RIVALS throws you straight into competitive FPS duels. Whether you're facing one opponent or joining a team battle, the basics will help you land wins from day one. Let's break down the most important things to know.
Understand the Duel Format
Duels in RIVALS are straightforward: be the first team to reach 5 wins and you take the match. You can fight 1v1, or team up in 2v2, 3v3, 4v4, or 5v5 matches. Each win gets you closer to victory, so every round counts. Starting with 1v1 duels is a great way to learn the game without relying on teammates.
Use Duel Pads to Challenge Players
You initiate matches by stepping on duel pads in the game world. This is how you begin your duels against other players. Jumping on a pad puts you in the action quickly, so don't be shy about challenging people. The more you play, the faster you'll improve.
Prioritize Unlocking Weapons With Keys
Earning keys is a core part of progress in RIVALS. Use your keys to unlock new weapons and skins. Different weapons handle differently, so experimenting with newly unlocked guns helps you find what works best for your playstyle. Don't stick with just the starting loadout—branch out and test what's available.
Complete Contracts for Rewards
Contracts give you specific objectives to work toward and unlock exclusive rewards when finished. Chasing these goals keeps your gameplay focused and rewards you for hitting milestones. This is a natural way to earn progression without grinding aimlessly.
Focus on Aim and Positioning
As an FPS game, RIVALS rewards sharp aim, but positioning matters just as much. Don't run straight into enemy fire. Use the map layout to your advantage—find cover, control sightlines, and peek corners before fully exposing yourself. Smart movement beats panicked sprinting.
Learn Your Weapon Patterns
Each weapon fires and handles differently. Spend a few rounds getting comfortable with how your main gun recoils, its rate of fire, and its effective range. Knowing your weapon's limits means you'll land more shots and avoid wasting ammo on targets too far away.
Watch Your Map Awareness
Keep track of where enemies are coming from and where your teammates are positioned. Sound cues (footsteps, gunfire) matter in competitive shooters. Don't tunnel vision on one target. Quick glances and map sense prevent you from getting flanked and caught off guard.
Track Your Win Streak
RIVALS displays your win streak on the leaderboards, so keep an eye on how well you're doing. Your streak is visible to everyone, which makes climbing the leaderboards a satisfying long-term goal. Small winning streaks add up over time.
Play Across Devices
RIVALS is available on Desktop, Phones, Tablets, XBOX, and PlayStation 5. You don't need one specific platform to enjoy the game. Play where it's most comfortable for you, though desktop with a mouse and keyboard is the standard for competitive shooters.
Join the Group for Perks
The official RIVALS group offers exclusive rewards for members. It's free to join and worth doing early to start collecting bonuses.
Play Fair and Report Cheaters
RIVALS has a strict zero-tolerance policy on cheating. The game's anticheat system and moderators catch hackers and will permanently ban them with no second chances. Glitch exploits and sketchy farming methods are also forbidden. Just play the game honestly and focus on improving.