Riot Games is expanding the cast of VALORANT agents with the introduction of Clove, a new non-binary Controller who hails from Scotland. This unique agent disrupts the battlefield with deception and the uncanny ability to return from the dead.
Clove’s abilities center around vision manipulation and a surprising defiance of death. Dan Hardison, Agent Gameplay Designer, explains Clove’s gameplay style:
“Optimal Clove gameplay is about playing with fire – you need to take risks and trade your own life for the greater good to remove enemy utility from the round by killing opponents to have success – They’re unlike other controllers in that their raw execute utility should be weaker on average, but their ability to contribute post-death means that you should almost always fight to the death rather than cower from your opponents. Sometimes it’s correct for Clove to run in and die as long as they’re traded by an ally – 1 for 1s are advantageous for them if their life is traded for a non-Clove opponent! You have to be willing to die for the squad to play Clove.”
Here’s an overview of Clove’s abilities:
- Ruse (E) – EQUIP to view the battlefield. FIRE to set the locations where Clove’s clouds will settle. ALT FIRE to confirm, launching clouds that block vision in the chosen areas. Clove can use this ability after death.
- Meddle (Q) – EQUIP a fragment of immortality essence. FIRE to throw the fragment, which erupts after a short delay and temporarily decays all targets caught inside.
- Pick-Me-Up (C) – INSTANTLY absorb the life force of a fallen enemy that Clove damaged or killed, gaining haste and temporary health.
- Not Dead Yet (X / ULT) – After dying, ACTIVATE to resurrect. Once resurrected, Clove must earn a kill or a damaging assist within a set time or they will die.
When speaking about the team’s decision to introduce a non-binary character, Agents Lead John Goscicki explained, “When creating an Agent, we strive to authentically represent a cast of diverse characters that reflect our global player base. This extends beyond just location and culture – Clove’s gender identity, along with their personality and unique gameplay style, is an equally important facet that has helped shape who they are as a VALORANT Agent.”
Clove’s introduction marks the second content addition since the launch of Episode 8 Act II. Earlier this month, Act II ushered in the Primordium Collection, a lava-themed skin line. This collection features an eye-catching thematic progression as players fire and also introduces the new dual-sword melee archetype. The Primordium Collection bundles a Vandal, Phantom, Spectre, Shorty, and dual swords.
The Episode 8 Act II Battle Pass also launches with this update, including items like the Retrowave Sheriff, Shellspire Sword, and Sending Love Spray.
Clove is set to shake up the VALORANT meta when they become available on March 26th.
