Clove: The New Pub-Stomper

Clove, the latest controller added to Valorant, has quickly captured players' attention with their unique abilities and potential impact on the game. While they may not dominate professional play, their design encourages a different approach to the controller role, blending aspects of a duelist with traditional utility. This article will explore Clove's abilities, their current standing in both ranked and pro play, and their overall balance in the game.

Clove's Abilities

Clove’s skills provide versatility on the battlefield, allowing them to fill a unique role in team compositions. Their Pick Me Up (C) ability lets them absorb the life force of fallen enemies they have damaged or killed, granting them haste and temporary health. This mechanic rewards aggressive play and boosts their survivability, enabling them to push forward when the odds seem against them. The Ruse (E) ability allows Clove to view the battlefield and mark areas where their smokes will settle. This ability can even be used after death, creating opportunities for teammates to capitalize on the help it provides.

Additionally, Meddle (Q) equips a fragment of immortality essence. When thrown, it creates an area that temporarily decays all targets caught inside. Clove's ultimate, Not Dead Yet (X), allows them to resurrect after dying as long as they get a frag, making them a scary presence on the battlefield even after death. Players who embrace Clove’s aggressive playstyle often find great success, leading to their popularity among casual players. However, transitioning this effectiveness to professional play poses challenges, as the dynamics of teamwork and strategy differ from solo queue experiences.

Current Standing in Pro Play

Despite Clove’s interesting abilities, they have struggled to find a place in professional play. During the recent Valorant Champions 2024, their pick rate was only 4%, with appearances mainly on maps like Ascent (15%) and Lotus (13%). This low pick rate in the competitive scene is largely due to the dominance of established controllers like Viper, Omen, and Brimstone. These agents excel in their roles, providing essential utility and area denial, making a second controller less necessary in most team compositions.

However, this doesn't mean Clove is weak or unplayable. Their niche role positions them as a secondary duelist, allowing them to thrive in pub matches where aggressive play styles work well. Clove's utility and healing abilities enable them to be a valuable asset in casual matches. Yet, the shift from ranked to pro play remains challenging, as teams often prefer agents with clearer utility.

Niche Role and Win Rates

Clove fills a unique niche in Valorant, acting as a secondary duelist thanks to their healing and resurrection abilities. According to data from blitz.gg, they boast a 9.5% pick rate at Platinum and above ranks, trailing behind established duelists like Jett and Reyna. Despite this lower pick rate, Clove has the highest win rate among these agents at 52.5%, highlighting their strength in solo/team queue in ranked games. 

The combination of healing and resurrection mechanics allows Clove to shine in pub games, making them strong especially if the player needs to carry their whole team. However, the challenge lies in transitioning this effectiveness to professional play, where teamwork is needed.

The Balance of Clove's Design

Clove is currently in a good spot, with no significant reworks needed at this time. Players appreciate their unique playstyle and find their abilities enjoyable, especially in ranked matches. While there is hope that pro players will adopt Clove in competitive play, their awkward position as both a controller and a duelist creates challenges for teams looking for optimal compositions.

Developers may need to monitor Clove's performance closely as the meta evolves. As the community explores their potential, it's clear that Clove can offer exciting gameplay opportunities in ranked matches. Their distinct abilities not only allow for creative strategies but also contribute to a more dynamic playstyle that resonates with many players.

Conclusion

In summary, Clove stands as one of Valorant’s most balanced agents upon release, uniquely blending the roles of a controller and duelist. While they may not be the top choice for pro players, their success in ranked games highlights their potential as a pub-stomper. With a high win rate, Clove provides an enjoyable and rewarding experience for those who play controller but still want to be aggressive at the same time. As the meta continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how Clove develops in both casual and competitive settings.

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