Valorant boasts a diverse roster of agents, each offering unique abilities and playstyles. As players navigate the dynamic landscape of the game, understanding which agents excel in the current meta is crucial, especially with the beta version now available on consoles. To assist players in making informed choices, we’ve created a comprehensive tier list highlighting the most effective agents.
| Tier | Agents |
| S | Jett, Cypher, Omen, Chamber |
| A | Raze, Brimstone, Killjoy, Iso, Sova, Gekko, Clove, Vyse |
| B | Viper, Skye, Breach, Neon, Phoenix’s, KAY/0, Astra, Reyna |
| C | Sage, Fade, Harbor, Deadlock |
| D | Yoru |
Best Valorant Agents (November 2024)
Among the 25 agents in Valorant, our top recommendations for the current meta are Jett, Omen, and Cypher. These three agents are leaders in their respective categories—Duelist, Controller, and Sentinel—and can be effective on any map, seamlessly fitting into various team compositions.
Tier Breakdown
Here’s a brief explanation of each tier:
- S Tier: The finest agents in the game
- A Tier: Excellent agents that are also strong choices
- B Tier: Situational agents that excel in specific maps and compositions
- C Tier: Viable options, but many superior choices exist
- D Tier: Agents best avoided unless you have a particular preference for them
S-Tier Valorant Agents
1. Jett
Despite undergoing several significant nerfs, including the latest adjustments in patch 7.04, Jett continues to be the top choice for Operator users, securing her place in S-tier. Her ability to deliver one-shot kills is unparalleled.
Jett’s signature skill, Tailwind, ranks among the best movement abilities available. It allows her to adopt aggressive positions while easily escaping danger. Additionally, Tailwind works exceptionally well in combination with her Cloudburst and Updraft, making it ideal for site entries.
As the quintessential agent of Valorant, Jett maintains her relevance across all maps.
2. Cypher
Cypher has made a notable return to the upper echelons of tier lists as various agents in his class have been adjusted. He can still function as a one-man army, securing sites with his surveillance tools and providing valuable intel to his team.
His ultimate ability, Neural Theft, is particularly useful for analyzing enemy strategies and is one of the simplest ultimates to obtain in the game. Although his kit may not be the most thrilling, Cypher’s straightforward gameplay makes him effective on virtually any map and in any composition.
3. Omen
Omen stands out as the premier Controller in Valorant, thanks to his adaptability, movement capabilities, and user-friendly execution. Players can leverage Omen’s Blind ability to initiate engagements, teleport across the map to disorient foes, and precisely smoke off critical choke points.
Despite experiencing a mix of nerfs and buffs over various patches, Omen remains one of the top characters in the game. New players seeking a solid learning experience should definitely consider him.
4. Chamber
Chamber embodies a blend of Sentinel and Duelist traits, relying significantly on player skill for optimal use. Though he possesses abilities for gathering information, Chamber excels as a defensive anchor, able to hold angles and teleport to safety when needed.
Having faced numerous nerfs and a slight rework, Chamber found himself in a high-skill niche. However, the recent enhancements to his Rendezvous ability in patch 9.05 have propelled him back into the upper ranks, enabling more aggressive plays and unexpected angle control, making him a formidable presence in the current meta.
Valorant’s A-tier agents
1. Raze
Raze is among Valorant’s top Duelists, standing out with her exceptional mobility, second only to Jett. Though recent adjustments have aimed to reduce her aerial dominance, skilled players who master her Blast Packs can still secure flashy kills and make memorable plays. Despite these nerfs, Raze remains a consistent threat, thanks to her high-damage abilities that create space effectively. Her ultimate, capable of scattering enemies across the map, adds to her powerful kit.
2. Brimstone
Brimstone is a straightforward Controller with a versatile skill set, making him a viable choice on nearly any map. He offers three smoke abilities, which are excellent for controlling post-plant situations, supplemented by his molly and ultimate for maximum impact. Despite these advantages, Brimstone’s limited mobility and solo Controller role can hold him back, especially on larger maps where his short range becomes a significant drawback.
3. Killjoy
Though classified as a Sentinel, Killjoy excels in both defensive and offensive roles. Her toolkit includes Nanoswarm grenades, an Alarm Bot, and a turret, all valuable for gathering intel and securing areas. However, her effectiveness has waned since her release, as her abilities now require her to stay closer to the action. To maximize her impact, players need to choose her positioning wisely; if she’s in the wrong spot or the enemy decides to rotate, her abilities may not contribute effectively to the round.
4. Iso
As the seventh Duelist introduced in patch 7.09, Iso initially faced skepticism but has become a formidable agent after receiving buffs in Episode 8. The Chinese assassin brings serious power, capable of single-handedly taking down entire teams if left unchecked. However, Iso lacks the movement abilities that agents like Jett and Raze offer, which makes it challenging for him to quickly seize ground or surprise enemies. While he may not be the primary Duelist pick, Iso is an excellent choice for teams looking to add a secondary Duelist with strong offensive potential.
