What’s the Best Agent in Valorant 2023?
As the competitive landscape of Valorant continues to evolve, players are always searching for the best agents to climb the ranked ladder. With over 17 agents to choose from, each with unique abilities and playstyles, it can be overwhelming to determine which ones are the most effective. In this article, we’ll dive into the current meta and crown the best agent in Valorant for 2023.
Current Meta Trends
Before we dive into the agent spotlight, let’s take a look at the current meta trends in Valorant. The community has noticed a shift towards anchor abilities, which provide a significant advantage in spatial control and map manipulation. Agents like Breach, Omen, and Phoenix have seen a rise in popularity due to their ability to provide that anchor presence.
Top Picks:
Based on professional plays, tier lists, and community feedback, our top picks for the best agents in Valorant 2023 are:
Viper
- Tanking and anchoring: Viper’s Pitfalls can be used to create an impassable barrier, denying opponents the ability to push or escape. Her Smoke Screen can further augment this strategy, allowing allies to set up ambushes.
- Clutching: Viper’s Poison Cloud is an excellent tool for picking up those last-minute clutches.
Raze
- Initiating and disrupting: Raze’s Showstopper is an excellent initiation tool, breaking through enemy defenses and setting up aggressive plays.
- Map manipulation: Her Paint Shaders can be used to block hallways, create smoke screens, or even wallbang enemies.
Breatch
- Spatial control: Breach’s Flashpoint ability provides an incredible amount of spatial control, allowing him to zone out entire rooms or set up clever ambushes.
- Clutcher: Breach’s Fireline is an aggressive ability that can be used to pick off opponents or provide a clear exit path for his team.
Phoenix
- Map rotation: Phoenix’s Curveball is an excellent tool for setting up fakeouts and repositioning without giving away his location.
- Anchor presence: His Blaze ability provides a powerful anchor that can be used to set up anchors, denying opponents the ability to approach or escape.
Honorable Mentions:
- KAY/O: KAY/O’s Null Cancellation is an incredible ability for locking down areas, denying opponents ultimates, and providing a steady anchor presence.
- Gibralter: Gibralter’s Cement Bag is an excellent tool for clutching and providing cover fire, making him a viable pick for aggressive plays.
Agents on the Rise:
- Raze: With her recent balance changes, Raze has become an extremely aggressive and powerful pick, capable of breaking through enemy defenses and setting up potent initiation strategies.
- Phoenix: As teams begin to understand the strength of Phoenix’s Curveball, we’ll see him become an even more crucial part of many strategies.
Rankings and Tier Lists:
Take a look at the following table to get a sense of the current tier list, which is based on professional play, community feedback, and recent game data:
| Agent | Rating (1-10) | Tier List Position |
|---|---|---|
| Viper | 9.5/10 | Top Tier |
| Raze | 9/10 | Top Tier |
| Breach | 8.5/10 | High Tier |
| Phoenix | 8/10 | High Tier |
| KAY/O | 7.5/10 | Middle Tier |
| Gibralter | 7/10 | Middle Tier |
| (Other agents) | Low Tier |
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: What’s the most beginner-friendly agent in Valorant?
A: Phoenix is often recommended as a beginner-friendly agent due to his forgiving playstyle and relatively simple ability set. - Q: How do I improve my game with an agent like Viper?
A: Focus on developing your anchoring and spatial control skills to optimize Viper’s abilities. Practice her Pitfalls to deny opponents space and set up clever ambushes. - Q: Why is Raze so effective?
A: Raze’s Showstopper is an excellent initiating tool, and her Paint Shaders allow her to manipulate the map, creating fakeouts and setting up aggressive plays. - Q: Can Gibralter be used as an aggressive pick?
A: While Gibralter is often associated with anchoring and support, his Cement Bag can be used in combination with aggressive plays to provide cover fire and clutches. - Q: How do I counter aggressive plays with Viper?
A: Viper’s Poison Cloud can be used to pick up those last-minute clutches. Additionally, her Smoke Screen can be used to create a makeshift smoke wall, blocking opponents and preventing them from advancing. - Q: What’s the most underrated agent in Valorant?
A: Many players underestimate the strength of Jett, who offers incredible movement options and a powerful ultimate, making her a valuable pick for any composition. - Q: How do I develop my anchoring skills in Valorant?
A: Anchoring requires spatial awareness and game sense. Practice setting up clever ambushes and denying opponents space with abilities like Pitfalls or Smoke Screens. - Q: Can I still play Sova with the current meta?
A: While Sova is still viable, his playstyle is no longer as dominant as it was in previous patches. Focus on utilizing his Hunter’s Fury for aggressive plays and Shock Drones for anchoring.
In conclusion, the best agent in Valorant 2023 depends on the player’s skill level and personal playstyle. Viper, Raze, and Breach are top-tier picks that can be used to anchor down enemy positions, initiate aggressive plays, or provide spatial control. Remember to focus on developing your anchoring skills, learning to use your agents’ abilities effectively, and adapting to the current meta trends.