Agent Tier List Patch 8.0! – Deadlock Buffs Insane? – Valorant Meta Guide

Valorant Patch 8.0 comes to us with a lot of important changes. On top of that, the meta has been dramatically changing behind the scenes. In this article, we’re going to be breaking down the 8.0 tier list, covering all the agents that are the best and worst in this meta. The first thing that we need to discuss is the F tier.

As of the recent buffs to Deadlock in particular, there’s no longer any agent in the F tier. Every agent has something reasonable to offer, at least on one or two maps.

Valorant Patch 8.0 Overview

Now, more than ever, there’s no character that is just objectively bad or unplayable. But we do need to move on to the D tier. These are characters that can be good, but they’re niche in their application, meaning there’s really only one map where they see substantial play. The effectiveness of these characters is dependent on whether their preferred map is in the map pool at any given time.

Analysis of Deadlock

The first character we need to talk about is Deadlock. Deadlock did receive some substantial buffs, but its strongest map is looking to be Icebox. Even with all the changes, Deadlock doesn’t hold a candle to the other Sentinels on the roster. The addition of Sonic Sensor and a really big barrier mesh are nice, but they don’t fundamentally change what Deadlock can do for a team, especially considering the alternatives. Deadlock could be really effective in the hands of someone who has mastered the character, but generally, the character will remain niche and probably won’t see substantial play on a variety of maps.

Insights on Sage

The other character that we need to discuss is Sage. Sage suffers from many of the same issues as Deadlock. For one, she’s really only effective on Icebox. The character doesn’t do enough when compared to other Sentinels, and often, teams would prefer a second initiator or even a second duelist over Sage. A lot of this is due to the continuous nerfs Sage has received throughout her lifecycle. However, for ranked play, Sage is still a strong pick, boasting one of the highest win rates across ranks. She’s capable of denying space on a site, forcing rushes to rotate off, or completely denying rushes. This remains very powerful, and Sage can still be a character with whom you can win and derive a lot of value, just not as the strongest objective meta pick.

Assessment of C Tier Characters

Now we’re moving on to the C tier. These are characters that do see play here or there, but often there are either better alternatives, or they only see play on one or two maps or in certain strategies. First off, we need to talk about Neon. Unfortunately, Neon just doesn’t do enough when compared to the other two duelists, Jett and Raze, in the meta. She really needs some setup, specifically Breach setup, to be effective.

Neon’s Role in Valorant’s Meta

Most of the time, you’re only going to see Neon on maps like Fracture, with a Breach follow-up. Neon can be effective, and some teams utilize them even in pro play, and of course in ranked. If you’re a movement expert, you can get a lot of value out of Neon. However, most of the time, Neon is something that tries to play anti-meta, going against the grain, when Raze and Jett are fundamental duelists that don’t really need someone to always set them up in the same way. They also play really well with a lot of different versatile initiators, rather than Neon, who specifically plays well with Breach.

Harbor’s Strategic Flexibility

Next up in the C tier, we need to talk about Harbor. Harbor is mainly used in double controller setups and maps like Breeze, and has potential to see a lot of play as the meta further develops. I do think that double controller setups around Harbor give you a lot of strategic flexibility, so you’re going to see pro teams start to experiment with it more. Harbor does struggle a bit when you try to use him as a solo controller, but depending on the rank you’re in, you could definitely make it work. It’s just not going to be as reliable as something like a Viper solo controller or any of the other dome smokers, depending on the map, if you’re not playing a map like Breeze.

Chamber’s Strengths and Limitations

Now we definitely need to talk about Chamber. Chamber is a really solid character at cutting off long sight lines and holding space. Many compare him to his old self, which was considered Triple S tier, so his nerfed version, while definitely weaker, is still a solid choice. With new weapons like the Outlaw, Chamber can utilize them better than just about any other character in the game. On maps like Breeze, this character is going to be a nightmare to deal with.

