What Valorant Agent Should I Main?
With over a dozen agents to choose from in Riot Games’ tactical first-person shooter Valorant, deciding which one to main can be a daunting task. Each agent has unique abilities, playstyles, and role requirements, making it difficult to pinpoint which one is right for you. In this article, we’ll help you narrow down your options by highlighting the key characteristics of each agent, their strengths, and weaknesses.
Choose Your Playstyle
Before we dive into the agents themselves, it’s essential to consider your playstyle and preferences. Ask yourself:
- Are you more comfortable playing aggressively, or do you prefer to play defensively?
- Do you like being in the thick of the action, or do you prefer to hang back and provide support?
- Are you good with precision and accuracy, or do you prefer a more high-stakes approach?
Offense Agents
- Phoenix: A mobile, aggressive agent with abilities that emphasize speed and flash. Phoenix is an excellent choice for players who like to push ahead and take control of areas.
- Strengths: Fast-moving, aggressive, and has abilities that can quickly clear areas.
- Weaknesses: Limited defensive options, can be caught out by precision agents.
- Raze: A high-damage dealing agent with area-of-effect abilities that excel in post-plant situations. Raze is ideal for players who like to finish enemy teams quickly.
- Strengths: High damage output, good at clearing clusters of enemies, and has abilities that ignore armor.
- Weaknesses: Vulnerable to opponents who flank or outmaneuver.
Defense Agents
- Brigade: A tanky, defensive agent with abilities that provide temporary shields and barriers. Brigade is a solid choice for players who prefer to hold positions and absorb damage.
- Strengths: High armor, can create shields and barriers for teammates, and has abilities that make it hard to get within close range.
- Weaknesses: Limited mobility, vulnerable to targeted attacks.
- Killjoy: An agent with abilities that specialize in disrupting enemy operations and preventing flashbangs. Killjoy is a good choice for players who like to play smart and outwit opponents.
- Strengths: Can disable enemy abilities, has powerful area-of-effect stuns, and can prevent enemies from entering important areas.
- Weaknesses: Limited damage output, can be vulnerable to area-of-effect damage.
Support Agents
- Sage: An agent with healing and shielding abilities that excel at supporting her teammates. Sage is ideal for players who focus on helping their teammates rather than dealing damage.
- Strengths: Can heal and shield teammates, provides vision with her ability to smokescreen.
- Weaknesses: Limited damage output, may struggle to make an impact on enemy teams without strong defenses.
- Astra: A unique agent with abilities that create astrological signs on the environment. Astra is a challenging agent to master but offers great potential rewards.
- Strengths: Can create powerful zones of affect, has abilities that ignore vision control, and can reset enemy tracking.
- Weaknesses: Highly situational abilities, requires accurate placement to be effective.
What Are Your Strengths?
It’s essential to identify your strengths as a player and find an agent that complements them. Here’s a summary of the agents mentioned above in a table:
| Agent | Playstyle | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | Aggressive | Fast-moving, clear areas | Limited defense, vulnerable |
| Raze | Aggressive | High damage, AOEs | Vulnerable, requires set-ups |
| Brigade | Defensive | Armored, shields | Limited mobility, absorb damage |
| Killjoy | Disruptive | Disables ABs, stuns | Limited damage output, vulnerable |
| Sage | Support | Healing, shielding | Limited damage, support-focused |
| Astra | Disruptive | Zone AOEs, ignore vision | Highly situational, requires placement |
Additional Tips for Chosing Your Agent
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with multiple agents to find the one that feels right for you.
- Practice, practice, practice! Each agent requires unique strategies to effectively play.
- Consider your surroundings: Adapt your playstyle based on the game’s map and situation.
- Focus on map control: Controlling key areas can make all the difference in your performance.
8 FAQs and Answers
Q1: What’s the most beginner-friendly agent?
A1: Phoenix is considered one of the most beginner-friendly agents due to his aggressive playstyle and high damage output.
Q2: Which agent is best for new players who like support?
A2: Sage is an excellent choice for new players who focus on supporting their teammates, as she can heal and shield effectively.
Q3: Can I play aggressively with Killjoy?
A3: While Killjoy can deal moderate damage, her playstyle emphasizes disrupting enemy operations, so her most effective play is more strategic rather than aggressive.
Q4: Do I need to be good at aiming with Astra?
A4: Not necessarily, as Astra’s abilities mostly rely on environmental interactions and spatial awareness.
Q5: Is Brigade better suited for competitive play?
A5: Yes, Brigade’s abilities are tailored for competitive play, making them a popular choice among high-level players.
Q6: Can I main Phoenix while playing defensively?
A6: It’s possible, but Phoenix’s aggressive abilities might not fit as well in a defensive role.
Q7: Are there any agents with flashbangs?
A7: Killjoy and Phoenix have flash-based abilities, but Raze’s signature ultimate, Death Lotus, is an area-of-effect explosive flash.
Q8: How many agents are in the Valorant roster?
A8: As of the latest patch, there are 12 agents in the Valorant roster. This number may change as new agents are added or reworked.
Now that you’ve got a better idea of the agents available and your own strengths, take some time to experiment and find the agent that resonates with you. Remember to practice and adapt your playstyle to fit the agent’s abilities. Who knows, you might just find a hidden gem among the many options Valorant has to offer!