Best Beginner-Friendly Agents In Valorant

Key Takeaways

• Newcomers to
  Valorant
  can start with easier-to-use Agents before mastering more complex ones like Skye, Raze, and Omen.
• Learning how to use abilities properly can help newer players rise through the ranks and eventually unlock more specialized Agents like Clove.
• Each Agent in
  Valorant
  brings a unique playstyle and tools to the game, giving players options to fit their preferred roles and strategies.

It’s easy for newer Valorant players to feel intimidated when the likes of Iso threaten the meta with a moving impenetrable wall, a Vulnerable projectile, and even an Ultimate that forces a one-on-one duel. However, newcomers to the acclaimed FPS don’t necessarily need to dash into a fight with the new Duelist recklessly, especially if they start learning how to use the game’s more accessible Agents.

Learning how to use their abilities properly can help players rise through the ranks, eventually mastering key gameplay styles that will eventually aid them in using more specialized Agents such as controlled flashes with Skye, more aggressive bombing with Raze, and map mastery with Omen. Among Valorant’s easiest Agents to learn include the game’s resident firestarter, an acclaimed engineer, an infamous archer, and even a popular lurker.

Updated November 2, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: As Valorant introduces Sentinel Vyse and her interesting kit comprised of triggered flash-detects, trapping mechanisms, and an anti-Primary Ultimate, fans of the FPS might be intrigued as to how she’d fit fellow newcomers Reyna-lite Clove and perhaps even gunfight-specialist Iso. While players who love the hero shooter for its power variety might see Vyse as another toy to play with, newcomers might find it difficult to choose which among the game’s Agents they can train with.

Interestingly enough, newcomers looking for a challenge might want to start their gameplay experiences with the game’s trickiest flash-and-teleport Duelist and three Sentinels with different approaches to area and site control.

1 Yoru

Adaptability Is Key For This Duelist

Unlike other Duelists, Yoru boasts one of the most technical and niche kits in the first-person shooter. Compared to other aggressive Duelists like Jett and Raze, Yoru’s kit relies heavily on misdirection to get the enemies looking where they’re not supposed to be looking. As a flasher, Yoru has Blindside (Basic 2) that bounces into corners before triggering a flash, making avoiding it rather tricky. Added to his bag of tricks is Fakeout (Basic 1), which sends a Yoru clone that triggers a flash when shot – an extra annoying ability based on the fact that Yoru can deploy it from afar.

Yoru’s emphasis on misdirection is better seen with Gatecrash (Signature), allowing him to release a Rift Tether that stays in a spot or can go forward as far as it could. When triggered, Yoru can technically teleport to the other side of the Map (depending on where the Tether is left), making for useful escapes for the retake or an opportunity to plant in an empty Site. Lastly, Dimensional Rift (Ultimate) gives Yoru the chance to hide in plain sight, allowing him to escape full Sites or initiate a retake by “detecting” enemies while he’s invulnerable and invisible. Based on the technical nature of these skills and the possibility of Yoru flashing his teammates, players need to get to know “Yoru tech” before using him efficiently.

2 Vyse

Retake-Oriented Kit Demands More Finesse

Newcomer Vyse is a breath of fresh air for Sentinels, especially with her more aggressive kit. When enemies make the mistake of entering her domain, Arc Rose (Signature) from a wall (or within it!) can flash any players looking in its direction – giving Vyse an opening to kill any passers-by. A Duelist or aggressive enemy unlucky enough to pass her Shear (Basic 2) will be isolated momentarily, leaving them ripe for the kill. When combined with Razorvine (Basic 1) it can trigger a slowing-and-damaging AOE; enemies who try to move away can die rather quickly.

Perhaps Vyse’s most impressive ability is her Steel Garden (Ultimate). A first in the game, enemies in the trigger zone have their Primary Weapons jammed, forcing them to use their Secondaries – unless the enemy camp has a Chamber, who can still use his special weapons. Based on the remote deployability of her kit, it seems Vyse specializes as a retake or counter-offensive Agent. At the hands of a player with strategic prowess, Vyse can solo defend areas by killing enemies she flashes and traps with her slows. However, the technical nature of her abilities can make her rather difficult to master at the onset.

