VALORANT has taken the gaming world by storm. With its strategic gameplay and diverse cast of agents, it's no wonder new players are flocking to this tactical shooter. But with 24 agents to choose from, picking the right one to start can be overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the world of VALORANT agents and identify the best ones for beginners in 2024.
Unlocking Your Potential: A Look at VALORANT Accounts
Before diving into agents, let's talk about VALORANT accounts. New players start with five unlocked agents: Jett, Brimstone, Sage, Phoenix, and (duplicate) Sage. These agents represent the four core classes in VALORANT: Duelist, Controller, Initiator, and Sentinel.
Choosing Your Weapon: Best Agents for Each Class
Sentinel: Sage - Heal Your Way to Victory
Sage is the quintessential beginner-friendly Sentinel. Her abilities focus on support, allowing you to heal yourself and teammates. Her Barrier Orb creates a wall to block enemies and bullets, while her ultimate, Resurrection, brings fallen teammates back to life. Mastering Sage is straightforward, making her a perfect choice to learn the game's fundamentals without worrying about complex mechanics.
Controller: Brimstone - Smoke Out the Competition
Controllers specialize in controlling enemy movement and vision. Brimstone, the king of smokes, throws down three smokes at once, perfect for blocking enemy sightlines and executing strategic attacks. His Incendiary ability creates damaging fire zones, while Stim Beacon grants rapid fire to teammates within its range. Brimstone's focus on smoke placement and basic utility usage makes him a great agent to grasp the fundamentals of map control.
Initiator: Sova - Information is Power
Initiators gather intel for their team. Sova, the master of recon, excels in this role. His signature Recon Bolt reveals enemy positions, while his Owl Drone allows you to scout areas from a safe distance. Sova's Shock Bolt deals damage and can be used for tricky post-plant situations, but it requires some map knowledge to master. Regardless, Sova's core abilities are easy to understand, making him a solid choice for beginners who want to hone their scouting skills.
Duelist: Phoenix - Enter the Fray in Style
Duelists are the aggressive attackers who disrupt enemy lines. Phoenix is a popular duelist choice for beginners. His Blaze wall creates a fiery barrier, while Hot Hands throws a damaging fireball. These abilities help you control areas and flush out enemies. Phoenix's unique passive lets him heal himself with his abilities, offering some survivability. Finally, his ultimate, Run It Back, allows him to make a risky play and respawn if things go south. With a low ultimate cost, Phoenix encourages aggressive play and teaches valuable combat mechanics.
Sharpening Your Skills: Beyond Beginner Agents
These four agents provide a solid foundation for mastering VALORANT's core mechanics. Once you're comfortable with them, explore other agents within each class to find your playstyle. Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid to experiment, utilize the shooting range, and watch pro players to refine your skills. With dedication and the right agent by your side, you'll be dominating the VALORANT battlefield in no time!