The Latest VALORANT Patch: Sage’s Future in the Scene
The most recent VALORANT patch introduced controversial nerfs to one of the game’s main healers, Sage. These changes, aimed at widening the gap between low and high skill play, have raised concerns about Sage’s viability in the competitive scene.
Patch 1.07 targeted three of Sage’s abilities, with the intention of encouraging smarter decision-making. However, the extent of these adjustments has led to questions about whether Sage was hit too hard.
Breaking Down the Nerfs
The most significant nerf was to Healing Orb, reducing its overall healing and increasing the time it takes for Sage to self-heal. The aim was to discourage Sage from using the ability on herself, as other characters’ self-heals are less powerful.
As a result, Sage’s team now needs to play more conservatively. Taking risks or making aggressive entries is no longer as viable since Sage can no longer fully heal teammates or herself. This means that falling below 20 health leaves players vulnerable to being eliminated by fewer shots.
The size of Sage’s Slow Orb was also reduced by 30 percent. While this may not have a significant impact on her strategic gameplay, it’s worth noting.
The final change was made to Sage’s iconic ice wall, reducing its cost but increasing its health over time. This alteration challenges Sage players’ decision-making skills.
And Then There Was One Sentinel
One of the main reasons behind these Sage nerfs was to reduce her offensive effectiveness. The numbers speak for themselves, with Sage’s lowest pick rate and high win rate suggesting that she was overpowering other agents.
Following the extensive Sage nerfs, only one sentinel remains as a viable choice on any map and in any team composition: Cypher. Cypher’s unchanged kit and continued efficiency make him the best sentinel in the game.
What Incentive do Players Have to Pick Sage?
With Sage’s kit significantly weakened, players may question the incentives of picking her. Battle Sage strategies are no longer as effective, stifling enemy teams at choke points require more foresight, and resurrections are riskier. Players may opt for easier and more helpful agents instead.
While Sage may find her place in the meta, there is a possibility that Riot will need to introduce buffs in the future to revitalize her kit.