Valorant: The Fine Line Between Comms, IGL’ing, and Backseating That Costs You Games

by

In Valorant, both dedicated and casual players find enjoyment, but as its popularity grows, so do challenges related to communication that can significantly influence game results. A Reddit discussion delves into the complexities surrounding effective communication, in-game leadership (IGLing), and the problematic behavior known as backseating. Many gamers, especially those at lower skill levels, often find these ideas difficult to grasp, leading to team tension. This post not only clarifies these differences but also emphasizes how backseating can negatively impact gameplay and team spirit. By pooling together different perspectives from fellow gamers, the conversation sheds light on effective communication strategies in Valorant.

Summary

  • The distinction between comms, IGL’ing, and backseating is crucial for teamwork in Valorant.
  • Backseating can stifle individual playstyle and break teammates’ flow.
  • Suggestions should be communicated as options rather than directives for better team dynamics.
  • Players often overlook the importance of trusting teammates’ decisions and adapting to their gameplay styles.

The Communication Triangle: Comms, IGL’ing, and Backseating

In Valorant, successful gameplay relies heavily on three key aspects: communication, in-game leadership (IGL’ing), and avoiding backseat gaming. Communication acts as the base for collective knowledge among players, allowing them to share crucial information such as enemy positions or impending threats, thereby enhancing overall awareness. Players have commented that using communication like “Reyna is on the rafters, has 80 health, didn’t heal” helps clarify the game situation without instructing how to play. In contrast, IGL’ing goes a step further, with one player overseeing the calls for strategies and plays. For example, suggestions like “rush site A” or “play aggressively on site B” are intended to unify team efforts.

Instead of collaboration, communication can sometimes degenerate into overpowering others’ decisions, a behavior known as backseating. This happens when players try to dictate how their teammates should play. A player expressed a common frustration, saying, “I detest it when people tell me what utility to use. I know I have flash, and I’m the one clicking the buttons.” This sentiment rings true, as many players feel competent in making good decisions but are frequently disrupted by unsolicited advice. If only players could emulate the mindset of pros who let their teammates take charge of their strategies, games might see less disputes and more consistent teamwork.

Backseating: The Game-Costing Villain

Let’s explore why backseating is a troublesome aspect in many games, causing matches to falter. One player made an insightful remark that “backseating restricts personal playstyle.” Players choose their characters for specific reasons, usually tailoring them to a style that showcases their unique skills. When teammates try to control how this player performs actions, it can lead to misunderstandings and disrupt the smooth progression of gameplay. A Cypher main expressed frustration over others telling him what to do with his utilities without explanation, “I know what I’m doing.

To add to that, it’s crucial not to underestimate the mental impact. The discussion underscored how taking a backseat can sow doubt among participants. When someone steps in with commands, it can throw off one’s focus, leading to self-doubt and eventually regrettable choices. A user shared an experience where they were on the verge of executing their strategy when a conflicting order was shouted out, causing them to falter: “I was ready to follow what my mind instinctively suggested, but everyone was shouting contradictory instructions, and I lost my focus.

In this situation, overstepping and giving unsolicited advice not only disrupts the game’s flow but also undermines team spirit. As one user put it succinctly, “Continual criticizing just makes people ignore you.” Nobody appreciates playing with a know-it-all who points out every mistake. Contrary to promoting cooperation, it creates animosity. Players might find themselves wanting to mute someone constantly trying to manage their every move. Ironically, this could lead to less communication, creating a vicious cycle.

Strategies for Effective Communication

If backseat gaming hinders clear communication, what strategies might players employ to counteract this issue? The original post offered a practical tip: offer suggestions instead of instructions. This way, players have the freedom to decide their moves, while still being provided with enough information to stay informed. Instead of issuing commands such as “TP now!”, players could suggest options like “You might want to Teleport onto that box.” A subtle change in phrasing can greatly influence how suggestions are received by teammates.

Additionally, resisting the urge to challenge teammates over their decisions during a game is another important consideration. Understanding that no one is required to explain themselves can greatly improve the mood. Instead of criticizing moves with questions such as “Why didn’t you just do X?”, it might be more beneficial to simply accept that everyone makes errors, especially under pressure.

As a team player myself, I totally resonate with the thread’s message of trusting your fellow team members. It’s not just about clear communication, but it’s also about having faith in our collective abilities. One teammate put it nicely when they said, “You’re trying to play everyone else’s game too, and that never works.” By focusing on personal achievements and giving control to my teammates, I can help create a more harmonious collaborative environment, ultimately increasing the odds of all players showcasing their skills effectively.

Employing praise alongside constructive advice is crucial. Short, friendly expressions such as “well done” or “let’s see what we can take away from this,” can maintain a nurturing atmosphere in which all participants feel appreciated.

In the fast-paced world of Valorant, it’s easy for clear communication and overbearing backseat advice to blend together. To work effectively and improve both individual abilities and team dynamics, players should adopt thoughtful communication as a strategy. This means offering helpful hints instead of orders, being cautious with mid-game criticisms, and building trust among teammates. By doing so, you can create an atmosphere that encourages victory. So the next time you jump into a game, keep this in mind: collaborate with your team, allow them to play their unique styles, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll transform those turbulent rounds into a string of incredible plays.

Read More

2025-05-29 12:29