Riot Games’ tactical shooter VALORANT offers players a unique mashup of traditional strategy-based combat mixed with character abilities that enhance gameplay and bring a whole new dimension to the game genre.
The game currently has seven different maps that all pose unique styles of gameplay and encourage players to use different skills and styles to find success. Players have 22 agents to choose from that provide specific abilities that will better suit some maps more than others.
Here is a list of the best agents to use on each of the maps currently playable in VALORANT.
Ascent
Ascent is a standard two-site map that has three routes. The B site side of the map offers access through one room that is only accessible through entries on either side, often resulting in the defending team keeping watch as the attackers push forward to get onto the site.
A Site includes two long straights that connect onto the site and will see players take a slower approach to that of the B site. In the middle of the two sites, there is a third route that is a completely open section of the map, connecting to both sites that can be used effectively by the team who takes control due to the chokepoints on the map.
Best VALORANT agents on Ascent
Jett
One of the most popular agents, Jett’s signature dash-in, vision-blocking smokes, and Updraft makes her the most versatile duelist in VALORANT. She’s the perfect fit for Ascent’s risky features, allowing her to get into sites quickly, take control of space, and dash out of messy situations.
Sova
Sova’s bounceable Recon Dart doesn’t get any harder to counter than on the paper-thin Ascent map. He’s the best primary initiator to pick on this map, and if you can pair him with a KAY/O or a Skye, nothing can stop you from entering a site.
Omen
With two rechargeable smokes, a potent near-sighting ability, and both short and long-range teleporting powers, Omen’s versatility on Ascent has been well-established since VALORANT’s release. While Astra’s also a great pick, nothing can beat the value Omen’s Dark Cover and his ability to keep enemies on their toes with his teleports can bring on Ascent.
Killjoy
Want to ‘Lock Down’ Ascent’s B Site on defense? Killjoy’s Nanoswarms and Alarm Bot, coupled with an annoying Turret placement, is your best bet. The German engineer is phenomenal at anchoring sites and is a great pick on almost all maps currently in rotation.
Her range limits can be a bit annoying, though, which is why some players might prefer Cypher or even Deadlock over her.
Worst VALORANT agents on Ascent
Yoru
Yoru is particularly disliked due to his difficult hit-or-miss kit. Ascent’s defense-heavy features require players to be in sync, but Yoru’s abilities are based greatly on independent execution. He can flash and teleport into a site, but his teammates may not get the opportunity to trade him.
There aren’t many safe spots to ‘Gatecrash’ into on Ascent, so he’s not a worthwhile pick on the floating island.
Viper
Viper’s immobile kit makes it difficult to play her on Ascent. You cannot really rotate freely with a Viper as the solo controller on your team. She can, however, be a good choice to make in a double controller comp with Omen or Harbor.
Gekko
There aren’t many sweet spots on Ascent to throw up a Dizzy and collect her safely afterward. Even if you can, Dizzy will not be able to clear many angles, and enemies can easily play anti-flash. Wingman cannot be sent in to plant as he can be shot, leaving the Spike in the middle of nowhere.
He’s just not the initiator you should be looking for on Ascent. In fact, all the other initiators make viable choices on the map, so why pick the weaker one–unless you’re a one-trick pony?
Bind
After being removed for two competitive Acts, Bind returned to the rotation with Episode Six, Act Three, and it did so with a new look. The map has now become a bit more favorable to attackers, although defenders continue to enjoy some of its iconic closely-spaced areas. To tackle its quirks on both sides, you’ll need a flexible and aggressive comp that can effectively enter sites with little or no casualties and play post-plant or retakes.
Raze
Raze’s bomb-heavy kit is perfect for closely-spaced maps like Bind, allowing her to deal catastrophic damage to enemies on attack or defense. When used efficiently, her Blast Packs offer excellent mobility, allowing Raze to enter sites and create crucial space.
Skye
Skye is an excellent initiator on almost every VALORANT map, but Bind is where her kit shines the brightest. From her sharp flashes to her Seekers, she can be an absolute menace to her enemies in the hands of an expert.
