With the introduction of Clove, the newest agent in Valorant, many players are questioning the viability of Phoenix, one of the game’s original duelists. Clove’s ultimate ability, which allows her to revive herself upon death, has drawn comparisons to Phoenix’s ultimate, leading some to believe that Phoenix is being indirectly nerfed.
Before Clove’s arrival, Phoenix was already facing challenges due to the release of agents like Kay/O and Harbor, who could perform similar functions more effectively. Kay/O’s flashbangs and Harbor’s wall have been cited as examples of abilities that outshine Phoenix’s kit. However, the launch of Clove has sparked a new debate about Phoenix’s place in the game.
Clove’s ultimate ability allows her to revive herself upon death, provided she secures a kill or assist within a short timeframe. This has led some players to argue that Clove’s ultimate is a buffed version of Phoenix’s, as it offers a more tangible revive mechanic. In contrast, Phoenix’s ultimate has been criticized as a “supposed revive” that lacks the same impact.
The question remains: what is the reason for playing Phoenix now? Some argue that his skills are outdated and that other agents can perform his roles more effectively. Phoenix’s flashbangs have been described as frustrating, and his fire skills can inadvertently damage teammates. Additionally, players point out that even Yoru and Deadlock show more promise and have more distinctive abilities.
However, it is essential to consider the unique aspects of Phoenix’s kit. He possesses some of the best self-flashes in the game, and his ultimate is highly farmable. Pro teams like LOUD have experimented with solo Phoenix compositions with decent success, indicating that he is not entirely obsolete.
Moreover, Phoenix is often regarded as one of the most self-sufficient and complete solo agents. His flashes, when used correctly, can guarantee kills and are difficult to avoid. His molly can deny entry, plant, or defuse while also providing self-healing. Phoenix’s fire wall is versatile and can be used in various situations, and his ultimate offers a second life every round.
However, we would definitely recommend looking into how pro Valorant boosters will play both of these heroes. They notice every single little detail due to their high skill, unlike us, regular players.
It is crucial to note that comparing Phoenix, a duelist, to Clove, a controller, may not be entirely fair. Their roles and playstyles differ, and the similarities in their ultimates do not necessarily make Phoenix redundant. Clove’s revive mechanic comes with the requirement of securing a kill or assist within a limited time, which can be a hindrance that Phoenix does not face.
In final words, while the introduction of Clove has sparked discussions about Phoenix’s viability, it is premature to declare him obsolete. Phoenix’s kit remains unique and offers advantages that other agents cannot replicate. His self-sufficiency and solo potential still make him a valuable pick in certain situations. As the meta evolves and players adapt to new agents, it will be interesting to see how Phoenix’s role develops. While he may face challenges, writing him off entirely would be a hasty judgment.