Valorant’s meta is in a fairly great place proper now. Following a rebalance of its controllers, the arrival of a brand new initiator, and a nerf to Chamber that has been controversial however undeniably efficient at reintroducing trap-heavy sentinels to the sport, the meta helps an enormous number of totally different Agent compositions. Even Yoru is having fun with a renaissance today!
However there’s one Agent who’s fallen so removed from grace and been uncared for for thus lengthy that he’s taken over the mantle as Valorant’s largest meme: poor previous Phoenix, the flash-heavy duelist with a package of utility that isn’t simply ineffective to his teammates however much less efficient than his personal assist Brokers for fragging out.
Replace 06/25/2022: Riot Video games has confirmed it’s trialing quite a few buffs to Phoenix on Valorant’s Public Beta Surroundings server (PBE). These embrace a stronger and quicker flash, decreased weapon re-equip time after utilizing Blaze, and Run it Again ceasing to take away shields after use. What do you assume? Are they sufficient to deliver him again into the meta. My preliminary take is not any. Extra to come back quickly on that quickly, although.
Authentic article continues beneath.
Phoenix is so dangerous that merely hovering his thumbnail at Agent choose has teammates threatening to dodge, and when you’re courageous sufficient to lock him in then you definately’re in for a torrent of abuse as soon as the sport begins. Individuals don’t simply dislike enjoying him personally, they’ve misplaced religion in anyone enjoying him in any respect. It’s easy: Phoenix is a troll choose; you’re a troll for taking part in him, and 9 instances out of ten you’ve misplaced the foyer lengthy earlier than a bullet has been fired when you assume in any other case.
The humorous factor is that, not like Yoru, the Valorant participant base’s dislike of Phoenix wasn’t speedy. As soon as upon a time, Phoenix was thought of a meta selection of duelist on maps like Haven and Ascent, the place his flashes made for efficient entry and his five-orb ult might be simply farmed. Sentinels’ SicK and TSM’s drone have been two common esports gamers who used Phoenix very successfully on the highest of ranges again in 2020 and early 2021.
Slowly however absolutely, although, as the recognition of Jett skyrocketed and new, self-sufficient initiators like Skye and Kayo have been launched to Valorant, Phoenix died a demise and has but to get well. He’s certainly probably the most ineffective Agent within the sport, and at practically each elo suffers the worst pickrate in ranked play. One thing must be executed, and quick.
Why Pheonix Is Unhealthy in Valorant
As I alluded to earlier, in case you have performed Phoenix not too long ago and/or know the scenario nicely, you’ll recognize simply how missing his utility is. The problem is that his flashes are too simple to dodge, even when you spend a very long time studying tips on how to change into artistic with them. Their curve, which is admittedly a cool and distinctive mechanic, is in the end a limiting issue, and even flashing out of smokes they only don’t work in addition to Skye’s or KAY/0’s.
The remainder of his package is underwhelming too, with each the molly and firewall feeling cumbersome and sluggish to deploy. The final word, too, whereas low-cost to cost and generally efficient as an entry/retake software, is simply too typically instantly shut down and fails to seek out worth. Certain, Phoenix can assault with out worry of dying, however dashing enemy positions is just ever going to have a restricted influence when enemies know you’re coming.
Does Phoenix Want a Buff or Rework?
The large query is whether or not the utility Phoenix has is one thing that may be buffed and salvaged or whether or not the Agent wants a full-scale, Yoru-like rework. On the one hand, I feel Phoenix’s package has potential with a number of tweaks right here and there, although I can’t additionally assist however really feel the participant base is so down on him normally that he nearly must win us all again with one thing new and thrilling.
I can definitely see Phoenix turning into extra helpful if the velocity with which his flashes have been geared up and deployed was elevated. Additionally, when you may, say, maintain down mouse 1 to extend their vary or change their form ultimately. His molly and firewall have to be speedier too, and possibly boosting Phoenix’s motion velocity after ulting would possibly make his entries extra profitable?
However once more, that is an Agent so despised at this level that he wants a little bit of hype surrounding any modifications, and possibly the way in which to push him again within the meta is to get the participant base excited a couple of new package of utility.
Not less than Riot Video games is on the case. Current feedback from character producer John Goscicki affirm that the developer is engaged on modifications, although he did additionally say it was “too early” to speak concerning the particulars. The crew continues to be taking “the time to discover all the things between quantity tweaks to one thing extra.”
Let’s hope it isn’t too lengthy, as a result of whereas shifting metas are designed to see Brokers fall out and in of favor, there shouldn’t be a scenario that leaves one as far behind as Phoenix. It’s a crying disgrace, specifically, as a result of Phoenix has at all times been kind of the face of Valorant alongside OG Brokers like Jett. Nearly each lore cinematic has featured Phoenix, and he’s completely received probably the most enjoyable personalities on the roster. It’s time to get the London lad again within the sport!
This text was initially printed on 05/29/2022.