Brimstone
The founder of VALORANT Protocol, Brimstone has much to offer on Bind, with swiftly deployable Sky Smokes, a handy Stim Beacon offering combat support, a potent molotov, and a colossal, deadly laser beam. He can be paired with a Viper or Astra for a strong double controller comp or played as a solo smoker on the team.
Sage
Sage’s Barrier Orb makes up for the lack of defensive utilities in her kit. Her wall is excellent on Bind, allowing the team to go for a safe Spike plant or stop an aggressive push through certain chokepoints. Her Slow Orb can be combined with deterrent utilities like Brimstone’s Incendiary to deal lethal damage or even secure a kill.
Worst VALORANT agents on Bind
Neon
Neon is not necessarily bad on Bind, but you have much better options in the form of Raze, Jett, and even Reyna, who can create space more effectively and get the team the entry they deserve. Neon’s kit is odd for Bind’s features; there are a lot of barriers and closely-packed spaces that hinder movement, which is detrimental to her abilities.
Sova
Sova isn’t the best initiator to choose on Bind, although he isn’t unplayable, either. Bind’s intricate geometry and covers allow players to break his most crucial intel-gathering utility before it can provide value and safely tuck in unscanned spaces. While learning lineups for his Recon Bolt and Shock Darts can help, Skye or Fade does a better job at intimidating your enemies on this map.
Haven
Haven was the first map in VALORANT to include three sites. This changes how the map is played drastically since players must be aware of what is happening around the entire map. This map will prove incredibly difficult for defenders because they will have to cover all three sites and be ready to reposition at a moment’s notice to protect a single target.
Best VALORANT agents on Haven
Raze
With Raze on defense, you can single-handedly control any of Haven’s sites which are known for their narrow entry passages. On offense, Raze’s Boombot becomes crucial, helping you scout short, closely-spaced distances, thus allowing an easier site entry.
Breach
Breach is a must-pick on Haven due to his excellent flushing qualities. He can get your team’s duelist an effortless entry into sites with his stun, After Shock, and sharp flashes. Similarly, on defense, his abilities are great for stalling a push or retaking a site.
Omen
Like Ascent, Haven’s chokepoints fit the likes of Omen’s versatile kit, which, aside from offering visual cover, lets him teleport to unexpected spots and flush out enemies from angles with his blinding Paranoia. Astra is a good alternative, but with teams needing to rotate often on this map, Omen’s rechargeable smokes seem to be the best bet.
Worst VALORANT agents on Haven
Phoenix
Phoenix hasn’t been the duelist we want, despite his buff in patch 5.01. In the presence of duelists like Jett, Raze, and Neon, Phoenix’s kit seems extremely bland at the moment. To top it off, Haven’s geometry doesn’t exactly favor the British boy’s aggressive executes. He may do satisfactorily in a double duelist comp, but it’s best to go with other entry fraggers from the roster.
Brimstone
Most attack-sided situations on Haven will require you to rotate to a different site after faking a site. Brimstone’s smokes don’t recharge, forcing your team to stick to one approach or execute a rotation without smokes. You can save the third smoke, but one isn’t enough to cover Haven’s chokepoints.
Fracture
Fracture has perhaps the most unique design of any VALORANT map. Defenders start in the center of the map and split up to defend the two sites. Attackers can take ziplines across the map and attack either site from two different angles.
Best VALORANT agents on Fracture
Neon
Fracture’s notorious, attacker-friendly design requires your team to have all hands on deck when on the defense. Having Neon on your team can enable swift rotates. She’s also excellent on attack, thanks to her Fast Lane (wall) and Relay Bolt, which can not only make entering a site easier but also allow her to clear corners safely.
Breach
With multiple angles to clear and narrow passages, Fracture is Breach’s second playground, the first being Haven. Combine him with Fade, and you’ll have the best possible initiator duo to tackle most attack or defense scenarios on this not-so-loved map.
Brimstone
Like Bind, Fracture encourages a fast-paced game style, making our reliable Brimstone’s instant Sky Smokes the best choice on this not-so-loved map. Plus, his Stim Beacon offers excellent combat stim, which is really helpful in pushing through the enemies’ defense.
