Valorant takes a whole host of different agent types to ensure the team is well-rounded. Although, this does not always translate into online play as some players may avoid certain roles.
But, one of these key roles is the duelist role. Focussed on fighting, wiping out enemies, and taking space, the role is one of the more fun roles in the game.
That's why it's one of the most played roles in Valorant. In every ranked lobby you almost always have two duelists. Even if two duelists are most of the time not optimal for your team composition, players still go ahead and do it.
Most just enjoy playing the duelist role, or a specific duelist agent. Others think duelist is the easiest way to climb in rank. That is something even pro players believe in and can explain why so many players instalock a duelist agent.
So, let's take a look at a guide on the duelist role in Valorant with agents, playstyle, tips, and more.
Duelist Agents in Valorant
There are six duelist agents for players to choose from.
However, a sixth duelist agent will be introduced into Valorant at the end of 2023. It's expected that the agent will be very strong. This new duelist will also possibly change the way the game is played.
Here are all the Valorant duelist agents so far:
- Jett
- Neon
- Phoenix
- Raze
- Reyna
- Yoru
Despite the differences in playstyles for all of them, they all have the same goal as a duelist agent in the game. Create space, take duels, and get plenty fo entry kills.
Playstyle
Duelists are the role that outputs that high damage. Their kits allow them to speed up the pace of the game, and play in a fast and aggressive way.
As the entry fragger in the game, they need to take fights and create space for their teammates. This way, their teammates will have an easier time taking control of the bombsite and planting the spike.
Having good aim with a duelist is brilliant to ensure that you can get those entry kills up and take sites. However, taking space for your team is the main job of a duelist, and not getting kills, as most people think.
Despite having a kit made for aggression, duelists still need to be set up by their teammates. Initiators and controllers are essential for duelists to be able to do their job.
So, having at least one of each role in your team composition will make your job as a duelist much easier.
Defence isn't a strong point of the duelist role. However, playing aggressively might catch your opponents off guard.
By coordinating with your teammates, you can play aggressively on one side of the map. That can get you a lot of information, map control, or even first blood, which gives you the man advantage.
Valorant Duelist Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for the duelist role in Valorant.
- Dashing and evasive manoeuvres are great to confuse an enemy.
- Take space for your team
- Practising your aim before a match can get your fingers ready for gameplay.
- Communication with your team is key so they know to follow up.
- Strategies with controllers and initiators.
- Take initial duels
- Try to get entry kills
- Don't be afraid to dash in
- Pls don't flank you are not a sentinel!
Does the duelist role sound like something that isn't for you? Take a look at our sentinel guide to see if that works better.