With the introduction of Vyse, a new Sentinel agent, Valorant is seeing significant shifts in its meta. Vyse’s unique kit, particularly her indestructible wall and refreshable abilities, is making both Sage and Deadlock feel obsolete in high-level gameplay. This has left players wondering if these two Sentinels are on the verge of being forgotten unless Riot makes some substantial changes. Let’s explore why Vyse is outperforming Sage and Deadlock and what can be done to make these agents viable once again.
Vyse’s Overpowered Kit: Why She’s Dominating
Vyse’s kit is built around providing the ultimate combination of utility and durability. Here’s why she stands out:
- Indestructible Barrier: Unlike Sage and Deadlock, Vyse’s wall cannot be destroyed, making it an incredibly effective tool in controlling choke points and preventing rushes.
- Fast Recharge Abilities: Vyse’s signature ability recharges after just 20 seconds and offers both a flash and information, making her highly versatile in both attack and defense.
- Flexibility in Utility: Vyse’s ability to use utility at the start of the round and still have it recharge during the round allows her to contribute to multiple phases of play, something that Deadlock and Sage simply can’t compete with.
This versatility has caused high-level players to gravitate towards Vyse, with some pro players already predicting that Deadlock and Sage’s pick rates will drop significantly. In competitive Valorant, a flexible agent with recharging utility is invaluable, and that’s precisely where Vyse outshines the others.
Deadlock and Sage: Struggling to Keep Up
In contrast, Deadlock and Sage are suffering from the limitations of their signature abilities. Their utility, while useful in lower ranks where strategies are simpler, falls short in high-level play.
Deadlock’s Weaknesses:
Deadlock’s abilities are useful for stalling pushes, but they don’t refresh, making them a one-time use per round. In high-level play, where rounds are more methodical, the lack of refreshable utility puts Deadlock at a serious disadvantage. The GravNet ability is strong, but with no recharges, Deadlock becomes significantly less effective as the round progresses.
Sage’s Decline:
Sage’s healing ability refreshes after 45 seconds, but it’s often not usable at the start of a round since everyone begins with full health. By the time her heal is relevant, the round may be nearly over. Additionally, her wall is easily broken, and compared to Vyse’s indestructible wall, it lacks impact in high-level competitive matches.
What Can Be Done to Fix Deadlock and Sage?
To bring Deadlock and Sage back into relevance, Riot Games needs to address the core issues with their signature abilities. Here are some proposed changes that could make a significant impact:
1. Rework Deadlock’s Signature Ability
Deadlock’s Barrier Mesh should be replaced as her signature ability. Instead, her GravNet ability, which is highly effective at trapping enemies, could become her new signature ability. If this ability had a cooldown, Deadlock would have more impact throughout the round.
To balance this, Riot could reduce the GravNet’s size to prevent it from being overpowered. A smaller GravNet with a recharge timer would allow Deadlock to maintain control of key areas while offering a refreshable tool that could be used multiple times in a round.
2. Rework Sage’s Signature Ability
For Sage, the heal should no longer be her signature ability. Instead, her Slow Orb could take its place, with a cooldown that refreshes after 45 seconds. This would allow Sage to contribute utility earlier and later in the round, as slowing down pushes is a critical part of defending sites.
By shifting her slow to a refreshable ability, Sage could regain some of her former utility in both competitive and ranked play.
Vyse’s Dominance: Can Sage and Deadlock Compete?
Vyse’s strengths lie in her refreshable abilities, and Riot’s balance philosophy tends to revolve around higher-level gameplay. If Deadlock and Sage don’t receive significant buffs or reworks, it’s likely their pick rates will continue to plummet, especially once Vyse becomes more prominent in the professional scene.
In ranked play, Sage and Deadlock are still viable in lower ranks due to simpler team compositions and strategies. However, as players climb the ranks, the lack of flexibility in their utility becomes glaringly obvious.
High-level gameplay requires agents that can provide utility throughout the round. Vyse’s 20-second cooldown on her signature ability allows her to do just that. In contrast, Deadlock and Sage’s utility feels limited and outdated.
Possible Buffs for Deadlock and Sage
- Deadlock: A smaller, more frequent GravNet would keep her relevant in high-level play. Additionally, adjusting her wall’s durability or giving it unique properties (like reflecting projectiles) could help balance her kit.
- Sage: Sage’s Slow Orb could be the key to making her a competitive pick again. If this ability were refreshable, it would give Sage a more consistent impact throughout the round, especially in post-plant scenarios. Additionally, increasing the durability of her Barrier Orb or making it indestructible for a short duration after deployment could help bring her back into the meta.
FAQs About Vyse, Sage, and Deadlock in Valorant
Q: Who is the strongest Sentinel in Valorant?
A: Currently, Vyse is considered the strongest Sentinel, offering flexible and refreshable abilities that outperform those of Sage and Deadlock.
Q: Why is Vyse better than Deadlock and Sage?
A: Vyse has an indestructible wall, a refreshable signature ability with a 20-second cooldown, and utility that provides both flashes and information, making her more versatile.
Q: Will Sage and Deadlock get buffs?
A: Riot has not confirmed any buffs yet, but based on their current state and Vyse’s dominance, many expect Sage and Deadlock to receive reworks or buffs in future patches.
Q: Is Sage still viable in Valorant?
A: Sage is still viable in lower ranks where simpler strategies prevail, but she struggles in high-level play due to her limited utility and slow-refreshing abilities.
Q: What changes are needed to make Deadlock stronger?
A: A cooldown on her GravNet ability could make Deadlock more competitive by allowing her to use her utility multiple times per round.
To stay updated on Valorant’s agent updates and potential buffs to Sage and Deadlock, visit Valorant’s Official Blog for the latest patch notes and announcements.
