2022 was a great year for VALORANT. The game turned two years old and had a lot to offer for both casual and competitive players.
The Riot Games team did an impressive job of providing new content for VALORANT this year. This includes a new map, three new agents, and a wide range of cosmetic items.
Today, we’ll focus on the agent releases in 2022. Neon, Fade, and Harbor made their way into servers worldwide. Each agent has a different role and unique design, personality, and place in the meta. But which agent is the best addition to VALORANT’s character lineup?
Here is our ranking of each agent release in 2022, from worst to best.
3) Harbor
Riot teased Harbor’s release for most of the year, with various cosmetic items and even a map based on water. Finally, players got their water-themed agent in October.
Harbor’s design was popular, and he fulfilled the request for an Indian agent. People went wild over his looks, with some considering him the most handsome agent.
Harbor’s agent trailer was great, showcasing his energy, abilities, and fun personality. However, he struggled to fit seamlessly into the game’s meta as a controller.
Harbor received a buff to some abilities, but his presence and pick rate have been underwhelming. While his design and character fit well, his impact in the game has been limited.
2) Fade
Fade is a beautifully designed agent with a dark and mysterious presence. Players loved her design even before playing her.
Her unique abilities are cohesive and easy to understand. Upon release, she was well-balanced and didn’t require major adjustments like other agents. Fade represents Turkey, bringing representation to the game.
However, Fade ranked lower because she lacked promotion compared to other agents. Her release seemed sudden, and she didn’t fit into the game’s concept at the time. More promotion and backstory would have been great.
Despite this, Fade was still a fantastic addition to the game, adding an exciting new dimension.
1) Neon
Neon’s release was one of the highlights of the year. She brought much-needed representation for Southeast Asian fans. Her relatable personality and relatable cinematic resonated with players.
Neon’s design revolved around electricity, and her abilities blended seamlessly with her character. She balanced out the dominance of Jett as a fast agent and introduced new gameplay elements with her ultimate ability.
Neon’s release had a real-world impact and added depth to the game. Her pigtails lighting up with lightning is always a joy.
What’s next?
looks forward to the upcoming agent releases in 2023. We hope to see a well-rounded lineup and maybe a new map that ties in with an agent concept. Riot’s commitment to representation and inclusivity is appreciated by the VALORANT player base.
VALORANT, esports, gaming, agent releases, Neon, Fade, Harbor.