Gecko’s Comparison in the Initiator Role

The last character we need to discuss in the C tier is Gecko. Gecko is actually good; there’s not really that many problems with Gecko’s kit. It really comes down to the fact that Gecko doesn’t see more play because the initiator role is absolutely stacked. When you are picking Gecko, you’re choosing him over many other powerful options that are just too good to pass up. In a vacuum, Gecko is amazing, but when compared to the other highly competitive initiators, he falls a bit flat, although he does still get value in the hands of someone who has mastered him.

Introduction to B Tier Characters in Valorant

By our product, we aim to help you improve. So, what are you waiting for? Check it out right now. The next tier that we need to talk about is the B tier. Characters in this tier see play on multiple maps and in multiple strategies, or they are maximized on a specific map and are essentially essential in the meta.

Analysis of Brimstone

First off, we need to talk about Brimstone. Brimstone is very consistent as a dome smoker on Bind and Fracture, great at stalling down sights and an overall very powerful controller. I don’t think he gets enough credit for how he enables certain strategies. Being able to smoke off multiple places simultaneously during a rush is really good. His kit flows very well together, and in ranked play, he has some of the highest win rates across ranks. Brimstone is a really consistent and powerful character, especially if you learn the lineups. So, yeah, Brimstone is B tier for sure.

Assessing Fade’s Performance

Next up, we need to talk about Fade. Fade is strong, really good, and does see play across different maps. However, when you compare Fade to Skye and Sova, she lags a little bit behind. It’s a pretty close race, though. Fade is strong, and if you know how to play her, you’re going to get more value out of her. In fact, I think that Fade is probably better than many other characters, especially in ranks lower than Ascendant. Fade is really good at clearing angles and taking close space. You’re not going to die on a pistol round to someone just holding an angle with a Sheriff or Shorty. Really solid stuff from Fade, but when we start to talk about meta play and objective power level, Fade falls a bit behind compared to other competitive options. If those characters didn’t exist or were nerfed, Fade would quickly gain popularity. It’s not that Fade is bad, it’s just that there are other characters that are a little better than her.

Breach’s Role and Effectiveness

Next up, we need to talk about Breach. Breach is phenomenal for setups, whether you’re setting up a Jett, Raze, or Neon, or playing aggressive defense on Haven. Breach has all the means to take space aggressively, flashing corridors, and challenging areas. As a team, you can be really versatile with some team strategies around Breach. I think Breach is one of the best duo characters for duo queuing if you’re trying to climb with a buddy. Setting up strategies and being proactive on both defense and attack with Breach can be really effective.

Evaluating Astra’s Utility

Next up, we need to discuss Astra. Astra is very solid and typically won’t be a solo controller. You’re going to combine Astra with a variety of characters, like Harbor or maybe Viper. Astra brings another level to the table with all her abilities.

Understanding Astra’s Impact in Valorant

Astra, with her complex utility and team strategy, can warp entire metas around her. She is a super solid character that creates a lot of very interesting strategies and team compositions. Definitely not a character to sleep on, even if she’s a bit unorthodox and not easy to comprehend in terms of how she fits into the meta.

KO’s Role and Effectiveness

Last up in the B tier, we have KO. KO has a maxed-out pick rate on Ascent and is really just powerful all around. The ultimate, the knife, gathering information, denying abilities – all these aspects attack the meta in a way that many other characters don’t. Ascent is where KO shines, really the only map that KO sees a ton of play on. Even though KO will be kind of across the pro meta, where a lot of teams will experiment with KO just as a counter strategy or as a powerful piece of utility in your composition, giving you flexibility with ult rushes and knife denials. On Ascent, with all the pop flash lineups that you can do and being able to knife and gain so much information, knifing the mains of both B and A, KO is a really solid character and still a really underrated pick.

