Best Valorant Agents for Beginners

VALORANT now features a diverse lineup of Agents, each bringing unique abilities and playstyles to the tactical shooter. As the game's character selection continues to expand, newcomers may find it challenging to choose which Agent to try first.

Navigating the early stages of VALORANT can be smoother with guidance on beginner-friendly Agents. This introduction aims to help new players identify the most accessible choices to begin their journey confidently.

VALORANT Starter Characters and Roles

Newcomers to VALORANT gain access to a handful of initial characters, each offering a distinct playstyle and set of abilities. These starter Agents give a solid foundation for understanding the core roles in the game.

Unlocking More Agents and Expanding Choices

Unlocking additional characters is possible through playtime and various in-game systems. Players with an Xbox Game Pass subscription can access every Agent from the start, eliminating the need to unlock them individually. Most players, however, gradually expand their selection by earning Kingdom Credits or Free Agent Tokens through in-game events and challenges.

Before spending those resources, it’s wise to test every available Agent at The Range. This setting unlocks all characters, allowing experimentation with abilities and playstyles. This helps players find which Agent best fits their preferred style and role on the team.

Agent Recommendations by Role:

• Sentinels:
  Killjoy and Cypher are beginner-friendly choices. Their kits focus on area denial and surveillance. While opponents will learn common trap spots quickly, there’s always room for creative placement, especially as players become familiar with each map.
• Duelists:
  Both Reyna and Iso excel at taking one-on-one fights. Reyna has a blind ability that affects only foes, making it forgiving for new players learning team tactics. Iso’s kit offers walls and debuffs, tipping fights in his favor. Playing these Agents rewards confident aim and encourages an assertive approach, but teamwork should always remain in focus.
• Initiators:
  KAY/O provides familiar tools to players with a background in other tactical shooters, such as a pop-flash grenade and a molotov. He is a straightforward option for those transitioning from games with similar mechanics.
  Tejo, the latest addition to the roster, is also recommended for beginners, as his kit retains utility value in nearly every round regardless of experience or decisions made.
• Controllers:
  Omen introduces unique smoke placement, enabling new players to experiment with vision control. His nearsight and temporary deafen impair enemy tactics, and his teleportation trains spatial awareness and off-angle play.
  Clove is akin to Brimstone but with offensive elements and the ability to deploy smokes posthumously. This encourages beginners not only to support teammates but also to engage actively in combat situations.

Here is a quick comparison table for popular beginner-friendly Agents beyond the starting five:

Players should give each recommended Agent a trial run to identify which fits their strengths and interests. Familiarizing with different types helps in understanding team dynamics and discovering the roles that best suit individual gameplay.