Greetings, Librarian Husky is here! The statistically worst plant in the entire game actually comes from the newest map, Abyss. After attackers plant the spike, their chances of winning the round usually increase significantly, sometimes reaching nearly 77%. However, planting in this spot on Abyss sees the winning odds drop down to just 60% on average. While that might not seem like a major difference, it represents nearly a 20% swing, which is significant. Today, we’re diving into the statistics for the best and worst plant locations across all maps and exploring where you should plant the spike to maximize your team’s chances of winning.

Best Plant Location on Haven

After the spike is planted, Haven’s A-site has an average attack win percentage of 73.76%. The reason for this high success rate is that attackers may effectively take control of the website, making it very difficult for defenders to escape Spawn. This does not imply, however, that any plant on A-site ensures success. The ammo box near Hell is by far the best place to plant on Haven. It is difficult for defenders to build up when attackers possess particular places, such as Heaven, Hell, graffiti, sewers, and long. This plant placement is better than the usual plant location in front of the large box in the middle because it offers numerous angles, even with some casualties.

Effective Post-Plant Strategies on Haven

Because the plant area is at the corner, you can employ improvised lineups here if you’re not very good at post-plant lineups. You can bounce projectiles from different angles right onto the spike or onto a corner of the floor by aiming at the wall. It is one of the most strategically important plant places because of its adaptability, which enables defenders to hold from several points. Conversely, Haven’s worst plant location is on the right side of the generator, where A-link is the sole practical defense and it’s practically difficult to defend from the outside.

Optimal Plant Strategy on Abyss

As the newest map, Abyss presents unique challenges, especially with the potential to fall to your death. Despite its complexity, attackers can benefit from planting on the bridge on A-site, which is statistically the best spot. This location offers three main advantages: visibility from CT, Heaven, and both sides of A-main;

a favorable position for gunfights with minimal repositioning options for the diffuser; and synergy with Astra, allowing you to pull diffusers off the spike. With agents like Killjoy, Viper, Gecko, and KAY/O, post-plant strategies on this site become even more powerful.

Worst Plant Spot on Abyss

The statistically worst plant location on Abyss is at the back of B-site near Danger. Although this spot is common in both pro games and casual play due to its perceived safety, it actually has the lowest win rate at 60.26%. This plant spot is only defensible from a narrow angle on B-main, and the spike isn’t visible from Link, Heaven window, or B-main without moving dangerously close, increasing the risk of losing control.

Choosing Optimal Plant Locations in Valorant

If you’re playing on B, try to plant the spike at default or, even better, on the opposite end near the box on the right. These spots offer more options to play for time or to overwhelm the enemy. This article focuses on how small adjustments, like plant locations, can increase your win rate. Beyond this, elements like aim, movement, and agent knowledge are critical, as they can also significantly boost your rank. For those looking to improve fast, coaching and courses tailored to common player issues are highly beneficial.

Best Plant Spot on Split

The default open plant on site B is the ideal plant location on Split. In addition to giving your squad several routes for repositioning or a late flank, planting here enables them to hold from B main, Heaven, and Alley. You can go from Heaven to Alley, wrap around mid to Heaven, or go to B main after planting. You can keep the enemy guessing by using good timing, collaboration, or utility to stall them. A one-way smoke over the plant place allows you and your team to dominate the area from all of the post-plant spots indicated if you’re employing Omen or Viper.

Least Favorable Plant Spot on Split

The least effective plant location on Split is behind the digital box on A site. This spot is often the result of rushing the site without securing CT and Heaven. It lacks open sightlines for defense, and although the digital box is wall-bangable, relying solely on this is not ideal. An open plant at A1 allows defenders to watch from Heaven and A main, giving attackers more control and Omen the option to set up a useful one-way smoke from both angles.

Best Plant Spots on Bind

On Bind, statistically, the B2 plant spot yields the highest success rate for attackers. It is accessible, with sightlines from Boat House and tight angles on Lanes, making it easier to defend. KJ’s swarm grenade on Lanes adds post-plant control, and molotovs or a Sova drone and Recon Dart enhance safety and viability when holding from B main or stairs. Given Bind’s map layout, crosshair placement and utility management make this plant spot highly effective.

