The 2026 season has officially introduced the Bandit, the first new sidearm to join the Valorant arsenal since the game launched. Priced at 600 credits, this weapon is designed to sit perfectly between the Ghost and the Sheriff. It is a precision tool meant for players who want lethal headshot power without draining their entire bank account on a Sheriff.
What makes the Bandit so special is its ability to one-tap enemies who are wearing light armor at short to medium ranges. This creates a massive shift in how teams approach pistol rounds and “thrifty” eco rounds, as you can now threaten a round win while still saving enough credits for your most important agent abilities.
- One-tap potential: Can eliminate enemies with light shields in a single headshot.
- Precision focused: Better first-shot accuracy than the Ghost, rewarding calm aim.
- Budget friendly: At 600 credits, it leaves room for utility in early rounds.
Understanding the Bandit weapon stats
The Bandit is built for accuracy over raw fire rate. With only eight rounds in each magazine, you cannot afford to just spam and hope for the best like you might with a Frenzy or a Ghost. Instead, the weapon rewards players who take that extra split second to line up a clean shot.
| Statistic | Value |
| Weapon Class | Sidearm |
| Price | 600 credits |
| Magazine Size | 8 bullets |
| Ammo Reserve | 24 bullets |
| Reload Timing | 1.5 seconds |
| Equip Timing | 0.75 seconds |
| Wall Penetration | Medium |
One of the sneakiest advantages of the Bandit is its snappy 1.5-second reload time and 0.75-second equip speed. This makes it a great backup for snipers or agents who frequently use abilities mid-fight, as you can pull it out and get back into the action much faster than you could with a Sheriff.
When to buy the Bandit over other pistols
Choosing between the Ghost, Bandit, and Sheriff comes down to your economy and your aim confidence. If you are playing on a map with very long sightlines, the Sheriff still reigns supreme due to its higher damage at a distance. However, in close-quarters maps like Split or Bind, the Bandit is a terrifying alternative.
The Bandit is at its strongest when you expect the enemy team to be on light shields or in their own eco round. It is also a fantastic choice for Duelists like Jett or Reyna who need to buy their signature abilities during a pistol round but still want the power to secure a quick entry frag.
Source: ValorantUpdated
FAQ: New Bandit weapon
Can the Bandit one-tap a full armor enemy?
Yes, but only at very close range. Within 10 meters, a headshot deals 152 damage, which is enough to take down an enemy with 150 HP.
How does the Bandit compare to the Ghost?
The Bandit has a smaller magazine and less reserve ammo, but it offers much higher headshot damage. It also features better first-shot accuracy, making it a “step up” for players with good aim.
Does the Bandit have any attachments?
No, the Bandit does not have any attachments like a silencer or an optic. It is a pure iron-sight precision pistol.
Why should I buy the Bandit instead of the Sheriff?
The main reason is the 200-credit savings. That extra cash can be the difference between buying a smoke or a flash that helps your team take a site. Plus, the Bandit is easier to control and reloads faster than the Sheriff.