Rank Superstars Tier: Reyna and Yoru

But you might be wondering where a couple of characters are. Before we get into the A and S tiers, there is a separate tier that I didn’t put into the normal tier list called “Rank Superstars.” These are characters that are hard to rate because, in pro play, they don’t see much action or are very limited, but in ranked, they’re everywhere and dominating games. To properly evaluate these characters, we put them in their own separate tier, which I’m calling “R Superstars.”

The first one I’m going to talk about is Reyna. Reyna is a character that takes your mechanical skill and translates it into value. If you’re popping off, getting kills, winning 1v1s, you’re clutching up games on Reyna. But unlike many other characters, you’re not playing for the overall strategy, but rather for your own individual skill. While Reyna can give you the means to carry games like no other character can, it’s really all on you at the end of the day. You’re not winning the game through fundamental strategy but through your own play.

The other character we need to talk about is Yoru. Yoru is close to not being a ranked superstar. There have been pro players experimenting with this character, and Yoru does see pro play every once in a while. But when we bring it down to the actual numbers, Yoru is picked maybe 1% of the time in pro play, very low. However, in ranked play, we know that Yoru, as you start to climb, gets a higher and higher win rate.

Exploring Yoru’s Potential in High-Level Play

Radiant Yoru has one of the highest win rates in the game, but that’s only for players who have truly mastered the character. So, if you want a character that is really challenging, with a very high skill floor and an unimaginable skill ceiling, Yoru might be for you. Once you get really good at Yoru, you can become unstoppable at the highest ranks of play.

ISO’s Meta Potential and Current Status

ISO also falls into this category of having meta potential but currently isn’t seeing any substantial meta play. Out of all four characters, ISO has the chance to break into the meta more than anyone, but we don’t really know when or how that’s going to happen. Currently, ISO is more of a ranked superstar than someone who is going to take up a spot among the many competitive options in the game for a meta pro strategy. However, there could be some strategy centered around ISO, so it’s important to keep an eye on him. For now, ISO remains in the rank superstar status.

Phoenix’s Dominance in Ranked Play

Last but certainly not least is Phoenix, who has one of the highest win rates across ranks in ranked play, according to Riot. I honestly think that Phoenix is one of the best all-around characters you can play in ranked. He can do everything you need to dominate a game, whether it’s clearing cubbies, creating space with his wall, self-healing, setting up advantageous duels with his flash, or gathering info with his ultimate, which is very easily attainable with only six charges. Phoenix brings everything to the table to dominate a ranked game. Unfortunately, due to how good he is at dominating ranked, it makes him less effective in a pro lobby where a more specialized character might be preferred. But Phoenix is a great ranked choice and probably my ranked superstar of choice if you’re looking for someone to pick up and start grinding with.

Introduction to A and S Tier Characters

Now, we are moving on to the A and S tiers. I will say that all of these characters are established meta picks, very solid and strong. The only difference between A and S tiers is that the S tier characters are just picked a little bit more; they’re all pretty much top-tier, crème de la crème picks.

Assessing Killjoy’s Current State

The first character we have to talk about in the A tier is Killjoy. Killjoy did receive a nerf, with the FOV of her turret reduced from 180 to 100. This means that the turret is now less effective, letting more enemies slip through the cracks. But even in spite of that, Killjoy is just so strong. I would actually consider that extra bit of FOV as more power than needed, and now Killjoy still remains a highly effective character in the game.

Evaluating Killjoy’s Role After Nerf

Killjoy remains a very strong character despite the recent nerf that limits her turret’s field of view (FOV). This change means that there are some angles and flanks that Killjoy’s turret can’t watch anymore. However, overall, Killjoy still excels at what she does best: locking down a site completely and making it much harder for enemies to push. This allows your team to control space on the other side of the map more effectively, as the section covered by Killjoy’s turret gains more value. However, this could weaken Killjoy on the attack, which has always been one of the challenges with this character. I’m dropping her down a bit in the tier list, but I still wouldn’t be surprised if she sees over 50% meta play, remaining one of the best characters in the game.

