Brimstone has long held a unique spot in Valorant, primarily excelling on the map Bind. However, recent buffs to Astra and potential changes to other agents might spell trouble for the tactical controller. With the meta evolving and other controllers gaining ground, is Riot Games unintentionally phasing out Brimstone? Here’s why Brimstone may struggle to maintain relevance and how Astra’s resurgence could change everything.
Brimstone’s Current Position in Valorant
Brimstone’s pick rate has traditionally hovered around 10-15% in high-level play, but his effectiveness is largely tied to Bind. On other maps, his utility is often outshined by other controllers like Viper or Omen. This has kept Brimstone confined to a niche role in Valorant, and his future could be even more uncertain as agents like Astra receive significant buffs.
Riot recently buffed Astra by increasing her star count back to five, a change that could directly impact Brimstone’s already limited pick rate. This is especially concerning for Brimstone players since Astra’s toolkit offers a more versatile set of options, particularly on maps like Bind, where Brimstone is traditionally strong.
Astra’s Buff: A Game-Changer for Bind
Astra’s buff has the potential to shift the entire controller meta. The increase to five stars means Astra players can now execute complex strategies more effectively across the map. Teams can place three stars in different locations at the start of each round, adding unpredictability and applying pressure across multiple lanes.
For example, in Bind, Astra can place stars to pressure all four lanes, making it hard for defenders to predict which areas will be smoked, stunned, or faked. This flexibility is something Brimstone cannot offer, as his smokes are limited by his position and the number of charges he has.
The increased star count also allows Astra players to maintain control during aggressive pushes or fast executes. With five stars, Astra can now recall stars and still have two available for use in quick plays—something Brimstone struggles with due to his slower ability to adapt mid-round.
Why Astra Could Replace Brimstone on Bind
The versatility of Astra’s stars makes her a formidable alternative to Brimstone on Bind. Brimstone’s smokes are straightforward but lack the complexity and multi-use nature of Astra’s toolkit. Astra can not only smoke lanes but also stun, pull, or fake pushes in ways that Brimstone cannot match. This added layer of strategy might make Astra a more appealing choice for teams looking to dominate Bind, potentially replacing Brimstone altogether.
Additionally, Astra’s ability to support both bomb sites from anywhere on the map gives her an edge over Brimstone. On defense, Astra’s global reach allows her to influence both sites without needing to be physically present, which can be crucial for teams looking to hold aggressive positions or set up trap plays.
The Rise of Other Controllers: A Threat to Brimstone
As if Astra’s buff wasn’t enough, other controllers like Omen and Harbor are also set to receive changes. Riot has confirmed that Harbor will receive buffs, and Omen’s kit already makes him a popular pick across multiple maps. With more viable options available, Brimstone could find himself further marginalized in the controller meta.
Viper, another strong controller, remains a staple on maps like Bind and Breeze, where her wall and poison utilities dominate. The presence of so many strong controller agents leaves Brimstone in a precarious position. Without significant changes to his kit, he could struggle to compete, especially if Astra continues to replace him on his strongest maps.
Astra’s Tactical Play on Bind: How It Works
Astra’s new star setup allows for a range of strategies, many of which are being tested in competitive play. Teams have started using Astra’s stars to apply pressure across the map from the very start of the round. For example, in one match, Astra players used three stars to create potential smokes or fakes in different lanes. This setup forces the opposing team to guess where the actual push will come from, making it harder to defend against.
Another benefit of Astra’s stars is the ability to change the play mid-round. Astra can recall stars from one bomb site and still have enough utility to execute on the other, providing much-needed flexibility in fast, reactive gameplay. This adaptability is something that Brimstone simply cannot match, making Astra a more dynamic option.
What This Means for Brimstone’s Future
If Astra continues to gain traction and displaces Brimstone on Bind, it could spell the end of Brimstone’s role in the game. With so many other controllers offering more utility and flexibility, Brimstone may need a significant buff to stay competitive. His straightforward smoke abilities, while effective, may not be enough to keep up with the evolving meta.
Riot Games has already announced that Harbor will receive buffs, and as the controller meta shifts, Brimstone could find himself left behind. Whether through buffs to his existing kit or the introduction of new mechanics, Brimstone will need a major update to remain relevant in high-level play.
FAQs About Brimstone and Astra in Valorant
Why is Brimstone struggling in the current meta?
Brimstone is primarily effective on Bind, but recent buffs to Astra have made her a more versatile and dynamic option. With more viable controllers available, Brimstone’s utility is being overshadowed.
What changes did Astra receive in Valorant?
Astra received a buff increasing her star count from four to five, allowing her to apply pressure across multiple lanes and execute complex strategies more efficiently.
Will Astra replace Brimstone on Bind?
It’s possible. Astra’s added utility and flexibility make her a strong candidate to replace Brimstone on Bind, especially if teams continue to find success with her in competitive play.
Are there any upcoming buffs for Brimstone?
As of now, Riot has not announced any buffs for Brimstone, but with the controller meta shifting, changes could be necessary to keep him relevant.
What other controllers are viable in the current meta?
In addition to Astra, Omen, Viper, and Harbor are all strong controller agents. Each offers different utilities that make them effective across various maps.
For more updates on agent changes and meta shifts, visit the official Valorant website.