3 Viper

Refillable Abilities Demand Proper Timing, Positioning

Poisoner Viper might be everyone’s next-door crush in Valorant, but her kit is one of the trickiest to use in the game. As a Sentinel, Viper is a potent defender, and can even execute interesting strategies if her kit is utilized properly. She’s known for her Toxic Screen (Signature), a wall-penetrating poison wall that damages enemies upon passing, making it a nifty cover for sites and may even be used as a fake setup to trap lurkers. Meanwhile, her Poison Cloud (Basic 2) is a persistent molly that can provide effective cover for retakes, isolate the Spike, or damage aggressors. Lastly, Snake Bite (Basic 1) is a decent AOE that punishes opponents for trying to get to her territory.

Viper’s Pit (Ultimate) is considered one of the game’s best Ultimates for its defensive capability, as not only does it mask the Spike in a cloud that Nearsights enemies, but all of them are Decayed while inside – making them easy pickings as long as Viper manages to spot them first. While Viper’s reusable abilities allow her to reuse defensible angles, she suffers the same fate as Killjoy as being rather useless if her skills don’t proc assists throughout the round. Moreover, whereas Killjoy has re-deployable abilities, Viper’s are permanently placed throughout the round.

4 Cypher

The Trap Master

Valorant‘s resident trapper Cypher is the cause of a lot of the game’s woes – especially for players who know how to use his traps effectively. However, regardless of how sleek the Agent feels after killing enemies who cross his traps, mastering their placement is more elaborate than it looks. Key to his setups are Trapwires (Basic 1) that annoyingly Tether, Reveal, and Concuss opponents that step on them. While it’s true that enemies can just avoid Cypher’s favored sites upon sensing the Trapwires, they are extremely effective deterrents for a weaker Site to force enemies to attack a better-defended location. Meanwhile, Cyber Cage (Basic 2) creates a digital wall that can act as smoke, giving Cypher nifty opportunities to initiate one-way walls to attack unsuspecting Trapwire victims. Moreover, Spycam (Signature) allows him to spot enemies and tag them for his allies.

To add salt to the wounds of his enemies, Cypher can trigger Neural Theft (Ultimate) to spot enemy locations in the map for his allies to see – allowing them to chase down enemies who try to retake or even launch a surprise attack. Despite his traps being re-deployable, Cypher’s biggest disadvantage lies in constantly thinking of lineups so enemies can’t spot where his traps are located. Not only that, his Spycam won’t have much utility if enemies spot where it is quickly. Enemies who don’t go to Cypher’s site can render most of his traps useless unless players can quickly set up a Plan B for the retake.

5 Jett

Take Advantage Of Speed And Verticality

Among Duelists in the game, Jett can take full advantage of verticality in Valorant gameplay. While definitely more technical compared to the likes of Phoenix, Raze, and Iso, players slowly getting confident with their aim can level up their gameplay with Jett’s kit. Central to her abilities is Drift (Passive), which lets her glide in the air when holding Jump, allowing her to retain some vertical accuracy, land without fall damage, and time her mobile-heavy skills.

Jett becomes a flexible Duelist depending on how players use her movement. Preparing an instant directional boost via Tailwind (Signature) allows her to generate distance (backward), get away after peeking (horizontal), or dash (forward). The Duelist’s forward-dashing becomes a nifty follow-up to her sphere smoke Cloudburst (Basic 1) that can conceal her entrance. When combined with her air-launch Updraft (Basic 2), Jett can do a myriad of mid-air shenanigans that will force opponents to aim recklessly at her while leaving them open for fighters below.

6 Breach

Close-Range Infiltration Specialist

Players who want to take their Valorant gameplay up close and personal should use Breach for short-ranged Shotgun-heavy plays geared toward fast kills. As an Initiator, Breach is built to stop opponents from entering his Site. However, his kit can be used to make him an ultra-aggressive character. As soon as Breach hears footsteps near his vicinity, Fault Line (Signature) releases a Concussing charge within an area he dictates. Afterward, Breach can Blind the enemy with Flashpoint (Basic 2) before he and an ally can zoom in for the kill.

A more aggressive Breach may even follow up the Concussive Fault Line with an Aftershock (Basic 1) that damages foes in the blast zone, possibly killing them. The close-range blast of Aftershock can be paired with Agent abilities that stun opponents such as Cypher’s and Deadlock’s trips. Lastly, Breach can destabilize the enemy’s movement with Rolling Thunder (Ultimate) that Concusses and Knocks Up affected foes – an extremely deadly skill in the new Abyss Map that has lethal falling edges.

