During the VCT 2025: Masters Bangkok tournament, the choice between Vandal and Phantom was once again in the spotlight. Data revealed that Vandal is used more often but is less effective in kills compared to Phantom .
Efficiency Analysis on Different Maps
Although Vandal is chosen almost twice as often, Phantom delivers more kills per purchase. For instance, on maps with many close-quarter combat areas—such as Bind and Fracture— Phantom outperformed Vandal in total kills, making it an excellent choice for close-range battles.
Despite the effectiveness of Phantom , most players prefer Vandal due to its reliability—it guarantees a kill with a single headshot at any distance.
Vandal — 160 headshot damage, guaranteeing a one-shot kill at any range.
Phantom — 140 headshot damage at distances over 20 meters, leaving enemies with 10 HP and requiring a follow-up shot.
Meanwhile, Phantom is better suited for a dynamic style of play, close-quarters combat, shooting on the move, and through smokes.
The debate on which is better—Vandal or Phantom —has been ongoing since the game's release in 2020. On the professional stage, the choice of weapon depends on the map, playing strategy, and player preferences. Each major VCT tournament provides new statistical data to objectively assess weapon effectiveness. Masters Bangkok once again demonstrated that weapon popularity doesn't always imply its highest effectiveness in matches.
