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Valorant players are up in arms over the leaked price of the upcoming VCT Karambit knife, set to debut in the 2025 Season Capsule. The new cosmetic item, which comes in five different chromas representing Valorant’s international leagues, has sparked outrage among the community due to its eye-watering cost of 5,440 Valorant Points (VP)—equivalent to roughly $54 USD.
The VCT Karambit: A New Addition to Valorant’s Cosmetic Lineup
Riot Games has a history of releasing special bundles to support Valorant’s esports scene, including capsules tied to the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) and team-specific bundles. The 2025 Season Capsule, however, takes a different approach by spreading profits across all international leagues rather than individual teams.
The highlight of the bundle is the VCT Karambit knife, a sleek melee weapon with chroma variants for each of Valorant’s major regions. While the design has drawn some praise, the leaked price has overshadowed its appeal, leaving fans questioning Riot’s pricing strategy.
Community Backlash Over the Price Tag
The leaked price of 5,440 VP has sparked widespread criticism across social media and gaming forums. Many players argue that the cost is excessive, especially compared to similar offerings in other games like Counter-Strike.
- Comparisons to CS:GO: One fan pointed out, “54€ for one knife is absolutely crazy hahaha. Valorant is so cooked skins-wise. For that money, you can actually get the cheapest CS knife lol.”
- Real-World Comparisons: Another user joked, “For this price, I can get a real karambit,” referencing the fact that the in-game knife costs as much as a real-life version of the weapon.
- Criticism of Design: Some players took issue with the knife’s aesthetics, with one stating, “If they’re going to charge $55, at least try and make it look like it wasn’t drawn in MS Paint on a trackpad. Looks like s*it.”
- Lack of Features: Others felt the knife didn’t justify its price, with one fan suggesting, “At least add a kill effect to it.”
Additionally, some players argued that the 2025 Season Capsule feels like a “downgrade” compared to previous bundles, such as the one released in 2023, which offered more value for the price.
Limited-Time Availability and No Discounts
The VCT Karambit bundle will be available for a limited time, from February 6 to March 2, coinciding with the end of Masters Bangkok. Given that the profits are intended to support Valorant’s international leagues, it’s unlikely that Riot will offer any discounts during this period.
This limited-time availability has added to the frustration, as players feel pressured to make a quick decision on whether to spend a significant amount of money on the bundle.
Riot’s Pricing Strategy Under Scrutiny
The backlash over the VCT Karambit’s price is part of a broader conversation about Riot’s approach to monetization in Valorant. While the game is free-to-play, its premium cosmetics often come with hefty price tags, leading to mixed reactions from the community.
Some players argue that high prices are justified given the quality and exclusivity of the skins, while others feel that Riot is pushing the boundaries of what’s reasonable for in-game items. The VCT Karambit controversy has only intensified this debate, with many calling for more affordable options or better value for money.
What’s Next for Valorant’s Esports Bundles?
As the release date for the 2025 Season Capsule approaches, all eyes are on Riot Games to see how they respond to the community’s concerns. While the company is unlikely to adjust the price of the VCT Karambit, the backlash could influence future decisions regarding esports bundles and cosmetic pricing.
For now, players are left to decide whether the VCT Karambit is worth the investment or if they’ll pass on what many are calling an overpriced addition to Valorant’s growing collection of skins.
Conclusion
The leaked price of the VCT Karambit has ignited a firestorm of criticism within the Valorant community, with players labeling the $54 price tag as “crazy” and “unjustified.” While the knife’s design and connection to the esports scene have some appeal, the high cost and lack of additional features have left many fans disappointed.
As Riot Games continues to expand Valorant’s cosmetic offerings, the controversy serves as a reminder that balancing profitability with player satisfaction is no easy task. Whether the VCT Karambit becomes a must-have item or a cautionary tale remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Valorant’s community isn’t afraid to speak up when they feel the price doesn’t match the product.
