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.

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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.

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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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