Cipher’s Dominance on Certain Maps

We also need to talk about Cipher, especially on maps like Breeze and Sunset. With the new double trip, Cipher is phenomenal, a really great character who is also expected to see play on Fracture when it comes back. Cipher is a powerhouse, and it’s fascinating how both Killjoy and Cipher, as Sentinels, are competing with each other for the highest tier. They don’t push each other out but are both very competitive and strong. In ranked play, Cipher has the added benefit of being better at lurking compared to Killjoy. So, if you’re someone who wants to lock down a site but also lurk and make impactful plays, Cipher is probably the pick I would suggest for you.

Sila’s Consistent Performance Across Maps

Next up in the A tier, we need to talk about Sila. Sila is really just good all around. He’s played on a ton of different maps, is a great info-gathering initiator, and is just very solid overall. While he’s not played on every single map, he’s played on many of them and is very strong and versatile. He has the means to make plays with his ultimate, can gather information, and has always been a superstar in the game.

Jet’s Place as a Top Duelist

Lastly in the A tier, we have Jet. Jet is one of the best duelists in the game. The only reason she’s in the A tier and not the S tier is because there’s another duelist that slightly edges her out in the meta right now. However, when it comes to using the new weapon, Outlaw, Jet is going to be better at that than almost any other character, especially in ranked play. Jet can take on many roles, whether it’s dashing onto a site and creating a strategic advantage or wielding the Outlaw with skill.

Jet’s Versatility and Strength

Jet is a phenomenal pick for any team, showcasing immense strength and versatility. Whether you’re creating strategic advantages for your team or just popping off by taking a free duel and dashing away, Jet stands out as an incredibly powerful character in the game.

Introduction to S Tier Characters

Last up, we have the S tier, the best of the best characters who are going to see substantial meta play for the foreseeable future. It doesn’t seem like this trend will change anytime soon. These characters are essential in the current gaming environment.

Viper’s Essential Role in the Meta

First off in the S tier is Viper. Viper is absolutely essential. There are maps where Viper is 100% necessary, like Breeze. Even if Viper were nerfed, she would still be needed. Her meta play is entirely dependent on the fact that she is indispensable on many of these maps. Additionally, her power level allows her to get extra pick rate across maps in dual controller setups and the like. Viper is super strong, powerful, and essential, making her an S tier pick.

Skye’s Dominance as an Initiator

Next, we need to discuss Skye. I would say Skye is the best all-around initiator. Skye can do it all: gather information, set up your team, clear close cubbies. Her healing ability is really beneficial on eco rounds, and her ultimate is fantastic for team strategies and making executes. Skye is a character that doesn’t have many weaknesses, and in the hands of someone who has mastered her, she feels completely dominant. Skye stands as one of the best characters in the game.

Comparing Ray and Jet as Duelists

Now, we need to talk about Ray. Ray is the best duelist, slightly edging out Jet. Both characters are incredibly strong, but Ray is going to see play on some different maps and combats the meta in a slightly different way than Jet does. Ray often puts a lot of pressure on utility in a way Jet does not, gaining a lot of value when breaking Cipher and Killjoy’s utilities. While Jet can abuse certain weapons a bit better than Ray, the guaranteed value falls into Ray’s camp as the best duelist, in my opinion.

Omen’s Versatility and Strength

Lastly, we have Omen. Omen is incredibly strong and versatile, played in a ton of different compositions. He’s a fantastic lurker and can do his job while creating strong plays. His ability to clear space with Paranoia and make exciting plays, even with his teleport, offers versatile strategies. We’re even seeing experimental strategies where Omen utilizes all his utility like a duelist, teleporting onto the site and taking aggressive angles similar to Jet or Ray. Omen is exceptionally strong and powerful, one of the best characters in the game.

This concludes the 8.0 tier list, but feel free to let us know if you think we missed the mark on any of these characters. Check out Skill Cap to quickly climb the ranks, guaranteed, or get your money back. Thank you, and we’ll see you next time.

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