Valorant Patch 9.04 Agent Tier List: Who's Hot and Who's Not?

Valorant's latest update, Patch 9.04, has brought some exciting changes to the meta, shaking up the competitive scene. If you're wondering which agents are dominating and which ones might need some extra love, you've come to the right place. Here's a comprehensive tier list of agents post-Patch 9.04, so you can stay ahead of the curve in your ranked games.

S-Tier: The Game Changers

These are the agents that can single-handedly turn the tide of a match. If you’re looking to climb the ranks, these picks should be at the top of your list.

Jett

Despite several nerfs over the past patches, Jett continues to reign supreme as the queen of Valorant. Her mobility and ability to create space make her a nightmare for defenders. Patch 9.04 has done little to diminish her effectiveness, and she remains a top pick for aggressive plays and clutch moments.

Reyna

Reyna is a solo carry machine, especially in lower to mid-rank games where her ability to snowball off eliminations can decimate opponents. While she didn’t receive any direct buffs in Patch 9.04, the meta continues to favor her aggressive playstyle.

Clove

Clove has quickly risen to prominence with her unique blend of defensive and offensive abilities, making her a formidable force in the competitive scene. Her kit allows her to control engagements with precision, utilizing her traps and debuffs to outmaneuver and outlast opponents. Clove's ability to manipulate the battlefield and disrupt enemy strategies makes her indispensable in any team composition. Her versatility ensures that she can adapt to various situations, turning the tide of battle in her team’s favor. As a result, Clove has cemented her place as one of the top picks in the current meta.

Sova

Sova's recon abilities are unparalleled, providing invaluable information to his team. Patch 9.04 hasn't brought any significant changes to Sova, solidifying his spot as a must-pick in most compositions. His versatility on attack and defense keeps him firmly in the S-Tier.

Raze

Raze continues to bring the boom with her explosive toolkit. Patch 9.04 hasn’t shaken her spot in the A-Tier, and she remains a top choice for players who prefer a more aggressive, damage-focused playstyle. Her ability to clear corners and force enemies out of position is invaluable.

Cypher

Cypher’s ability to gather information and control the map with his traps and cameras is valuable, but he has been somewhat overshadowed by Killjoy. He’s still effective, especially on defense, but requires a strategic mind to make the most of his kit.

A-Tier: Strong Contenders

These agents are powerful in the right hands and can be incredibly effective with good team coordination.

Omen

Omen’s ability to control sightlines and create confusion with his smokes and teleportation make him a solid choice. While not as dominant as the S-Tier picks, Omen can still change the outcome of a round with a well-timed Paranoia or Shrouded Step.

Neon

Neon’s speed and aggression are fun to play, but she lacks the utility and impact needed to be a consistent pick in competitive games. Her kit is too situational, and she often finds herself outgunned by other duelists.

Iso

Is the newest duelist to join Valorant’s roster, bringing a fresh playstyle focused on isolating and eliminating opponents. His kit allows him to single out enemies and engage in one-on-one duels, making him a strong pick for players who thrive in solo engagements. While it’s still early to gauge his full impact, Iso’s potential to dominate 1v1 situations places him in A-Tier for now.

Chamber

Chamber’s kit allows him to play aggressively with his Headhunter pistol and teleport out of danger with his Rendezvous ability. His Trademark traps provide valuable intel, and his Tour de Force ultimate is a one-shot sniper that can turn the tide of rounds. He’s a strong pick for players who like to hold angles and take precise shots.

Gekko

Gekko’s ability to provide support through his utility, such as flashes and smokes, can be useful in specific situations, but he lacks the impact and versatility of higher-tier initiators. He’s a good choice for players who want to play a supportive role but may struggle against more aggressive compositions.

Sage

Sage has seen her usage drop as the meta shifted towards more aggressive playstyles. While still a solid pick for healing and resurrection, she’s no longer a must-pick. Patch 9.04 hasn’t changed her much, leaving her in a situational role where her utility is needed.