Deadlock
Deadlock, the newest sentinel to join VALORANT, has yet to establish a rapport with players. But if there’s one perfect map for her, it’s Fracture.
Related: VALORANT Deadlock tips and tricks: How to best play Deadlock
Due to the fast-paced gameplay Fracture promotes, it’s unlikely that anyone will ‘walk’ past her sound sensors. You can simply block off a push or stall a retake move with her Barrier Mesh. And her Grav Net is great for annoying enemies just a bit more.
Worst VALORANT agents on Fracture
Reyna
Reyna is a self-centered duelist and hence, doesn’t offer any significant team value. Despite being an attack-centric map, players may find it difficult to enter Fracture’s plant sites without Neon, Raze, or Jett–especially if the defense is strong.
Reyna’s kit is rather useless in offering site control, and even though her ultimate can be a strong tool, she’s better left out on Fracture.
Sova
Despite pro-VALORANT team Evil Geniuses popularizing Sova’s strengths on Fracture in VCT 2023, he just isn’t the right fit on this tightly-spaced and detailed map.
The Recon Dart can be broken easily or can be dodged by simply hiding behind the cover of boxes or barriers. Fracture features a lot of barriers and wall angles, and due to the dart’s size, it cannot scan significant areas simultaneously. His Owl Drone cannot check for enough angles before it expires.
Although Shock Dart lineups and Hunter’s Fury can be useful, you’d want to pick an agent all of whose abilities are viable. Fade is a much better choice to gather intel on Fracture.
Pearl
Pearl is a relatively straightforward map in VALORANT. There are no gimmicks like teleporters, zip lines, or closeable doors, although there are tons of lurking possibilities. Like on many other maps, mid-control on Pearl is very important. Players can also fight at range in the lengthy B Long corridor.
Best VALORANT agents on Pearl
Jett
Fit for every map in the present rotation, Jett is undeniably the best duelist in VALORANT’s current meta. She is excellent at providing space control with her signature Tailwind and Cloud Burst combo, whether on defense or offense. Unsurprisingly, she’s the best duelist you can have in your Pearl games.
Astra
Astra’s lively nature perfectly complements Pearl’s ambiance, as does her large smokes and initiator-like utilities to the map’s features. Her ultimate is a sound and bullet-bending wall, perfect for Pearl’s B-Site, which is usually difficult to control.
Killjoy
Killjoy’s utilities can maintain control over a large portion of Pearl’s vast map area with her Alarm Bot and Turret. Her Nanoswarms are a nightmare for anyone trying to defuse a Spike or plant one. Besides allowing her team to take control of a large space, Killjoy’s Lock Down usually sends enemies frantically looking for safe spots–a pretty vulnerable situation to take advantage of.
Worst VALORANT agents on Pearl
Yoru
He is not unplayable on Pearl, but picking Yoru doesn’t make sense in the presence of duelists like Jett, Raze, and even Phoenix. You wouldn’t want him as a solo entry fragger at any cost, so choosing him will force you to have a second duelist on your team. And you do so much better on Pearl by having two initiators or two controllers instead.
Brimstone
Brimstone’s limited Sky Smokes force you to be picky while deploying them, and Pearl isn’t a map you want to be selective with smokes on. Any other controller agent is a better choice than him.
Sage
You don’t want to limit your defense with Sage’s bland kit on Pearl. Her wall can be strong in some cases, getting you a safe plant or denying space. But Killjoy, Cypher, and even Chamber can bring much more defensive value to your team on Pearl.
Lotus
Lotus is the newest addition to VALORANT‘s map rotation and, like Haven, it features a three-site layout with a twist. There are two big, loud spinning doors that can be activated by a button and a destructible door that links A Main to the B Site.
Best VALORANT agents on Lotus
Neon
Being a three-site map, you’ll often feel the need to rotate multiple times in a single round, and Neon is your girl for the job. Her Relay Bolt can reach many common spots, helping you and your allies clear enemies easily.
