In just about every competitive FPS game, every player aspires to master their aim, hit their shots with precision, and carry games with unshakeable confidence. Many look up to esports stars like TenZ, Yay, and ScreaM, hoping to emulate their exceptional skills and performance.

The internet is flooded with videos claiming to hold the secret to perfect aim settings, routines, and warm-ups. However, these so-called secrets can often be misleading, ineffective, or even detrimental to your aiming skills. Today’s guide aims to debunk three common aiming lies in VALORANT to put you in a better position on your journey to actually improving your aim.

Lie #1: Settings Will Magically Fix Your Aim

The first myth that needs debunking revolves around the idea that tweaking certain settings will instantly improve your aim. This belief is widespread among players, with many scouring the internet for the perfect settings to transform their gameplay.

One common piece of advice is to disable mouse acceleration in your window settings. This advice is based on the belief that mouse acceleration can interfere with your aim by making the cursor speed dependent on the speed of your mouse movement. While disabling mouse acceleration might benefit some games, it doesn’t make a difference in VALORANT. The game already uses raw input, taking your mouse inputs directly from the mouse instead of Windows. This means that any changes you make to your mouse settings in Windows won’t affect your gameplay in VALORANT.

Another setting often touted as a game-changer is angle snapping. Angle snapping is a feature that pulls your mouse in either the x or y-axis, supposedly making it easier to maintain a straight line. While this might seem beneficial at first glance, it can actually hinder your aim in more complex maps where sideways adjustments are common. In reality, the situations where angle snapping might theoretically help are really rare, and it can often do more harm than good.

The truth is settings won’t magically improve your aim. What matters more is practice and consistency. Changing your sensitivity may not ruin your muscle memory or progress, as some might claim. Top players like Tens regularly change their sensitivity and still manage to hit impressive shots. The key is to use what feels comfortable to you and not to overthink settings. It’s also important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all regarding settings. What works for one player might not work for another.

Lie #2: Secret Training Techniques Will Transform Your Aim

Next up on our list of aiming lies that need to be debunked is that there are secret training techniques that will transform your aim overnight. This belief is often perpetuated by videos and guides promising quick fixes and shortcuts to improve your aim.

One such technique is the Miyagi method, which involves tracking your opponents in Deathmatch games without firing. The idea behind this method is that it helps you learn how to make yourself hard to hit while improving your tracking skills. While this might be a useful addition to your training routine, it won’t magically turn you into an aiming machine. It’s just one of many exercises you can incorporate into your training, and it’s not a substitute for consistent practice.

Another common piece of advice is to slow down your shots. This advice is often given with the belief that missing shots result from shooting too quickly. However, missing shots is a part of the game, and the solution isn’t to slow down but to practice more and train your aim. Overthinking your aim during a game can make you more anxious and harm your performance. Instead, focus on your crosshair placement and anticipate how your opponent might peek.

The unfortunate truth is that there are no shortcuts to improving your aim. It requires consistent practice and working on different Valorant mechanics. Consider using tools like the Voltaic aiming benchmarks or their daily improvement method to measure and improve your aim objectively. These tools provide unique playlists to work on different parts of your aim, allowing you to practice an alternative aiming type each day. Remember, the key to improving your aim is not finding a secret technique but consistent practice and dedication.

Lie #3: The Perfect Warm-Up Routine Exists

The third and final aiming lie that we need to debunk is the belief that there’s a perfect warm-up routine that will make your aim flawless. This myth is often perpetuated by guides and videos promising the ultimate warm-up routine that will guarantee a perfect aim.

The truth is warm-ups are largely a mental thing. They’re meant to get you mentally ready for the game, not to warm up your muscles physically. What works as a warm-up varies from person to person. Some might play a single Deathmatch game, while others might do a 30-minute Aimlabs playlist. It’s all about finding what works for you and what gets you in the right mindset for the game.

Remember, even with the perfect warm-up; you won’t always be consistent. Some days you’ll feel like a pro, and others, you might feel off. That’s normal and happens to everyone. Instead of focusing on finding the perfect warm-up, work on adapting your play when you’re having an off day aim-wise. This could mean focusing more on strategy and teamwork rather than relying solely on your aim.

Improving your aim in VALORANT isn’t about finding the perfect settings, training techniques, or warm-up routines. It’s about consistent practice, mental preparation, and adapting your play based on your performance on a given day. Don’t fall for the myths and focus on what truly matters to improve your aim. Remember, the path to improving your aim is a journey, not a destination. It requires time, effort, and dedication. So, keep practicing, stay focused, and don’t let these aiming lies distract you from your goal.