Valorant skins do not provide an in-game advantage according to the game's developer, Riot Games. However, some players argue that skins improve their performance in-game, despite lacking any actual advantage.
A recent Reddit post showed a player claiming that they played better after equipping a new skin for their weapon, and many players in the thread agreed with this sentiment. Others, however, dismissed the idea that skins have any impact on gameplay.
One player went as far as to perform a test to see if skins did indeed provide an advantage. They created a custom game where all players had the same skin, and found that there was no difference in performance compared to when using different skins.
While the idea of skins impacting gameplay may seem far-fetched, it's worth noting that they can have a psychological effect on players. For example, a player may feel more confident and empowered when using a skin they enjoy, which could translate to better performance.
In the end, it seems that whether or not skins provide an advantage in Valorant is still up for debate. However, it's important to note that Riot Games has stated that they will never introduce skins that provide an in-game advantage.
So, while skins may not directly make players better at Valorant, they can certainly have an impact on the overall experience and enjoyment of the game.