7 Iso

Perfect For Those Who Invest In The Aim

Despite recent buffs to this Duelist, the aim-heavy kit of Iso makes his attack-heavy Valorant gameplay ideal for players who want to focus on gunplay instead of abilities. The infamous Double Tap (Signature) grants a shield that absorbs any one attack, and the shield can be refreshed if Iso shoots the energy orb that spawns from the enemy killed while in this state. Earning the moniker “Aimlabs,” this “shoot the random orb” requirement to fully take advantage of Double Tap will train Iso users to shoot accurately and while under distress.

The rest of Iso’s kit is tailored towards giving him and his allies an easier time entering the Site for frags. Thanks to Undercut (Basic 2), Iso can grant Vulnerable to everyone hit by his orbs, making its 4-second window a vital timeframe for fast kills. Meanwhile, his Contingency (Basic 1) is an indestructible wall with a small angle that he and his allies can hug for surprise attacks, or can be used to bait enemies. Lastly, Kill Contract (Ultimate) pits Iso and a target in a duel to the death. This Ultimate should be used carefully, however, as it can be dodged by jumping or releasing a Yoru clone. Likewise, enemies can simply sneak up to Iso’s location to kill him as soon as he returns – although allies can do this to the enemy’s location as well.

8 Neon

Speed Demon For Chaotic Plays

While others found the movement-heavy kit of Neon unreliable in clutch situations, the recent buffs to the Valorant character made her easier to maneuver and may be the go-to specialist for close-ranged enthusiasts. While her Energy (Passive) gives her a finite resource to count on in rounds, this can train players to maximize her kit in fast-paced gunfights to kill enemies with a one-two punch via the Bucky or Judge, as well as the spray-intensive Stinger. Key to Neon’s kit is High Gear (Signature) that boosts her speed and comes with a nifty electric slide, allowing her to sneak past enemies and pull up a fast one from the rear before they can even turn back to counter.

As a Duelist, Neon’s entrances are equally as vibrant. She can release two Fast Lane (Basic 1) energy walls that block vision, letting her zero in on enemies or giving her team a way to surprise opponents when they get inside the Site. Alternatively, she can use Relay Bolt (Basic 2) to Concuss enemies in tricky angles, allowing her to kill them up close and get away with it before reinforcements try to counter-attack. For high-risk and high-reward plays, Neon can use Overdrive to laser-beam her opponents to death in a quick skirmish.

9 Chamber

There’s A Weapon For Every Occasion

Among Agents players can encounter in their Valorant gameplay, Chamber has become iconic, not just for his toolkit, but his sheer infamy. In the hands of the right player, his Tour De Force (Ultimate) rifle can one-shot anyone he can get his sights on, while his Headhunter (Basic 2) can easily substitute for a Sheriff with its 159/55/46 (Head/Body/Legs) damage calculation. Such is the balance implications of his kit that he’s among the most nerfed Agents in the game.

This isn’t to say that Chamber is too OP to use, however, as his Sentinel kit is rather lacking in terms of hard defense. Instead, Chamber trains players to keep an eye on a base’s integral spots. His Trademark (Basic 1) allows him to secure flanks and rat spots by slowing players inside its range, allowing Chamber to immediately identify locations to reinforce. Lastly, his Rendezvous (Signature) lets him instantly teleport to safety on a trigger, giving players breathing room to reload or confuse enemies before taking another shot at them.

10 Omen

The Ultimate Trick Smoker

Befitting his rather edgy appearance as a Valorant Agent, Omen is also the resident representative of Controllers in the game. Of the FPS title’s combat roles, Omen secures control over the battlefield by setting smokes in any part of the map, giving his team breathing room to prepare for insertion. Key parts of his kit are his Dark Cover (Signature), which opens a 3D version of the map and allows him to set up large globules of smoke. In the hands of a trained player, Omen can set these smokes to float just a few feet off the ground, giving him full view of the feet of opponents trying to sneak inside.

The rest of his kit incentivizes ratty plays from users who become more familiar with the map. His Paranoia (Basic 2) lets him release a smoke wave that blinds anyone he hits, while Shrouded Step lets him teleport to a specific location he can see – both of which allow him to outmaneuver foes even in sketchy situations. Lastly, his From The Shadows (Ultimate) can teleport him anywhere on the map, conveniently letting him steal the Spike or even attack from the rear of opponents.

11 Skye

Tactical Flasher With Bonus Heals

Tournament play has consistently seen team comps utilize Skye due to her flexibility as an Initiator. She can identify the enemy’s presence through her Guiding Light (Signature), releasing a bird she can control and manually trigger to flash unsuspecting opponents. This is also among the few abilities that declare enemy detection upon being flashed. Another detection ability in her arsenal is Trailblazer (Basic 2), a spectral hound she can control that can see enemies and even stun those that it hits.

