Lurk (lurker)

Updated Oct 22, 2026 · 1 min read

How lurking works

While the team draws the defenders to one site, the lurker waits elsewhere. When defenders rotate, the lurker catches them from behind, or takes the area they left.

Who lurks in Valorant

Sentinels often lurk, because their traps can watch an area while they move. Some teams give the lurk to their IGL to keep them alive longer.

The risk

If the lurker is caught alone, nobody can trade the kill and the team plays four against five. Timing is everything.

Learn more in Valorant Rules Explained. For CS2, see lurker in CS2.

Related guides

Valorant Rules Explained: How a Pro Match WorksHow Valorant works: 5v5, first to 13 rounds, Attackers plant the Spike, Defenders stop it, overtime until a 2-round lead. Economy and agents explained.

Related terms

SentinelSentinels in Valorant are defensive agents who lock down areas, watch the flank and slow pushes with traps and walls.
RetakeA retake in Valorant is when Defenders move back into a site after the Spike is planted and try to defuse it.

Reviewed by the R1GG team