Less Effective Plant Location on Bind

Another plant spot on Bind, behind the triple box, is less favorable. This default plant position is safe but limits visibility of the diffuser, requiring defenders to reposition closer to Lanes or stairs to get a view. The best angle for holding this plant is Boat House, provided defenders aren’t pushed back. If forced to use this spot, saving utility to disrupt the diffuse can improve success rates, though this area should generally be avoided if possible.

Effective Planting on Pearl

Pearl is back, and understanding its plant locations is key. On average, Bind has a higher attacking success rate at 73.72% compared to A site’s 68.28%. The best plant spot on B site is near the tall box on the left, allowing defenders to hold from B ramp. An open plant offers extra angles from CT, Heaven, and B link, making it harder for defenders to predict flanks and reposition effectively.

Maximizing Plant Strategies on Valorant’s Pearl Map

When planting on Pearl, focus on areas like B ramp, where enemies are often preoccupied with expected peaks. If the enemy team smokes the spike, you can easily throw mollies toward the box corner. Moving over to A site, A1 holds the lowest win rate for attackers, yet it’s popular among lower ELOs. The primary challenge here is the limited angles for holding this plant location, especially since defenders can only view it from A main, exposing them to multiple angles. Adjusting the plant location to A2 can give more exposure to different sightlines and increase defensive options.

Understanding B Site Success on Bind

Bind’s B site generally has a higher win rate than A site, particularly in lower to mid-ELO matches, as players often avoid B due to sentinel traps. However, a successful B plant can be rewarding, especially at B3, which has a success rate of 74.67%. By placing the spike on the left side near Tube, defenders gain visibility from elbow, hookah, and B long. The elevated plant offers multiple sightlines and enhances post-plant defense.

Challenges with Triple Box Plant on Bind’s A site

While planting at triple box in Baths on A can work, it’s not ideal, especially given the flanking risks from short or teleporter. Although the triple box can be wall-banged, it’s often difficult to achieve clean shots in chaotic situations. Planting at A2 instead allows for broader post-plant sightlines, making defense more feasible. This setup offers attackers options for various post-plant positions while reducing risk.

Strategic Plant Locations on Sunset

Sunset is known for its challenging post-plant situations, with A site win rates at 69.7% and B at 68.2%. Planting on B3 is ideal, allowing for safe peeks from B main, market, and the back site. However, caution is advised, as enemies may reach half-diffuse without detection. Ideally, two players hold from B main, two from market, and one lurking or repositioning. This setup increases the attackers’ chance of winning by creating multiple lines of defense.

Common Pitfalls with A site Planting on Sunset

Behind the little box on the A site is one of Sunset’s least productive plant places; while it’s safe for the planter, it poses a risk to the crew once the plant is placed. Due to the absence of active sightlines, defenders must fight closer, perhaps providing the enemy with an edge. Because it restricts defensive tactics and raises the possibility of a diffuse, don’t choose this plant placement unless you have no other choice.

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Hello, agents! Librarian Husky here, ready to guide you through every twist and turn of patch 9.8. With this release, we’re seeing a host of new changes: new maps entering rotation, new agents rising in the meta, and updated tier lists. Recently, the meta has seen some dramatic shifts, and today we’re here to cover them all. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, I’ve got you covered with all the intel you need to master the current meta and climb those ranks. So, buckle up and get ready as we dive into all the latest updates!

Top Controller: Clove

Starting with controllers, Clove has claimed the top spot, and for good reason. Since their release, Clove has maintained the highest win rate in the game. Their kit is simple yet impactful, making it hard to misuse. Clove’s healing ability is easy to activate but only triggers after kills, and their secondary ability is excellent for controlling space. Additionally, Clove’s ultimate is highly impactful, and their ability to place smokes after death allows them to contribute even if they’re eliminated early. For these reasons, Clove is finding undeniable success in ranked play.

Impact of Map Rotation on Clove

Even with the reintroduction of larger maps like Pearl, we don’t anticipate a significant change in Clove’s effectiveness. Although larger maps could theoretically limit Clove’s range, the straightforward impact of their abilities ensures they remain a top choice regardless of map size.

