VALORANT’s Newest Agent, Clove: Pros Identify Potential Limitations
VALORANT’s newest agent, Clove, has made its way into the VCT pool. However, professional players have already started to identify issues that they believe may hinder the aggressive Controller’s performance.
First Impressions and Concerns
After some slight delays and bug fixes in VALORANT Patch 8.07, Clove is finally eligible to be played in VCT matches as we enter week three. Pro players like TenZ and aspas have shared their initial impressions and overall thoughts on Clove. While most agreed that the Controller is individually strong, there are concerns about its fit in the professional scene.
The Challenge of Smoking
According to KRÜ’s Melser, adapting to Clove can be difficult, primarily due to its limited smoke range. In certain maps, Clove’s smoke abilities may not be able to replace the expansive coverage provided by agents like Omen or Astra. Despite this drawback, Melser still believes that Clove could be useful in compositions that utilize two Controllers.
Limited Utility for Teammates
Vanity pointed out that Clove’s biggest weakness lies in its lack of utility for teammates. Cloud9’s in-game leader emphasized that this limitation could hinder Clove’s performance in the professional setting. This similarity to agents like Reyna, who are popular in ranked play but not as much in VCT, suggests that teamwork and coordination play a crucial role in Clove’s effectiveness.
Praises and Expectations
Despite these weaknesses, Clove has received praise from Leviatán’s star player, aspas, who foresees potential changes in team compositions due to the agent’s strength. Additionally, players like TenZ find Clove to be a fun addition to the game, highlighting the joy of experimentation and the potential for more aggressive playstyles. It will be interesting to see if TenZ and the Sentinels team explore Clove as a viable choice alongside TenZ’s usual pick, Omen.
Clove’s Spot in VCT
Based on the initial thoughts of VALORANT professionals, it appears that Clove is in a good place, neither overpowered nor unviable, in the VCT. NRG’s Ethan Arnold summarized it well, stating that Clove won’t bring about a meta shift but will certainly see substantial playtime.
Overall, VALORANT’s newest agent, Clove, has sparked both excitement and caution among pro players. While some see potential limitations, others appreciate Clove’s unique attributes and expect it to make an impact in the competitive scene.
ESN.GG is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission.
