Valorant is one of the most popular multiplayer games in the world. The game has plenty of agents, with each one having different strengths and weaknesses.
Each Valorant agent can be added to a category of roles. Additionally, each role has its own playstyle, with all roles being equally important. Some roles impact the game in a very visible way. Others do it in a more subtle way.
Agent's all have different functions and excel at different things. This happens even if they belong to the same role. Duelists, initiators, controllers, and sentinels are the roles to pick from in Valorant. However, choosing which agent you like to play, can also help you find the perfect role for you.
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With all this information, let's get some details on each Valorant role. Let's learn about their strengths, weaknesses, and their functions inside the game. This way, we will be able to help you pick the perfect role for you.
Valorant Duelists
There is a common misconception that the duelist's role is to simply kill. That is not true. Duelists' main function is to create space for their team. They are also great at accelerating the pace of the game.
Duelists need to actively look for entries and also peek the most contested angles. They need to be the first player to enter the site and look for that so-important entry kill.
However, duelists need to be set up by their teammates with some utility, such as flashes, smokes, and mollys. This way, they won't need to clear too many angles, and it will be easier for them to secure first blood.
The first kill is the one that really matters. It makes it easier for your team to take control of the site. However, if you aren't able to get the entry kill, but still created space for your team, you did your job.
Obviously, it's great to have a duelist top fragging. But remember that kills aren't the only thing that makes a great duelist. Yes, they have a very offensive kit. However, they need to use it to help the team, and not only for themselves.
If you are top fragging on your game as a duelist but are only lurking, don't create space for your teammates, and aren't the first one to enter the bombsite, then you aren't doing a good job.
It's also important you have good aim as a duelist. You will be taking a lot of fights, and are expected to win most of them.
Popular duelists right now are:
- Jett
- Reyna
- Phoenix
- Raze
- Yoru
- Neon
Initiators
Initiators provide support to their team by gathering information and setting up teammates to take control of an area with their utility. This is done by detecting where opponents are. Flashing for your teammates to enter the bombsite. Or simply molly an area where enemies usually play, forcing them to back off.
They are usually the last players to enter the bombsite. Because most of them have great post-plant abilities, they are often the last ones to die. So, they need to be strong in clutch situations.
In defence, their utility is key for retakes. When trying to take back control of a bombsite, a flash to clear an area, or a recon ability to give information about the enemy's whereabouts are very important.
Their abilities can also be used to gain early-round information. With this information, teammates can push one side of the map, or reinforce the other bombsite.
Some popular initiators include:
- Sova
- Skye
- KAY/O
- Breach
- Fade
- Gekko
Valorant Controllers
Controllers can block the enemies' vision and deny them information. You can block some important angles, making it easy for your team to progress into the bombsite.
By cutting the enemies' sight line, you will force them to either back off or play very aggressively. If they choose the latter, they will have to push the smoke. This is great for you since you will be able to see them getting out of the smoke first, which allows you or your teammates to pick up an easy kill.
Controllers can also use their smokes to help teammates reposition and get them out of tricky situations. As a controller, you want to block the enemy's sightline. That is your main focus.
Some popular controllers include:
- Viper
- Brimstone
- Omen
- Astra
- Harbor
Sentinels
Sentinels are the masters of locking down sites, slowing and stopping enemy rushes. They are also great at taking map control on the attacking side. This provides your team with plenty of information about how the enemy is playing.
You don't want to take unnecessary fights when you are playing a sentinel. If you ended up dying early in the round, the enemy team can just rush the site, and overwhelm your teammates.
Sentinels usually have a less gun-ho mentality to the game and will take their time. Their defensive abilities are great, so they just need to hold the site and gain time for their teammates to rotate. On offence, they normally control the other extremity of the map, and lurk.
It's worth noting that, sentinels such as Sage, Chamber, and Deadlock have a unique playstyle.
Some popular sentinels are
- Chamber
- Killjoy
- Sage
- Cypher
- Deadlock
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