Other Controllers in the Meta

Surprisingly, Brimstone ranks higher on the list than many other controllers as well. In several respects, Brimstone could be seen as a simpler version of Clove. His abilities are straightforward, requiring minimal team coordination, which makes him accessible in ranked matches. Brimstone’s ultimate is also notably powerful, adding to his value in the meta. Though his smokes have a limited range and don’t refresh as Clove’s do, this limitation is less impactful in the context of ranked gameplay.

Challenges for Omen in Ranked Play

When comparing Omen to other agents, his performance in ranked play is notably lower than expected. While his kit is powerful, it requires more coordination than is typically available in ranked matches. Omen’s global smokes often don’t get their full value because players don’t use them effectively, and his blind isn’t always as impactful as it could be. Additionally, Omen’s ultimate is rarely used strategically, which contributes to one of the lowest win rates in the game for him.

Coordination Requirements

Omen isn’t inherently a weak agent, but he thrives with a coordinated team. In ranked play, where players don’t always assist with blinds or smokes, his potential is underutilized. Success with Omen often depends on team support, and without it, his abilities lose effectiveness. This places Omen in a challenging position in the current meta, where high individual impact is often favored over coordination.

Other Controllers in the Meta

Other controllers like Viper and Harbor have specific strengths on maps like Pearl and Split. However, with Omen’s kit already being underutilized, these agents face similar limitations. They perform exceptionally well in the right setting, but given the current state of ranked play, we can’t recommend them over the top three agents due to the coordination they require.

Focus on Gunplay Over Teamplay

In this tier list, you’ll notice a recurring theme: the best agents tend to be those who excel in gunplay rather than teamplay. In the current meta, being skilled in direct combat is essential. If you’re not yet comfortable with that, climbing the ranks will be challenging. Fortunately, there are resources available to help you improve.

Neon’s Advantages in Ranked Play

Neon’s enhanced mobility and ability to control space make her a nightmare for opponents. While professional teams may opt to replace her in specific scenarios, in ranked play, there’s little reason not to pick her. For players aiming to rank up as duelists, Neon is an ideal choice due to her ability to quickly close distances and secure eliminations.

Alternative Duelist Picks

If Neon doesn’t fit your style or is already taken, ISO and Phoenix are excellent alternatives in the A-tier. These agents also deliver high value through kits that provide consistent advantages in gunfights, even on less-than-perfect aim days. Their abilities make them reliable choices for players who seek guaranteed value without needing pinpoint accuracy.

Situational Picks: Jett and Raze

Agents like Jett and Raze can certainly dominate in the right hands, yet they rely more heavily on player skill. While they have incredible potential, they might not offer the same guaranteed effectiveness as Neon, ISO, or Phoenix, especially for players still developing their mechanics.

Advantages of ISO and Phoenix

ISO and Phoenix have a higher skill floor, making them more forgiving and easier to consistently gain value from. If you’re not fully confident in your mechanical skills, these agents offer reliable ways to make a significant impact without requiring complex setups or high team coordination. Their abilities are simple yet effective, giving players an advantage in duels that’s essential in ranked play.

Why ISO and Phoenix Rank Higher

In the current meta, ISO and Phoenix find themselves ranked higher than traditionally popular duelists like Jett and Raze, largely due to their straightforward, versatile kits. They’re solid picks on almost any map, making them versatile options for a steady ranked climb. In ranked, where consistent strength in gunfights is vital, their straightforward effectiveness keeps them highly valuable.

Top Initiator: Geeko

Moving on to initiators, Geeko continues to dominate the top spot, even after recent nerfs. Much of his success stems from the simplicity of his kit and his ability to recycle utility. While these nerfs add some challenges, Geeko still retains his effectiveness in ranked play due to the straightforward power and reusability of his abilities.

Gecko’s Strength in Ranked Play

Gecko’s utility allows for safe scaling, as his abilities like Dizzy and Wingman can be used repeatedly, providing immense and nearly infinite value. This makes him highly effective in ranked play, where his tools can create powerful executes and give his team a considerable edge. Unlike agents like Sova, who must decide between using their drone or dart, Gecko can accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously, adding versatility to his playstyle.