5. Sova
Sova is unmatched in his ability to gather intel, although his effectiveness requires substantial map knowledge and practice. Players who take the time to learn lineups with his recon bolts can gather crucial information that no other agent can provide. His adaptable kit allows him to be effective on any map, and he can fit into various team compositions, either as a primary scanner or a post-plant specialist. Sova’s flexibility has made him a staple in both casual and professional play, where his intel-gathering abilities often turn the tide of battle.
6. Gekko
Introduced in patch 6.04, Gekko quickly became a reliable solo Initiator with a utility-based kit that can overwhelm opponents. His unique ability to retrieve and reuse his abilities adds an extra layer of unpredictability to his gameplay. Additionally, Gekko excels in slowing down enemy advances, and his Wingman ability often gives him an advantage in 1v1 situations by planting bombs independently. However, experienced teams may counter Gekko by preventing him from retrieving his abilities. Despite this, he remains a strong solo queue pick for players looking to keep the enemy on their toes.
7. Clove
Clove, added in Episode 8 Act 2 with patch 8.05, brings a unique twist to the Controller role as the only agent with a resurrection ability. This Duelist-Controller hybrid appeals to players who enjoy pushing forward while also supporting their team. Clove’s E ability, Ruse, deploys smokes that obscure vision, and these smokes can still be cast after Clove’s death, albeit within a limited range. Clove’s release has made a significant impact on the meta, with high pick and win rates due to the agent’s versatility and game-changing abilities.
8. Vyse
Vyse, the latest addition to the Sentinel lineup, has quickly established herself as a powerful pick with the release of patch 9.04. Equipped with a range of abilities designed to disrupt opponents, Vyse offers players a fresh option for creating game-changing strategies. Though still early in her debut, Vyse has secured a strong position in the A-tier as players continue discovering potential counters to her abilities. Until the meta catches up, Vyse is a valuable choice for teams looking to experiment with new strategies across different maps.
Valorant’s B-tier agents
1. Viper
Viper is a lineup-focused Controller known for her lethal ability setups, which require a significant time investment to master in practice mode. While she’s a powerful pick when handled with precision, her utility isn’t intuitive for beginners, making her less accessible for newer players.
This agent is particularly effective on smaller maps like Split and Lotus, where her utility can easily control tight spaces. Often featured in high-level or professional matches, Viper pairs well in double-controller setups, though this composition is rare outside elite play. For players who find her learning curve too steep, Brimstone offers a more approachable option for adding smokes to a team.
2. Skye
Skye is an Initiator who excels at using her abilities to gather intel and assist her team with flashes and other utility tools. Over time, she has experienced some nerfs, moving her from a top-tier pick to a more balanced B-tier agent, primarily due to the removal of her regenerating flashes.
Despite these changes, Skye remains a strong choice for teams that benefit from an Initiator with supportive skills. Although her learning curve has grown steeper, she still proves valuable, especially for players willing to invest time in mastering her abilities. However, newer Initiators like Gekko and Sova may offer more versatile options in many situations.
3. Breach
Breach is a balanced Initiator with a mix of stuns, flashes, and area damage abilities. Known for his versatility, he can effectively disrupt enemy advances and create opportunities for teammates. His lack of range and reliance on walls for flashes limit his impact on larger maps, making him less effective in open spaces.
On the right maps, however, Breach can be a reliable pick, creating valuable openings and assisting teammates with his diverse kit. His effectiveness shines in confined areas, where he can unleash his full potential.
4. Neon
Neon, the third most mobile Duelist in Valorant, leverages her sprinting ability to initiate fights and navigate maps with speed. While she’s received some buffs in Episode 8, subsequent nerfs have shifted her to a B-tier ranking. Players who invest time in refining her movement can still find creative ways to outmaneuver opponents and secure kills.
Though she lacks the raw power of Jett or Raze, Neon offers a unique play style that fits most maps, making her a solid, if situational, pick for players who favor agility over firepower.
5. Phoenix
Phoenix is an all-around Duelist with a straightforward kit that includes flashes, molotovs, and a wall that aids in gaining ground for his team. As a secondary Duelist, he performs best on smaller maps where his abilities can control the environment effectively.
Phoenix stands out as one of the easiest Duelists to pick up, making him ideal for players new to the role. He may not have the same highs as other agents, but his simplicity and adaptability ensure he’s never a poor choice.
6. KAY/O
KAY/O joined Valorant in Episode 3 and was initially considered an S-tier pick. However, various adjustments and meta shifts have reduced his ranking, placing him in the B-tier. Despite the strength of his flash, his kit demands precise timing and execution to maximize his impact.
