3 Agents in Valorant that could use a nerf

Not every agent in Valorant has the same impact (Image via Riot Games)
Not every agent in Valorant has the same impact (Image via Riot Games)

When a meta develops in Valorant, some agents seem to get picked in every match.

Riot Games does an excellent job of listening to the community at all levels, continually tweaking agents to create balance. Unlike many games, Valorant’s characters don’t necessarily seem “overpowered” per se. However, some agents never see the light of day because their counterparts outperform them. A slight nerf for a few agents could make Valorant’s less-picked agents a bit more viable.


Three agents that could use a nerf in Valorant

#3 - Omen

Omen is easily one of the most feared Valorant agents (Image via Riot Games)
Omen is easily one of the most feared Valorant agents (Image via Riot Games)

It’s important to note that Omen isn’t necessarily overpowered. However, in mostly one-controller-agent team compositions, most sides will prefer Omen over Brimstone or even Viper.

At every rank, Omen is the most picked controller agent in Valorant. As a controller, the agent is responsible for cutting off enemy sightlines. When it comes to precisely blocking vision from enemies throughout a round, Omen’s abilities reign supreme over Brimstone and Viper.

Omen signature ability, Dark Cover, allows him to have two free smokes at the beginning of each round. Additionally, the Dark Cover replenishes every 35 seconds.

Although Brimstone can place three smokes down simultaneously, he cannot smoke as far as Omen, and his smokes don’t replenish. Riot has said that a buff to Brimstone is coming though, so players can be on the lookout.

Viper lacks the precision that Omen has, making her a less viable option as well. Viper and Brimstone possess unique kits that can be utilized effectively, but Omen is undeniably the premier smoke agent. Until Brimstone buffs arrive, the meta changes or Omen is nerfed, the latter will remain one of Valorant’s most picked agents.


#2 - Breach

For some Valorant players, Breach just keeps going, it feels (Image via Riot Games)
For some Valorant players, Breach just keeps going, it feels (Image via Riot Games)

Breach is an initiator agent, but he sometimes seems like a duelist.

His kit allows him to flash, stun, and even clear corners. It is supposed to set up pushes for his team when they execute on a bombsite. However, it sometimes seems like there is no end to this guy’s utility.

Only Skye and Breach can have three flashes. The latter can flash for his team, but he can also be in a position to act on his flashes. They only cost 100 credits each, meaning the agent can have all three for 300 credits. Compared to the two flash-equipped duelists, Phoenix and Reyna, he can have more flashes, while spending fewer credits.

Additionally, Breach can initiate pushes for his teammates with his flash, or just flash and push opponents himself. A Breach that coordinates with his teammates well is extremely strong in Valorant.

Breach’s signature ability, Fault Line, is free every round. On top of that, it replenishes every 35 seconds. In a 1v1 situation, Breach almost has a decent amount of utility remaining. He can be tough to deal with when he plays in conjunction with his teammates.


#1 - Killjoy

Killjoy can feel OP at times in Valorant (Image via Riot Games(
Killjoy can feel OP at times in Valorant (Image via Riot Games(

Killjoy has seen a fair share of tweaks to her kit in her relatively short life span.

In her current state, though, she can do considerable damage, while also obtaining information. Compared to the other two sentinels, Killjoy can seem overpowered at times.

Because her abilities are automated, every now and then, her kit becomes bugged in-game. She has had to be removed on occasion because of glitches to her Turrett.

Killjoy can stall pushes, deal damage, and obtain information, all while playing off-site if she chooses. In pistol rounds, her Turrett can be extremely lethal. Opposing teams are forced to use utility to destroy the Turrett, or take damage while peaking.

As a solo site-holder, Killjoy is the prime selection.

Cypher is still a great agent, but Sage has seen much less usage since Killjoy’s introduction. In First Strike North America’s main event, Sage wasn’t picked, not once. The higher the rank, the less Sage gets selected. This isn’t because she isn’t a good agent, though. Killjoy’s kit allows her to fulfil Sage’s role as a sentinel, while doing more for her team.

Note: This article reflects the author's opinion, and what may seem the best to one may not be to someone else.

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Edited by Ravi Iyer