• Magazine: 8 rounds (24 in reserve)
• Reload Time: ~1.5s
• Equip Time: ~0.75s
• Wall Penetration: Medium
• Damage: High headshot damage, especially at close range (up to 150 dmg)

Valorant players often compare it to the Five-SeveN from Counter-Strike 2, from its visual style to its stats and playstyle.

In-Game Feel

The weapon is stronger than the Ghost in both power and precision, while slightly weaker than the Sheriff in terms of maximum potential. It performs excellently against lightly armored targets, making it especially valuable in eco and force rounds. Its small magazine encourages players to focus on precise shots rather than spraying.

Pros

• More powerful than Ghost at similar ranges.
• Allows early-round wins without Sheriff.
• Dominates close-range encounters with accurate aim.

Cons

• Ghost still feels more accurate in standard rounds.
• Limited magazine requires frequent reloading.
• Cost may not be justified if utility/abilities are needed.
• Accuracy and fire rate may feel less impressive in practice than on paper.

Like any other weapon in the game, it will find its place, and most likely we can expect balance adjustments from the developers in the near future, just as happened with the release of the Outlaw sniper rifle.

Conclusion: Bandit in the Meta

Let's briefly summarize everything mentioned in a single paragraph.

• Strengths: Expands the arsenal, provides more options in pistol, eco, and force rounds.
• Weaknesses: Not universal, requires precise aim and careful usage.
• Best Situations: Close- to mid-range duels, against light armor, early rounds where a balance of economy and firepower is needed.

Players are encouraged to experiment with Bandit and find a playstyle that suits them. Over time, practice will reveal how this new pistol affects competitive meta and game balance in Valorant.

By placing Bandit within the broader context of Valorant Season 26: Patch 12.0, which changed the map pool, agent balance, and other key gameplay elements, players can better understand how this weapon fits into the evolving strategic landscape of the game.