First Blood Advantage in Valorant

Getting the first kill in a round—commonly known as First Blood—is one of the most underrated yet impactful stats in Valorant ranked play. While flashy clutches and high KDAs get attention, it’s the early picks that often determine round outcomes, map control, and ultimately your MMR progression.

In this blog, we explore how First Bloods work, why they matter, and how consistently securing them can make your climb more efficient—even if your overall stats aren’t top-tier.

What Is First Blood in Valorant?

First Blood refers to the first kill of a round. It's not just a stat—it’s a momentum setter. The team that secures First Blood gains:

• A 5v4 advantage instantly
• Control over timing, rotations, and site pressure
• Psychological momentum in tight matches

That one pick can tilt the round in your favor even before the spike is planted.

How First Bloods Affect Round Win Rates

Data from professional play and ranked matches consistently show that the team getting First Blood wins the round about 70% of the time. Why?

• You force the enemy to rotate or hold passively
• You trade more efficiently
• You increase the chance of site entry or defense success

And since round wins are directly tied to MMR gain, First Bloods become a silent power stat.

Do First Bloods Impact Hidden MMR?

While Riot doesn't confirm every MMR detail, here's what we do know:

• Match and round wins are the primary drivers of MMR.
• First Blood improves your team's win potential, especially in close matches.
• If you consistently get First Blood and win rounds, your hidden rating adjusts upward faster.

It's not the First Blood stat itself that pushes MMR—but the round wins and impact it enables.

Roles and Agents Best Suited for First Bloods

🟢 Duelists: Jett, Reyna, Phoenix, and Yoru are built for opening duels.

🟢 Initiators: Skye or Breach with utility to set up early fights.

🟢 Off-Angle Defenders: Chamber, Cypher, or Killjoy can anchor and pick early peeks.

Regardless of your role, if you're consistently safe and successful in entry duels, you help control the game tempo.

Tips to Improve Your First Blood Rate

✔️ Pre-aim and Crosshair Discipline: Know the most common peek angles and hold them with discipline.

✔️ Use Utility First: Flash or smoke before taking duels.

✔️ Avoid Predictable Patterns: Change up your routes to catch opponents off guard.

✔️ Team Timing: Communicate early-round plans so you're not taking isolated fights.

✔️ Know When to Fall Back: If you get First Blood, sometimes the best move is not pushing but regrouping.

First Bloods vs. Deaths: Risk vs. Reward

Be cautious—if you're frequently dying while going for First Blood, it may hurt your team more than help. What matters most:

• Positive First Blood/First Death ratio
• Survivability after entry
• Trade potential

Smart First Bloods are more valuable than aggressive and reckless ones.

Summary: Start Strong, Climb Smarter

In Valorant, your impact begins before the spike is even touched. First Bloods help secure round wins, and round wins drive your MMR progression. Learn to take high-value opening duels, and you'll climb faster without relying solely on frag totals or flashy plays.

Track Your MMR Trends with MMRValorant

Want to know how your First Blood rate influences your actual climb? Head to mmrvalorant.com to view your hidden MMR, RR gain patterns, and detailed performance metrics. Play smarter and unlock your full ranking potential.