Clove, Valorant’s 25th Agent, is now creating a buzz in the community with their charming Scottish persona and unique immortality traits. Thanks to Riot Games, I received an early access invite to test Clove and discovered several distinguishing features that set them apart from other agents. Additionally, I had the privilege of an exclusive interview with Dan Hardison, Agent Gameplay Designer at Riot Games, discussing the ‘Making of Clove.’ We delved into various aspects, shedding light on this new aggressive-controller agent. Here’s how it all unfolded.
The Approach and Playstyle
It’s crucial to understand that in Valorant, an agent’s playstyle is paramount as it ultimately shapes the creation and overall gameplay experience.
Q. How did Riot approach the addition of this new agent to the game, taking into account individual player playstyles?
“When introducing a new agent, we often look for gaps in the player experience,” Dan shared. He elaborated, “For Clove, we early on recognized a lack of options for aggressive controller players within the controller roster, aiming to introduce more diversity and competition in that space.”
The development team clearly adopted a more aggressive stance with Clove. But what sets their playstyle apart? Agents like Viper or Brimstone excel in post-plant scenarios, so I inquired: What distinguishes this new agent from other controllers? What would make me choose Clove over my usual picks like Brimstone or Viper?
Dan explained, “Clove revolves around risk-taking: their entire kit is centered on the willingness to make sacrifices to eliminate opponents or secure rounds.” He emphasized, “Clove suits players who embrace bold tactics to impact rounds early, as opposed to those seeking strong utility output to survive throughout the round.”
Clove is tailored for players who seek to make an early impact in rounds.
It’s worth noting that Clove’s Q ability isn’t ideal for post-plant situations as it detonates after a limited time. Dan also mentioned that Meddle lacks direct damage and is less potent compared to her other abilities. Clove’s post-plant effectiveness stems from their ultimate ability and, of course, their smokes.
Clove’s Strengths as a Controller
Building on the theme of an aggressive controller and the significance of smokes, I was eager to learn about the diverse capabilities Clove brings to Valorant’s controller lineup.
Q. Smokes traditionally obstruct players’ vision. With Viper’s decaying smokes, Astra’s fake smokes, and Harbor’s armored smokes, the concept of smokes has evolved. What notable changes will this new agent’s smokes introduce to alter smoke utility?
Dan promptly responded, stating, “The ability to smoke post-death enhances reliability – strategically dying in specific locations is crucial for Clove, leveraging spike sites as pivotal areas where Clove’s willingness to contest positions post-death can influence clutches or post-plant scenarios significantly.“
…strategically dying in specific locations is crucial for Clove, leveraging spike sites as pivotal areas where Clove’s willingness to contest positions post-death can influence clutches or post-plant scenarios significantly.
The post-death smoking feature is a standout aspect of Clove. Typically, controller players maintain a defensive stance to utilize their utilities effectively and facilitate their team’s site entry. Clove disrupts this conventional approach.
I couldn’t resist slipping in a query about smokes that inflict damage or provide healing. Dan responded, “Not a feature for Clove, but we remain open to exploring new mechanics for our agents on VALORANT.”
So, if you encounter healing or damage-dealing smokes in the future, remember, you heard it here first on Azmotech!
Duelist-Focused Ultimate Sets Clove Apart
This is an interview centered on Clove in Valorant, so let’s delve into the agent’s ultimate ability. While self-revival seems quite duelist-oriented, I posed a question to Dan:
Q. Controller ultimates primarily revolve around securing site control. Brimstone possesses a tremendously damaging ultimate, while Viper and Astra obstruct enemy vision. These abilities are predominantly defensive, except for Omen’s mobile ultimate and Harbor’s engagement-initiating ultimate. What distinguishes the new controllers’ ultimates?
Dan, in response, elucidated on the effective use of this ability:
“Clove’s ultimate enables them to rectify situations where they err and perish too distant to deploy smokes, granting them an additional opportunity to engage in another duel and influence the round. Clove’s ultimate is notably potent in post-plant scenarios, enhancing their ability to outmaneuver opponents by managing time around the spike.“
Moreover, Clove’s ultimate proves notably potent in post-plant scenarios, where they can frequently outmaneuver opponents by strategically controlling time around the spike.
Following insights into various aspects of Dan’s game vision, our discussion concluded. I extend my gratitude to Dan Hardison for his time and to the entire Riot Games team for facilitating this interview. As a seasoned Valorant player and devoted enthusiast, this has been a memorable experience.
Clove is accessible worldwide, so be sure to explore their capabilities. I eagerly anticipate witnessing a controller swiftly picked in Valorant – you might even see me doing so. What are your thoughts on Dan’s responses? Feel free to share your views on Clove and their strategic utility in the current competitive meta in the comments below!
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