Recently, VALORANT enthusiasts were treated to Iso's grand reveal, a new agent ready to shake up the tactical first-person shooter scene. With this revelation came a slew of leaks pertaining to Iso's unique abilities. If you're not keen on spoilers, you might want to look away now.
Please note that the information is based on leaks and remains unconfirmed at this time.
New Agent Background Overview
Iso, hailing from China, is not your typical assassin and duelist. What sets him apart is his innovative kit, the first in VALORANT to incorporate a shield designed to block bullets. While shields may typically be associated with defense, Iso's kit takes a different approach by utilizing them to conquer territory.
Ability 1: Double Tap (E)
Description: Activate a focus timer that, upon completion, triggers a flow state. In this state, downed enemies you damage or eliminate generate an energy orb. Shooting this orb bestows a shield that can absorb one instance of damage from any source.
Charge Count: 2
Breakdown and Impressions
The focus timer mechanism bears a striking resemblance to Jett's dash activation timer, featuring an initial windup followed by an active window. During this time frame, any enemies downed, killed, or damaged by Iso generate an energy orb above them. Shooting this orb grants Iso a shield, which mitigates the first source of damage he receives. Importantly, the shield remains active until it absorbs damage. This ability offers both an offensive and defensive edge, as it allows Iso to continue with regular gameplay while the shield is in effect.
However, it's worth noting that this ability has a feast-or-famine dynamic. It's only effective when a kill or assist is achieved, making it challenging to utilize in certain situations. While the shield blocks the first instance of damage, subsequent shots from full-auto weapons will land normally. Nevertheless, it provides a considerable advantage in combat by disrupting first-shot accuracy.
Ability 2: Undercut (Q)
Description: Equip a molecular bolt and launch it forward, applying a brief "Fragile" debuff to all players it touches. This bolt can penetrate solid objects, including walls.
Charge Count: 2
Breakdown and Impressions
Iso's second ability, "Undercut," is a unique tactical asset. It allows him to throw a molecular bolt that can pass through obstacles, inflicting the "Fragile" debuff on any enemy it touches. This debuff doubles the damage received by the affected player. The ability's mechanics are reminiscent of Omen's "Paranoia," but the Fragile debuff adds a unique twist. With a 5-second debuff duration, Iso can capitalize on enemies taking double damage, particularly when allied with agents providing visual or initiator information.
The Fragile debuff is a potent advantage, and the ability's penetrative nature makes it harder to evade compared to other similar abilities. This offers numerous opportunities for synergy and strategic combos.
Ability 3: Contingency (C)
Description: Equip to summon a prismatic energy wall that is impervious to bullets. Fire to propel the wall forward.
Charge Count: 1
Breakdown and Impressions
Iso's "Contingency" ability introduces an energy wall that, while not transparent, effectively blocks bullets. It shares similarities with Astra's wall but lacks sound-blocking capabilities. This ability, however, offers superior bullet-blocking capabilities. Although details such as duration and distance remain unconfirmed, it promises to be a formidable tool for creating space. It can be effectively deployed in scenarios like breaking through choke points or forcing an Operator to reposition. Iso's lack of mobility options makes this ability a vital tool for him, particularly when paired with a dive duelist.
Like Harbor's Cascade, this ability can be used as a flashbang delivery system and subsequently lead to aggressive plays.
Ability 4: Kill Contract (X)
Description: Equip an interdimensional arena and launch a column of energy across the battlefield, pulling you and the first hit enemy into the arena for a duel to the death.
Ultimate Orbs: 7
Breakdown and Impressions
Iso's ultimate, "Kill Contract," is a game-changing maneuver. He deploys a column, narrower but longer than Breach's "Rolling Thunder," which brings the first hit enemy into an arena. This arena features two shields on Iso's side and one on the enemy's side, and they disappear after a brief period. Both players receive maximum health temporarily, and the victor returns to their original location with their pre-duel health. Importantly, the "Double Tap" shield remains active during the ultimate, but no other abilities can be used.
This ultimate, often referred to as the "Gulag," presents interesting strategic possibilities. Even if Iso loses the duel, a well-coordinated team can capitalize on the enemy's return to the map. This can result in a trade or a straightforward kill, providing value to the ultimate. It's particularly valuable in securing 2v1 rounds, allowing Iso to duel the remaining enemy while a teammate waits for the returning opponent. Additionally, it can disrupt opponents attempting to stall a defusal during post-plant scenarios. Overall, while not a top-priority ultimate, it can have niche applications, including canceling enemy ultimates when they are teleported into the duel, effectively suppressing their abilities.
Iso's Place in the Meta
The current duelist-heavy meta is often dominated by Raze and Jett, thanks to their impressive movement abilities. Other duelists have niche applications but often struggle against Initiators with more versatile utility. Reyna, as an exception, thrives in ranked play due to her feast-or-famine kit. Iso shares some elements of Reyna's kit, especially with his "Double Tap" ability. However, unlike Reyna, his kit leans towards facilitating team plays by applying vulnerability and providing shielding.
Iso is not meant to replace Reyna or replace the movement utility provided by Jett or Raze. Nevertheless, he brings a unique utility that sets him apart from other duelists, making him an intriguing choice to complement Jett or Raze. His toolkit is particularly effective against Operator users, offering an advantage when facing these slow-firing weapons.
Closing Thoughts
Iso promises to introduce fresh dynamics to VALORANT gameplay, making him a captivating agent to watch and play. Stay tuned for more updates as we gather additional information on Iso, including guides, team compositions, and preferred maps for his gameplay style.
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