How to Peek Like a Pro: The Ultimate Valorant Peeking Guide

Interested in mastering the art of peeking in Valorant? Check out this guide to learn how to peek like a pro

Peeking in Valorant means moving from behind walls or covers to clear angles. It is one of the most important fundamental mechanics in Valorant. While it may seem straightforward, there are a variety of peeks, each suited for different scenarios. In this Valorant peeking guide, we will delve into all the different types of peek and their optimal usage during gameplay.

How to peek in Valorant- The Fundamentals

Here are some essential facts you need to know on how to peek in Valorant.

Peeker’s Advantage

Peeker’s Advantage is relevant to all FPS games, not just Valorant. Simply put, it refers to the advantage gained by being the first to peek in a duel.

Here is how ping affects Valorants peekers advantage from both sides and different servers

– Left is the lovely @mercythekiller pov
– Right is my own pov

*disclaimer* Other factors come into play such as bullet reg when playing on higher ping that evens out the advantage pic.twitter.com/RN3er8rR1G

— Pegsazeus (@Skillgap) January 18, 2022

This advantage exists because of the delay between players’ actions and the server registering them. There are other technical intricacies behind it, but you don’t need to lose your breath over them. What’s crucial for you to understand is that players shouldn’t hesitate to peek first, particularly if they have a higher ping than their opponent. If anything, you are at an advantage by peeking first.

Pre Aiming

Always try to anticipate where your enemies might be holding position. They can be holding conventional angles or off-angles, which is more likely to be the scenario in higher lobbies. Therefore, consistently clearing these spots by pre-aiming is pivotal. In this way, if an opponent is indeed holding the angle you predicted, you can quickly eliminate them before they even get the chance to react. The trick to execute this perfectly is to aim through the wall and precise crosshair placement.

Movement and Positioning

As you climb the ranks in Valorant, the significance of possessing strong positional awareness and good movement becomes increasingly apparent. If aiming is the most crucial mechanic in Valorant, movement is a close second. Proper movement can also improve the quality of your peeks. When you are clearing angles, you need to move in such a way that you are exposing yourself to one angle at a time only. Being exposed to multiple angles simultaneously increases the risk of getting caught off-guard.

How to peek in Valorant- The Types

Here are the different types of peek you can use to clear corners and angles.

Short Peek

This is the most common and easiest form of peek. It involves a brief strafe out of cover, typically lasting for less than a second.

Credit: SkillCapped Valorant

Players use this one the most while navigating through the map. As you are not swinging too wide here, you can easily clear corners and pre-fire specific spots without risking vulnerability to various angles simultaneously.

Wide Peek

Wide Peek is another frequently used peek that even all beginners use, albeit incorrectly. It is when you peek an angle farther from a corner than necessary to surprise the opponent. This peek is primarily used in 1v1s when you’re aware of your opponent’s position. However, beginners make the mistake of overusing it, which can prove counterproductive. If you swing wide with zero info, you will often find yourself in precarious situations. Therefore, only peek wide with adequate information on the enemy’s position.

Credit: SkillCapped Valorant

POPPIN Swing

Named after the popular Twitch streamer POPPIN, it is the extreme version of a Wide Peek. Here, you peek wide and then some. The gamble is to bank on the opponent’s missed shots or sprays, allowing you to strike while they reset their recoil. Can it work? Sure. But is it advisable to try it repeatedly? No. You can use it once or twice per match to trick your opponents but be ready to get punished if you try it too often.

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Jiggle Peek

Also known as shoulder-peeking, this is an info-gathering peek. It is helpful in multiple situations, especially when the opposing team plays extra slowly, resulting in a quiet round. Jiggling corners can be great for gathering valuable information on enemy positions. It can also help bait out enemy shots, providing an advantage in subsequent gunfights.

Credit: SkillCapped Valorant

To execute this peek, it is best to have your knife out to minimize the chances of getting hit. Simply strafe rapidly from left to right and vice versa (pressing A and D) in a corner to perform this. Remember, if you can see the opponent, your peek is too wide to be considered shoulder-peeking.

Jump Peek

Jump Peek is another info-gathering peek, offering even more intel than regular jiggle peeking. However, unlike jiggling, jump peeking requires some practice to perfect it. This peek is most helpful in luring out Operator shots and in post-plant situations while on the Attacking side.

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To perform it, press W and jump forward. While in the air, press and hold A/D (depending on the direction) and S to land back in the safety of the cover. You can also use your mouse to strafe in the air. Both methods are viable; choose whichever you feel is best for you.

Crouch Peek

Crouch peeking is a tactical peek where you can use your enemies’ good crosshair placement against them. We all know the foremost rule of aiming is to keep crosshair at head level. That is why crouch-peeking can help you win duels, as you will be peeking them in a crouched position, making them likely to miss the shot. However, make sure not to crouch before you start the peek. What you need to do is time the crouch right at the angle so that you maintain the speed of a regular peek.

Credit: SkillCapped Valorant

Dry Peek

Peeking with utilities—like blinds, flashes, or recon abilities—is typically always recommended. However, when you opt to peek without any supportive utility, it’s called Dry Peeking. As a general rule, it’s advised to avoid dry peeking when abilities are at your disposal. However, there sure are exceptions. For instance, if you are lurking or in a situation where revealing your position is not ideal, you can peek dry to catch your enemies off-guard.

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