Valorant’s latest agent, Clove, is an exciting addition to the controller roster, offering an aggressive playstyle with a unique twist. Released as the game’s 25th agent, Clove introduces mechanics that can influence the game even after death. With abilities designed to control space and manipulate enemy movements, Clove is set to shake up the competitive meta.
Overview of Clove’s Abilities
- Pick Me Up (C):
Clove’s C ability allows the agent to absorb life essence from a fallen enemy, healing and overhealing them. This grants a temporary health boost and a burst of speed, encouraging aggressive engagements. Similar to Reyna’s Devour ability, it offers players a chance to snowball through rounds by stringing together frags with healing, but the effect is temporary, making it a high-risk, high-reward option. - Meddle (Q):
Meddle is Clove’s area-denial tool. It throws an orb that decays all enemies in its radius, reducing their health by 90. This decay makes enemies easier to finish off with a single shot, especially when combined with weapons like the Phantom or Vandal. Meddle is a highly effective ability for disrupting enemy setups or forcing enemies to retreat from key positions. - Ruse (E):
Clove’s primary smoke ability, Ruse, works similarly to other controllers like Omen and Brimstone but with a major difference: Clove can deploy smokes even after death. The smokes regenerate faster than Omen’s, lasting for 14 seconds, and can be strategically placed before or after death to continue influencing the battlefield. - Not Dead Yet (X – Ultimate):
Clove’s ultimate, Not Dead Yet, allows for self-resurrection. After being killed, Clove can come back to life and has a short window to secure a kill or assist. If successful, they remain in the fight; otherwise, Clove dies again. This ultimate offers a second chance to influence the round but requires precision and strong positioning.
Strategic Playstyle
Clove’s kit is designed for an aggressive playstyle. The ability to deploy smokes after death encourages players to take risks, knowing they can still provide utility to their team. Combining the Pick Me Up heal with the decay effect from Meddle makes Clove deadly in close-range combat, particularly with shotguns. This unique controller can spearhead attacks and dominate small spaces.
Meta Impact
Clove’s aggressive playstyle and ability to provide utility from beyond the grave could make them a popular choice in ranked games. While Clove brings a fresh dynamic to the controller role, their competition with established agents like Omen and Brimstone will determine their place in professional play. On maps like Bind or Icebox, where close combat and aggressive smoke placement are key, Clove’s utility may shine.
Clove’s introduction to Valorant brings an innovative blend of aggression and control to the game. With abilities that encourage risky plays and continued impact after death, Clove is poised to become a strong pick for players looking to control the battlefield in a new and exciting way.