The ultimate guide to characters in Valorant

Valorant, the acclaimed tactical shooter from Riot Games, has made a significant mark in the gaming industry with its rich roster of unique characters. Each character in Valorant, known as an agent, brings distinct abilities and styles to the game, enhancing the strategic depth and player engagement. This guide delves into the diverse world of Valorant characters, exploring their characteristics, how to unlock them, and what makes each agent stand out.

How many characters are there in Valorant?

Currently, Valorant boasts 19 playable agents. These characters are categorized into four roles: Duelists, Initiators, Controllers, and Sentinels. Each role serves a strategic purpose in the game, from aggressive attacks to defensive setups, providing a wide array of tactical opportunities for players.

Unlocking Valorant characters

Players start with a basic set of agents and can unlock more as they progress. Unlocking characters involves earning experience points (XP) through playing matches and completing missions. Each new agent is unlocked at specific account levels, with the first few available immediately and others requiring more gameplay:

Highlighting key Valorant characters

Brimstone - A strategic commander who supports his team with abilities like Sky Smokes and Stim Beacon, providing cover and boosting allies' speed and fire rate.

Jett - Known for her mobility, Jett uses her Tailwind dash and Cloudburst smokes to evade and blind opponents, making her a formidable duelist.

Phoenix - This self-sufficient duelist uses fire-based abilities like Blaze and Curveball to control battle areas and self-heal, exemplifying aggression and resilience.

Sage - As a sentinel, Sage offers crucial support through her healing abilities and can control movement with her Barrier Orb, making her vital for defensive strategies.

Sova - An initiator who excels in reconnaissance, Sova’s Recon Bolt and Owl Drone are invaluable for gathering intel on enemy positions.

Viper - A controller who manipulates the battlefield with toxic gas abilities, Viper can deny areas and obscure sightlines, shaping the flow of combat.

Cypher - The ultimate sentinel for information-gathering, Cypher’s Spycam and Trapwire help in monitoring enemy movements and securing locations.

Reyna - A self-sustaining duelist, Reyna excels in solo engagements and can heal or become empowered by consuming Soul Orbs from fallen enemies.

Skye - An initiator with healing capabilities, Skye uses her creatures to scout and incapacitate enemies, making her versatile in both offense and support.

Valorant's characters are central to its gameplay, offering diverse strategies and personalization options for players. Whether you prefer engaging directly with enemies or supporting your team from behind, there is a Valorant character that fits every style of play. Embrace the complexities of each agent and find your niche in the vibrant world of Valorant.