Wingman’s Unique Advantage

One of Gecko’s standout abilities is Wingman, which can plant or defuse, granting him and his team strategic benefits in ranked matches. This flexibility, along with the ease of use of his kit, secures Gecko as a top pick for initiators in the current meta.

Sova’s Enduring Value

Closely following Gecko, Sova remains a strong initiator. Despite being one of the oldest agents, his kit is still highly effective. His Recon Dart often catches opponents off guard, allowing him to gather critical information and even secure kills. Sova’s Shock Darts and Hunter’s Fury add potential for significant chip damage, often turning the tide of a round with just one kill.

Sova’s Ultimate Impact

Sova’s ultimate, Hunter’s Fury, can be game-changing, frequently winning rounds by securing eliminations through recon-tagged enemies. For players looking to specialize in an initiator role, Sova’s consistent performance across patches makes him a dependable choice and a valuable asset in ranked play.

Fate’s Strength as an Initiator

Fate comes close to Sova in terms of effectiveness, largely due to her strong information-gathering abilities. Her Haunt ability often remains undetected, especially when used with effective lineups, while her Prowlers are intuitive and effective, making her a great pick even for less experienced players. With Split returning to the map rotation, Fate is likely to feel even more rewarding to play.

Other Initiators in Ranked

Currently, other initiators are somewhat lacking in ranked play. They often require a higher skill level to use effectively, especially when it comes to supporting teammates. This makes them less reliable picks for the average ranked player, as their effectiveness can be hard to leverage without substantial skill and experience.

Top Sentinels: Killjoy and Cypher

In the Sentinel category, Killjoy and Cypher continue to excel as the top choices. These two agents are almost interchangeable at higher levels of play, each providing the best information-gathering capabilities among Sentinels. With Split returning to the map rotation, both Killjoy and Cypher are expected to be frequently chosen, landing them comfortably in the A-tier due to their consistent utility.

Top Sentinels for Map Control

Killjoy and Cypher remain unmatched in their ability to gather information and control areas of the map. If you’re looking for a reliable Sentinel pick, these two agents are top choices, providing unparalleled utility. Their information-gathering capabilities make them essential for any ranked player aiming for consistency in map control.

Unexpected A-Tier Picks: Deadlock and Sage

Surprisingly, Deadlock and Sage also land in the A-tier with exceptionally high win rates across all ranks, even surpassing Killjoy and Cypher. Despite lacking flank guard abilities, these agents bring unique advantages to ranked play. Their high win rates are likely due to a few factors, starting with the fact that teams in ranked don’t always make full use of lurkers. This lessens the need for Killjoy and Cypher’s info-gathering.

Deadlock and Sage: Stopping Power

Deadlock and Sage excel at stopping enemy pushes instantly, a trait highly valuable in ranked play where attackers often rush. Encountering both a physical and metaphorical wall, attackers are often unsure of whether to push through or rotate, creating indecision. This delay gives your team critical time to rotate and secure the round, adding to their value.

Impactful Ultimates for Round-Winning Potential

Both Deadlock and Sage have impactful ultimates that can decisively win rounds when used correctly. Their ultimates provide a powerful edge in tense moments, making them invaluable assets for teams looking to control the flow of play. Our recommendation is to make the most of these ultimates to secure key rounds in ranked matches.

Underrated Sentinel Picks

Don’t overlook these agents. While they may not be the traditional top picks, and your team may prefer flank guards, their win rates speak for themselves. They offer consistent value in ranked play, even if they aren’t as conventional as Killjoy or Cypher.

Vice: The Newest Sentinel

Our newest Sentinel, Vice, is currently in a unique position. We don’t yet have enough data to confidently recommend her, as her win rate is relatively low. For players seeking safe choices, it might be wise to avoid her for now. However, her kit, including her wall, ultimate, and root abilities, is undeniably powerful. It’s likely we’ll see her evolve in future tier lists as players learn to utilize her more effectively.

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