B-Tier: Situational Picks

These agents can be highly effective but are more map-dependent or require specific team compositions to truly shine.

Phoenix

Phoenix remains a decent pick, particularly for players who are adept at using his self-sustaining abilities. His flashbangs and self-healing can be very effective in the right hands, but he struggles to compete with the sheer utility of other duelists like Jett and Reyna.

Killjoy

Killjoy’s utility is unmatched, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities that can control the pace of a game. Her lockdown ultimate is game-changing, especially in tight situations. Patch 9.04 has left her untouched, ensuring she remains a dominant force on the battlefield.

Yoru

Yoru has always been a niche pick, and unfortunately, Patch 9.04 hasn’t done much to elevate him. His deception abilities can be powerful, but they require a high level of skill and game sense to be effective. Most players will find more success with other duelists.

Deadlock

Deadlock is a newer agent with a kit focused on slowing and trapping enemies. While her utility can be powerful in the right scenarios, she requires careful placement and timing to be effective. She’s a niche pick that can surprise opponents but isn’t as versatile as some other agents.

Brimstone

Brimstone is a reliable controller with straightforward utility, making him a good pick for newer players or those who prefer simplicity. However, with Omen and Viper often taking the spotlight, Brimstone finds himself in the B-Tier as a solid but less versatile option.

Vyse

Vyse’s ability to gather intel and disrupt enemy strategies makes her a valuable agent in any composition. Her kit includes a mix of recon and area denial tools that can be used to outmaneuver opponents. While not as universally dominant as Sova or Fade, she offers a unique playstyle that can be very effective in the right hands.

C-Tier: The Underdogs

These agents are struggling in the current meta and often find themselves outclassed by others in their role.

Viper

Viper has been a consistent pick thanks to her area control and post-plant potential. Patch 9.04 didn’t touch her kit, which means she’s still a strong contender in maps where her utility shines, like Icebox and Bind.

Breach

Breach's kit is designed to disrupt and disorient, but with the current meta favoring faster, more aggressive plays, he often struggles to keep up. While his flashes are strong, they require good coordination, making him less popular in solo queue.

Fade

Fade has quickly established herself as a top initiator with her unique ability to track and reveal enemies. Her Prowlers and Seize ability can force opponents out of position, and her ultimate, Nightfall, can disrupt entire teams, making her a crucial pick in many compositions.

KAY/O

KAY/O’s suppression ability is unique and can disrupt enemy plans effectively. His flashes and frag grenades also provide solid utility. While he’s not as popular as other initiators, he’s a good pick for teams that can capitalize on his suppression and information-gathering tools.

D-Tier: Needs Improvement

These agents are currently at the bottom of the barrel and generally struggle to contribute as effectively as others.

Skye

Skye’s healing, flashes, and reconnaissance tools make her a valuable support agent. Her versatility allows her to play both offensively and defensively, depending on the team’s needs. She’s especially powerful in coordinated team play, where her utility can be fully utilized.

Harbor

Harbor, as a new agent, has potential, but he’s yet to fully find his footing in the competitive scene. His ability to create barriers and slow down pushes can be useful, but his impact is inconsistent compared to other controllers and initiators. He’s still being figured out, so he sits in D-Tier for now.

Astra

Astra, once a dominant controller, has fallen out of favor due to her complex and sometimes slow playstyle. In a meta that’s increasingly favoring speed and aggression, Astra struggles to find her footing, making her a less common pick.

Final Thoughts

Patch 9.04 has maintained the status quo for many agents, with the top-tier picks remaining strong and the lower-tier ones still struggling to find their place. As always, the best agent is the one that fits your playstyle and complements your team's strategy, but this tier list should help guide your choices in competitive play.

Stay sharp, and remember that in Valorant, adaptability is key. The meta is always evolving, and so should your approach to the game. Good luck on your climb!