KAY/O’s abilities focus on gathering intel and silencing enemies, making him a strong option for players who want an alternative to popular Initiators like Gekko. His skillset requires dedication to master, but his nullification abilities can be a game-changer.
7. Astra
Astra, known for her cosmic abilities, has faced multiple nerfs that diminished her once-dominant position in the game. Despite recent buffs in patch 9.05, she remains one of the more challenging Controllers to wield effectively, due to the precision required to place her abilities.
Astra’s unique abilities, including customizable smokes, stuns, and displacement options, provide unmatched tactical flexibility. However, her steep learning curve means that players might find it more rewarding to master other Controllers like Omen or Clove, especially in team-based settings.
8. Reyna
Reyna is a Duelist with a unique kit designed around self-sufficiency, often chosen by players who thrive in solo play. Her abilities allow her to heal, become intangible, and flash opponents, but they are only fully effective when she secures kills, making her highly dependent on individual performance.
While Reyna can dominate in the hands of skilled players, her reliance on kills can make her a risky pick for teams. Without the right momentum, she can quickly become a liability, which is why players might prefer more versatile Duelists like Jett or Raze.
Valorant’s C-Tier Agents
1. Sage
Sage is a straightforward agent in Valorant’s roster but remains unique among Sentinels. While she may not excel at gathering information, she compensates with her ability to halt enemy advances and block off key areas using her wall and slow abilities.
Sage’s kit includes a powerful healing ability and a game-changing revive, which can shift the outcome of a round. However, Sage’s utility isn’t as impactful without solid teamwork, making her less suitable for solo play. When piloted effectively, Sage can stop opponents in their tracks, setting up advantageous angles with her wall. Despite these strengths, she lacks the versatility and power to secure a top-tier position and is often overshadowed by other agents in the game.
2. Fade
Fade offers a unique blend of offensive and information-gathering skills as an Initiator. While not as versatile as Sova or Cypher, her abilities allow her to exert pressure once she has intel on enemy locations. Her utility can immobilize and disorient opponents, ensuring they have limited movement and vision.
Fade’s effectiveness depends largely on team composition, as her limited range and linear playstyle restrict her versatility in certain scenarios. While she’s valuable in close-quarters play, Fade’s limited coverage makes Sova a more flexible choice in maps that require extensive scouting.
3. Harbor
Harbor is a one-of-a-kind Controller in Valorant, excelling at creating and controlling space using his unique wall and Cascade abilities. Unlike traditional Controllers who rely on smokes, Harbor’s wall enables his team to maneuver more effectively and block off sections of the map. He also has a smoke ability that temporarily shields allies from incoming bullets and damage.
However, Harbor comes with a steep learning curve, as he requires detailed knowledge of lineups, and his abilities are less intuitive compared to other Controllers. His success is often contingent on map and team composition, as he benefits from pairing with another Controller or playing on tighter maps like Lotus. Harbor’s potential shines in coordinated team setups, but solo players may find him challenging to wield effectively.
4. Deadlock
Deadlock is a unique agent with strong space-denial abilities, making her a strategic choice for specific situations. As a Controller, she has access to various tools, including sensors, cages, and stuns, designed to control space and disrupt opponents.
Despite receiving multiple buffs to enhance her kit, Deadlock hasn’t yet found a solid place in the meta. Her abilities are particularly effective on smaller maps, such as Bind and Split, where limited spaces amplify her control. Her ultimate can be round-defining but often gets misused, especially at lower ranks where players attempt quick kills rather than leveraging it as a threat to secure rounds.
Valorant’s D-tier agents
1. Yoru
Yoru is a unique but challenging agent in Valorant, designed for players who thrive on complex strategies and coordination. With abilities like flashes, a clone decoy, and a teleport, Yoru can be extremely powerful in the right scenarios. However, his potential depends heavily on precise timing and close teamwork, making him a high-risk, high-reward choice that’s difficult to master.
Yoru’s strengths lie in his capacity to confuse and disrupt opponents, opening up opportunities for ambushes or clutch plays. But one misstep or poor timing with his abilities can cost an entire round. Because of this, Yoru demands extensive practice, both for the individual player and the team, to unlock his full potential. For casual play or solo queue, where communication can be limited, Yoru may not be the best choice. His toolkit shines brightest when used with teammates who understand his playstyle and can coordinate effectively.
For those who are committed to mastering Yoru, pairing him with a well-configured crosshair can further improve gameplay. Additionally, if you’re taking Valorant to consoles, optimizing your controller settings can give you a significant advantage.
Overall, Yoru remains an agent best suited for coordinated, high-level play, where his skills can be used to their fullest by a team that is truly in sync.