Neon’s Fast Lane (wall) is an incredible vision blocker, offering space control while keeping your enemies guessing about your position. Lastly, her ultimate makes her a potent electrical powerhouse, letting her run around at speed and zap her enemies to death.
Skye
With flexible flashes, a telekinetic Tasmanian Tiger, and three seekers that can blind and slow down enemies, Skye makes an excellent solo initiator on Lotus. Combine her with another initiator like Breach or Fade, and you’ll have a flawless team.
Harbor
Harbor received little to no attention after his release due to his weak defensive kit as a controller. With the esports community giving the water-bending agent the love he deserves, players have grown to love Harbor and his quirks.
His flexible wall, the bullet-bending Cove, moving Cascades, and concussing geyser pool of an ultimate makes Harbor a great controller agent to drive on Lotus, known for its uniquely designed chokepoints.
Killjoy
Killjoy’s kit fits well with Lotus’ features, allowing her to defend sites and stall her enemies’ moves effectively. From her supportive Turret to her threatening Lock Down, Killjoy is the perfect defender you want on your side in Lotus.
Worst VALORANT agents on Lotus
Phoenix
Phoenix isn’t your man for Lotus. His flashes don’t cover a lot of angles, and enemies can easily play anti-flash to his utilities on this map. Although he can sneak in a few health points for himself using it, Phoenix’s Blaze wall isn’t a crucial visual barrier and is easily replaceable by that of Neon’s, Harbor’s, and Viper’s.
Related: Here are the best agents in VALORANT: Ranked tier list
His ultimate and Hot Hands can be good investments, but you’d be better off choosing Jett or Raze for your dueling needs on Lotus.
Sova
Like his situation on Fracture, Sova’s kit cannot bring much value to Lotus due to the map’s crowdy geometry. Sova is more suited to maps with openly-spaced sites like Breeze (out of rotation), Haven, and Ascent. Some lineups can be effective, but when there’re better alternatives like Skye, Breach, and Fade, you really don’t need to force a Sova pick.
Sage
There can be too many possibilities on the Lotus map, and you don’t want to waste a spot on your team with Sage. Of course, you can use her Barrier Orb and Slow Orbs to stop a push on defense, but what can you do with her on attack? You can get much more value out of any other sentinel agent.
Split
Split has returned at the start of Episode Six following a brief time out of the rotation. With few significant tweaks and upgrades, the structure of the map is still relatively the same but much improved.
Best VALORANT agents on Split
Raze
Raze, our chaotic bomb expert, is excellent on Split. Whether it’s to flush enemies out of hiding spots, jump into the site, or blast a huge rocket launcher at her foes, her kit is perfectly curated for Split’s tight lanes.
Skye
Skye is the best support agent for duelists on Split. She can bend her blinding hawk to her will, catering to Split’s difficult corners. With her Tasmanian Tiger, she can scout a pretty large area, concuss enemies, and even deal minor damage to make it easier. Skye is also a healing expert you need on your team. Send your duelist behind her utilities to get the most out of her kit.
Omen
If you’re looking for the best solo controller on Split, it has to be Omen. Not only is he good for deploying cover, but he is also great for set plays with his Paranoia (blind) and Shrouded Step (teleport). You can also keep your enemies guessing with Omen’s From the Shadows ultimate.
Worst VALORANT agents on Split
Yoru
On Split, you wouldn’t want to teleport into a site or a spot alone with Yoru’s Gatecrash–enemies will mow you down before you can get help. The reality ripper demands a lot of team coordination, and if you can make it work, Yoru isn’t a ‘bad’ agent on any map.
Split’s defense-centric features make it important to have a duelist like Raze or Jett, who has better entry fragging capacities.
Chamber
If you’re playing a sentinel on Split, pick one like Killjoy, Cypher, and even Sage, who can lock down sites and deny space with their utilities. Picking Chamber will only add a pseudo-duelist to your team. Split is mostly closely spaced, and with Chamber’s long-ranged kit, you’ll have a hard time finding value in most of your games on this map.