Upon gathering enough points, her Seekers (Ultimate) releases three missiles that track enemies down, blinding them on hit unless they destroy them first – making this ability perfect for aggressive play. Outside these abilities, Skye also doubles as a healer with Regrowth (Basic 1), providing limited area-wide healing. This allows her to either substitute as a healer or become a dedicated Sage healer so the latter can focus on supporting everyone else.

12 KAY/O

Killer Bot With A Mean Knife And A Killer Flash

Abilities form a crucial part of a team’s capabilities in Valorant, making the presence of KAY/O a threat on any side – especially if players begin to learn how to line up his ZERO/point (Signature) knife to hit spots where it can detect the most enemies without being shot. When ZERO/point detects enemies, not only are they declared on the HUD of all the player’s teammates, but they also get their abilities disabled for a short time.

Even if ZERO/point has a hefty recharge time, the rest of KAY/O’s kit makes him a beast on the battlefield. The slow-recovery nature of his FLASH/drive (Basic 2) makes this one of the best sources of flash-peeks in the game, while FRAG/ment (Basic 1) is a deadly burst molly when aimed properly. Lastly, KAY/O packs a punch with NULL/cmd that releases a constant ability-nullifier around him unless he’s killed. Even then, allies can revive him should they reach him on time, giving KAY/O another chance to fight.

13 Raze

Chaotic Grenade Plays Fit Reckless Fun

A common trait among Duelists in Valorant is their penchant for fast-paced plays – something prominent, especially to Raze. Serving as the game’s grenade specialist, players who want a bit of reckless fun can train their Duelist triggers as Raze. Key to her kit is her Blast Pack (Basic 2), or satchels that propel her in the air when aimed and jumped at properly. With the right training and satchel positioning, players can jump ridiculous distances vertically and horizontally to reach enemies for a quick Judge shot to the face.

The rest of Raze’s kit elevates her explosive potential. Her Boom Bot (Basic 1) transitions her to a sub-Initiator role, as the Bot travels forward unless it spots anyone – after which it chases them and jumps for an explosion. Raze can even deter potential entries with Paint Shells (Signature) that release dangerously strong fragments around themselves. Lastly, her Showstopper (Ultimate) is a powerful bazooka that can one-shot anyone in its path – perhaps leading players to unexpected aces.

14 Deadlock

Train Area Denial With Powerful Wall, Debuffing Traps

Despite the current low pick rate of Agent Deadlock among pro players, the Sentinel’s kit balances Sage’s area denial and Killjoy’s gadget utility. A key aspect of Deadlock’s skillset is her Barrier Mesh (Signature), which creates a heavily fortified cross-shaped barrier that can fit most corners and let bullets (but not people) pass through.

Working in tandem with this wall is her suite of detection skills, with Sonic Sensor (Basic 2) activating a concussive AOE when enemies near it make sounds, while GravNet (Basic 1) detonates into an AOE that forces enemies to crouch-walk slowly. Lastly, her Annihilation (Ultimate) wraps an opponent it catches, insta-killing them should they reach the Ult’s origin point unless enemies destroy the cocoon.

15 Clove

Mini-Omen And Reyna-Lite For Hybrid Playstyles

Newcomer Clove is praised for making Controller plays more fun with their Valorant mechanics, practically making them a more aggressive Omen or a tactical Reyna. Players who want to train their smoke plays can use Ruse (Signature) to release up to two smoke clouds via a Brimstone-style tactical map. Clove can even extend their utility after death, as Ruse allows them to release smoke clouds within their body’s vicinity – potentially aiding in post-Plant retakes and defense.

In combat, Clove can rely on Meddle (Basic 2) to Decay enemies with a bursting orb, paving the way for faster kills. This works perfectly with their Pick-Me-Up (Basic 1), gives them a 100 HP Overheal and a much-needed speed boost for faster next kills. Upon death, Not Dead Yet (Ultimate) lets them get a temporary 12-second revive that becomes permanent if they assist or kill someone. The aggro-oriented kit of Clove can make them a perfect training ground for more serious smoke plays or tactical gunfights, allowing newcomers to get used to both Controllers and Duelists at once.

