January 11, 2023
Riot earlier took the decision to lock the map pool on magic number seven. Unfortunately, this meant Split’s removal to make space for Pearl. Now, a whole episode later, the developer is bringing the office-like Korean neighborhood back along with map nine in lieu of Breeze and Bind. Except, Split will play differently, on beat with the meta that has evolved in the past three months.
We have picked the top five agents on Split and their alternatives so you can get that red badge quicker.
What are the best agents to run on Split in 2023?
Technically, not much has changed. The same old duelists, controllers, and sentinels can do wonders on Split. But, the initiator category has seen a bit of a switch. Here are the top five agents and their alternatives.
Jett (duelist)
Almost all Valorant players know Jett’s kit from inside and out. Since Project: A, Jett has remained the staple in game-winning compositions. On Split, her viability increases tenfold, thanks to her Updrafts that let her execute incredible plays. In 2023, Jett will remain a top-tier agent to run on Split. So, if you are a Jett non-expert, you should either hit the range or learn to counter her.
Why Jett, you may ask? It’s Split verticality that makes the wind ranger an excellent pick. Hopping on odd angles, the agent can carry out game-changing plays and gain an edge over the enemies.
If you don’t play Jett, Raze is an excellent alternative. However, she doesn’t fill Jett’s shoes. Instead, she brings boosted firepower, equally essential to tenderize enemies in Split’s tight nooks.
Killjoy (sentinel)
Across all categories, Killjoy is the best pick on Split. Whether it’s attack or defense, the jolly sentinel excels at area control and perfectly shuffles aggressive and passive play styles. In addition, her turret gathers early Intel on defense, whereas her ultimate, Lockdown, makes it impossible for defenders to keep their area safe.
Split’s small point size heavily favors Killjoy, especially on defense. Both A and B sites have narrow entrances that are almost impossible to break into if her Nano swarms are activated. For this same reason, her ultimate is non-negotiable on the attack. It tackles every little corner.
Killjoy’s kit isn’t complex, but if you still fancy some other sentinel, it’s best to use Cypher. The newly-boosted sentinel is equipped with cutting-edge, deadly equipment.
Skye (initiator)
Flashes are of utmost importance on Split, but not all of them. A flash that follows a trail and gathers intel is precisely what you need on a tight map like Split. Skye is your best bet on Split, especially if you don’t have a duelist like Raze. Her kit pairs perfectly with Jett, making way for the aggressive wind girl.
The flasher agent is the perfect pick on Split for her ability to draw enemies out of their hiding points. If that doesn’t happen, she does a great job of making them a weak target for her teammates. Her Seekers are equally valuable for gathering intel and winning in one versus X duels.
Kay/O is also an excellent pick if you find Skye’s kit slightly complex. With a few clicks and buttons, Kay/O’s no-nonsense toolkit can do the same job and shut down the enemy’s toolkit.
Fade (initiator)
Fade is still finding her footing in the Valorant protocol, and Split will likely help her shine. Her trails can be surprisingly helpful on a map like Split, where enemies have plenty of rat corners to hide in. Besides, her ult’s area is perfect for taking control of the entire site. Intelligent players will gain early intel using Fade’s watcher to decide which site to guard or hit.
Omen (controller)
Few smokers work on Split. It’s a complex map with small entrances, forcing smoke to backfire. But, Omen can do the job perfectly. Unlike other controllers, the ghostly agent can control how his smokes fall off. He may use them to create one-way windows and reload to block the site. Additionally, mere smokes are not enough Split. It’s a good thing Omen is equipped with a flash and the ability to teleport to safety.