In Valorant, the Vulnerable effect temporarily increases the damage a player takes.
Specific agent abilities can inflict this status, making opponents easier to defeat and providing a tactical edge.
Valorant players who focus on abilities and tactics should understand Vulnerable.
This effect can quickly change a battle. Knowing how Vulnerable works is essential if your health drops fast after getting hit or you want to boost your team’s damage.
Let’s go over its impact and how it improves tactical gameplay.
What Is Vulnerable in Valorant, and How Does It Work?
Vulnerable is a status effect that temporarily increases the damage a player takes.
While active, attacks from any source will hit harder, making the player an easy target. It functions like a brief removal of armor, leaving them more exposed.
Key Points About Vulnerable:
- Boosts damage received by approximately 50%
- Triggered by specific agent abilities
- It lasts for a short duration
- Enhances damage from all attacks, not just the one that applied the effect
Valorant Abilities That Cause Vulnerability
In Valorant, some agents possess abilities that can inflict vulnerability, making enemies take increased damage for a short duration.
- Fade – Seize (E): Releases an orb that explodes upon impact, immobilizing enemies within its radius and amplifying the damage they receive.
- KAY/O – ZERO/POINT (E): Launches a blade that removes enemy abilities and makes anyone caught in the explosion more susceptible to damage.
- Breach – Aftershock (C ability):
Unleashes a shockwave that inflicts the Vulnerable effect on any enemies.
- Viper – Snake Bite (C ability):
Generates a hazardous pool that increases enemies’ damage when they step into it.
- Cypher – Cyber Cage (Q ability) [with specific upgrade]:
In Spike Rush mode, an upgraded Cyber Cage makes enemies Vulnerable when they move through it.
- Harbor – Cascade (Q ability) [with specific upgrade]:
In specific game modes, the water barrier increases the damage players take when they touch it.
How to Use “Vulnerable” in Communication
Properly using “Vulnerable” in team chat can give your team a decisive advantage. Below are a few practical ways to call it out.
Identifying Weakened Enemies:
- “Jett is exposed at the location!”
- “Two opponents in mid are more susceptible to damage!”
Executing Attacks:
- “I’m activating the effect—go in now!”
- “Wait until my effect takes effect before engaging.”
Defensive Warnings:
- “Watch out, Fade can weaken us.”
- “I’ve been affected—I’m retreating!”
Strategic Moves:
- “Let’s pair my ability with your ultimate for a better advantage.”
- “Take advantage of the effect to check that corner.”
Reviewing the Round:
- “Great job using that ability to our advantage!”
- “We should’ve waited for the effect before making our move.”
Related Terms
When talking about the Vulnerable effect in Valorant, these terms may also come up:
- Debuff
- Status Effect
- Damage Boost
- Utility
- Crowd Control (CC)
- Area of Effect (AoE)
Getting the hang of the Vulnerable effect can make a huge difference in a match.
Knowing when to use it against opponents or how to avoid it can give you a serious advantage.
Stay aware, time it well, and work with your team to maximize its impact. Use it smartly, take your shots, and bring down enemies faster than ever!