VALORANT Agent mastery guide: How to level up fast

Ahsan Kabir Published September 20, 2026

VALORANT has introduced the new Agent Mastery system with its latest patch, allowing players to showcase their dedication to their favorite agents.

Existing gear isn’t going anywhere. Instead, it will be integrated into a broader progression structure. Players will earn points simply by playing their chosen agents, unlocking gear and unique features based on their performance.

Unsure which Agent to focus on? Check out our best VALORANT agents guide to help narrow down your choice

How Agent mastery works in VALORANT 

The Agent Mastery system is built around two progression paths: Act Levels and Lifetime Levels. Each serves a different purpose, allowing players to show off both their recent and long-term investment in an Agent.

Act Levels

Image credit: Riot Games

Act Levels are tied directly to in-game seasons. At the start of every new Act, these levels reset, tracking how much time you dedicate to a specific Agent during that season.

Players earn Mastery Points simply by playing an Agent, increasing their Act Level over time. Higher Act Levels unlock temporary Portrait Upgrades for the Agent Selection screen, highlighting which characters you are playing the most right now.

Lifetime Levels

Image credit: Riot Games

Lifetime Levels represent the permanent side of Agent Mastery. Unlike Act Levels, they do not reset at the start of a new Act.

This progression reflects your long-term dedication to an individual Agent and unlocks an Agent-specific rewards track. The existing Agent Gear system will be integrated into this track. You will keep all previously unlocked gear, and any unearned gear can still be unlocked through the new system.

Also, check out our article on VALORANT Ranks to know everything about the progression system in the game.

What are Mastery Points?

Mastery Points are the new currency for Agent Mastery. You earn them simply by putting hours into playing an Agent. Additional bonus points are awarded based on your match performance and overall outcomes. Because of this, you progress steadily by spending time on your favorite Agent and playing them well.

What are Agent IDs and what happens to existing Agent gear?

Image credit: Riot Games

Agent IDs are another new feature, allowing players to customize and show off their dedication to specific characters. You can personalize your Agent ID using various options like stances, backgrounds, and tracked statistics.

As mentioned, players will not lose any Agent Gear unlocked prior to the launch of Agent Mastery. Starting September 22, current gear rewards will transition into the new system, allowing you to earn new Agent-specific gear while keeping your old unlocks. VALORANT is also adding new launch rewards for every Agent to further celebrate player dedication.

How to level up Agent mastery fast in VALORANT

Image credit: Riot Games

The new system rewards you for playing your favorite Agents. Riot has confirmed that post-Patch 13.06, gear progression will be linked directly to your playtime on specific characters.

Here are the legitimate ways to progress efficiently:

1. Stick with the Agent you want to master

Choose the Agent that your Masteries are connected to and always stick with this Agent. The progress you make is directly linked to your Agent, and therefore it would be wise to only focus on this particular Agent.

Try to play as many regular match sessions as you can on your selected Agent. This is because you earn Mastery Points (MP) by playing matches, and therefore playing regularly is key to Mastering Agents.

2. Focus on good performance

The Mastery Points can get bonuses as well, depending on the level of performance. Hence, it is important not only to play games but to try to be a valuable player on the team through kills, assists, using utility, playing objectives, and performing the role of an versatile Agent.

If connection issues are affecting your matches, our guide to VALORANT settings for lower ping and better bullet registration can help you troubleshoot them

3. Win as many games as possible

The results of your games offers bonus points as well. Focus on winning games, along with gaining basic progression from the duration of the game.

4. Track your progress in mastery

Keep track of the progress of your Agent during gameplay and aim for the next milestone. Act Levels give you seasonal progress, whereas Lifetime Levels show your dedication to your Agent.

With the introduction of the Agent mastery system in VALORANT, players will be able to get an advanced way of monitoring their progress and dedication to particular Agents in the game. Seasonal Act levels, Lifetime levels, Mastery points, Agent IDs, and rewards are among the features in the new system.

Featured image credit: Riot Games