March 15, 2023
If you’re new to Valorant, you’re probably overwhelmed by the long list of agents with ability names straight out of an action-super hero movie. The power-packed protocol of 20+ agents offers a toolkit that suits various different playstyles. Thankfully, all of them are divided into four categories, so you can at least cut down your potential picks to a single figure.
There are four character classes in Valorant: Controllers, Duelists, Initiators, and Sentinels. Each class has unique abilities that cater to a specific playstyle. Within each category, there are many agents, and you must pick your main wisely –If you want to climb the cut-throat ladder that is!
What’s the best Valorant agent class for your playstyle?
The first step towards finding your perfect agent is determining which class your playstyle aligns with. If you have played other FPS games, it should be easier to find the ideal type, but just knowing how you tackle an enemy in a game is also enough information to deduce the category.
The first step is to consider your preferred playstyle: Are you an aggressive player who likes to push forward and take risks? Then a Duelist might be the right class for you. But, if you are more of a strategic player who likes to control the battlefield, then a Controller or Sentinel might be a better fit.
Think about your strengths: Do you have good aim and reaction times? Then you should choose a Duelist that can take advantage of your quick reflexes. Are you good at reading the game and making strategic decisions? Then, choose an Initiator that can help your team gather information.
When playing in a team, it’s essential to consider the overall team composition and choose a character class that complements your teammates’ playstyles. For example, if your team already has several Duelists, you might want to select a Sentinel or Controller to balance out the team. Typically, it’s best to not have more than one duelist, but we won’t judge if your team picks three. More than that almost always translates to disaster.
If you’re completely new to FPS, it’s best to experiment with different classes and see which suits you best. Take advantage of the free rotation and play different characters to get a feel for their abilities and playstyles. Playing a few games should help you observe your own playstyle and decide on a character class.
What’s the best Valorant agent for you?
If you have decided on the character class, you’re ready to pick the perfect agent. Each category has many options, but not all of them are viable. Here are the best agents in each class for your playstyle:
Duelists
If you picked Duelist as your category, it means you like to push in first and create space for your team. Raze is currently the best agent to do the job, at least for a beginner. Her Boombot helps clear close choke points and find the best spot to break into the site.
Pick Reyna or Jett if you’re confident in your skills and have some experience in FPS. Both agents are top duelists, but green players may disappoint their teammates on these two. So only pick them if you’re playing high risk for high reward.
Sentinels
Sentinels are the perfect category for a beginner just testing the waters. It’s laid back and involves less action. Pick Sage if you’re completely new to FPS, as her toolkit doesn’t require a lot of learning or technique. Just hand out heals and block sites, and you’re good.
Killjoy is an excellent pick for players who want a little bit of drama but from safety. Her Turret and Nanoswarms can help tenderize enemies so you can finish them off. Cypher could also be a great option, but his learning curve is a bit steep.
Initiators
So you want to play aggressively but just aren’t ready or sure. Pick an initiator and become your duelists’ side-kick, except you’d have a tremendous overall impact. Maybe even more than the Duelist.
The initiator category is flush with excellent options, but Breach is perfect for newbies. His flashes and stuns are the confident boosters, creating opportunities for easy kills. You may also opt for Kay/O if you’re new to Valorant. His toolkit is simple, designed to make the game simpler for ace-aimers.
Controllers
The best category for newcomers is Controllers. Pick Brimstone to familiarize yourself with Valorant and its meta quickly. His simple toolkit will let you focus more on aiming and strategy. Viper is also an excellent choice as it also requires less effort and more brains. The best part is that you can tactfully aggress the enemies using her toolkit.