16 Harbor

Dominate Wall Control With An Assortment Of Waves

Walling remains one of the most essential skills of a Valorant Agent and is something that Harbor can teach with his wave-heavy kit. At its core, walls can block enemy sight from entries (and fake entries), allowing Harbor and his teammates to secure sites for entry and defense in a myriad of ways. Key to his arsenal is his High Tide (Signature), perhaps the most flexible wall in the game for its ability to both curve and adjust based on elevation. With the right aim, Harbor can have High Tide block either “hell” or a “heaven” in a location with vertical spaces.

Harbor can also rely on a “smaller” wall via Cascade (Basic 1) which moves in front of him and can be stopped at will, perfect for pushes and fake pushes. He can throw an orb with Cove (Basic 2) that surrounds an area in a temporarily bullet-proof dome, perfect for protecting planting and defusing allies, as well as becoming a pseudo-smoke. Lastly, his Reckoning (Ultimate) envelops an area with water that triggers a concussion in areas enemies are standing on, making it unadvisable for them to remain in the area.

17 Fade

Master Enemy Detection And Debuff Stacking To Punish Foes

Able to manipulate fear itself, Fade can deter enemy assaults with her skills, forcing them to push back into site with her Initiator kit that debuffs foes close to her. Crucial to her kit are her Terror Trails (Passive), which Mark enemies with dark mist should they get seen by her throwable Haunt (Signature). On top of Marking enemies, the Haunt is a nifty detection tool as it’s disabled when destroyed, which still detects opponents in the vicinity.

Should Fade players find the right setup for surprise Haunt throws, the rest of her kit can help the team punish opponents. While she can control the direction of her Prowler (Basic 1), it can automatically chase a Marked enemy and Nearsight them. She can also throw Seize (Basic 2), which not only temporarily stuns enemies but also makes them Deafened and Decayed for 75 HP. Lastly, Nightfall (Ultimate) combines Prowler and Seize into a wave, Marking all enemies alongside inflicting Decay and Deafen.

18 Killjoy

Learn To Lockdown Sites With Deployable Robots

Possessing a kit perfect for defensive plays in Valorant gameplay, Killjoy and her robots can transform areas into death traps once enemies try to breach them. And while Killjoy’s static-heavy gameplay is made fun of in memes about opponents “never entering her site,” this setback will train players on planning setups for rotations. Ideally, Killjoy can leave her Turret (Signature) stationed in one site while she defends another, which is where the rest of her kit comes into play.

Upon deployment, her Alarmbot (Basic 1) notifies her of enemy trespassers while making them take more damage via temporary Vulnerability. This works in tandem with her Nanoswarm (Basic 2), which transforms a surface into a damage-over-time radius that may kill opponents who stay there long enough. Lastly, Killjoy can deploy her Lockdown (Ultimate) at any point in the map, extending into a large radius that locks the enemy in place for a while when caught.

19 Brimstone

Master Map Control With Smokes And Familiar FPS Tools

Fans of tool-heavy Call of Duty games get the closest approximation to a special forces soldier with Brimstone, leader of the Valorant Protocol. As the first Controller players have access to, Brimstone’s kit trains players in some of the most fundamental aspects of Valorant gameplay: angling mollies, smoke-based map control, and timing ally buffs. Brimstone being a Controller in particular emphasizes team guidance through Sky Smoke (Signature), arguably the most accessible mini-map smoking mechanic among members of the Role.

Meanwhile, Brimstone can also aid pre-entry with Stim Beacon (Basic 2) that boosts teammates’ speed (movement, equip, reload, recovery) and fire rate, which can prove crucial in encounters. The Controller can also deal AOE in tight spots with his ricocheting Incendiary (Basic 1), or assume full control over an area with a large-scale Orbital Strike (Ultimate) that guarantees death to enemies who stay in its radius.

20 Phoenix

Train Walls, Flashes That Lead To Precision Kills

Players who want to master outplaying enemies in Valorant gameplay without relying on Jett’s movement-reliant kit should consider training with Phoenix. Thanks to his fire-based healing via Heating Up (Passive), his risk-heavy moveset is rewarded with survivability. Moreover, the direction-heavy nature of his kit can train players in both map control and precision-targeting for his utilities.

Phoenix’s nature as an offensive Duelist usually leads to two playstyles: a straightforward push with a visual-denying Blaze (Basic 1) wall that deals damage when passed through, or surprise Blinds with angling Curveballs (Basic 2) that take advantage of a player’s aim upon entry. The Duelist can further manipulate the battlefield with Hot Hands (Signature) that releases a damaging fire pit, or go all-out with Run It Back (Ultimate), which is practically a timed second life for clutch plays.