Retake
How retakes work
- Defenders group up instead of entering one by one.
- They use smokes, flashes and recon to clear the site.
- They use the halfway defuse checkpoint: a quick tap to 3.5 seconds saves progress.
Why retakes are hard
The Attackers are now the ones holding angles, and they can use abilities and lineups to stop the defuse. See post-plant. With 45 seconds on the Spike, Defenders must move fast but carefully.
A successful 1-man retake is a clutch.
Learn more in Valorant Rules Explained.
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
SpikeThe Spike is Valorant's bomb.
Post-plantPost-plant in Valorant is the phase after the Spike is planted, when Attackers defend it and Defenders try to defuse.
ClutchA clutch in Valorant is when the last player alive on a team wins the round.
Reviewed by the R1GG team
