In Clove Valorant, Riot introduces a fresh controller agent designed for versatile retakes and aggressive support. Unlike other controllers, Clove can fight even after death, creating bold opportunities for clutches and comeback rounds.
Additionally, if you’re used to playing agents like Omen or Astra, you’ll find Clove Valorant rewarding for creative strategies. Her skills offer strong map control, mobility, and flexible support, making her a great pick for ranked or competitive play.
This Clove Valorant guide covers everything: her lore, all four abilities, how to play her efficiently, and the best Clove setups in Valorant by map. We’ll also compare her with other controllers and reveal whether she fits into the current meta.
Who is Clove in Valorant
To begin with, Clove is one of the newest agents added to the game, shaking up the meta with a bold and unorthodox approach to the Controller role.
While most controllers focus on delaying and controlling space from a distance, Clove thrives in chaos — especially during post-death retakes and last-second reversals.
Moreover, her kit encourages proactive movement and quick decision-making, making her stand out among traditional agents like Omen and Brimstone.
For players interested in aggressive strategies or clutch scenarios, Clove Valorant offers a refreshing and tactical option.
Finally, according to Riot’s development notes, she was designed to bridge the gap between strategic control and aggressive re-entry, which explains why she has already become a favorite in early ranked tests.
If you’re looking for a hybrid playstyle, most Clove Valorant guide entries agree: she’s built for the bold.
Clove’s role and team impact
- First of all, Clove belongs to the Controller category.
- She offers smoke placement and post-death utility like no other agent.
- Her kit allows her to take risks and still provide team value after dying.
- She fits best in teams that rely on retakes or late-round map control.
Notably, Clove Controller Valorant players will often lead or support fast rotations. Because her abilities can be activated after death, she remains relevant in fights even after losing a duel — which adds new layers of tactical depth in team play.
Riot’s design and Clove’s personality
- According to Riot Games, Clove was designed as a “rebellious force” with confidence and unpredictability.
- Lore-wise, she is Scottish, with a sharp tongue and strong will, reflected in her voicelines and character design.
Importantly, Riot’s goal with Clove was to introduce a Controller who isn’t bound to passive or slow gameplay. Instead, Clove empowers players who enjoy aggressive smokes, adaptive playstyles, and constant map re-entry.
Thus, if you’re exploring how to play Clove Valorant, it’s vital to understand her unique value: she breaks the mold of Controllers by allowing action beyond death — literally.
Clove’s abilities in Valorant
To fully understand the tactical power behind Clove Valorant, it’s essential to explore her unique toolkit.
Unlike traditional Controllers, Clove blends crowd control, healing, and post-death utility to create an agent that rewards bold decision-making. Whether you’re holding sites or retaking them, mastering the Valorant clove abilities will unlock her full potential.
Additionally, her kit allows players to contribute after death, reposition smokes mid-round, and turn engagements into calculated gambles — especially useful for solo queue and flexible team comps.
For players researching a reliable Clove Valorant guide, each ability below is explained with practical tips and in-game implications.
Not Dead Yet (Ultimate)
- First of all, this ability lets Clove return from the dead for a brief duration.
- After dying, activate the ultimate to self-revive and rejoin the round temporarily.
- You must secure a kill or assist before the timer expires to stay alive.
Importantly, this ability creates high-risk/high-reward scenarios, ideal for clutch players. It also means Clove Controller Valorant mains should position themselves aggressively before death — enabling a strategic second chance.
Pick-Me-Up (Signature)
- Additionally, Pick-Me-Up allows Clove to consume a defeated enemy’s essence.
- Doing so grants her temporary speed and health regeneration.
- Timing is key: activate right after a kill to reposition or prepare for the next duel.
Consequently, this signature boosts Clove’s survivability mid-fight, complementing her aggressive playstyle. For those asking how to play Clove Valorant, this ability encourages momentum-based tactics and swift executions.
Ruse (Basic)
- Furthermore, Ruse works as Clove’s smoke deployer, similar to Omen or Brimstone.
- Players can place up to two smokes anywhere on the map, with a global view.
- Even after death, Clove can still use this ability — a signature trait among Valorant clove abilities.
Therefore, Ruse is fundamental for map control and delaying pushes. It fits well into best Clove setups Valorant, especially when coordinated with teammates for post-plant defense or fast retake smokes.
Meddle (Basic)
- Finally, Meddle is Clove’s debuff grenade.
- It creates a zone that decays enemies over time, similar to Viper’s decay mechanic.
- Useful for flushing out corners or softening enemies before an engagement.
Thus, Meddle pairs perfectly with Clove’s other tools, disrupting enemy positioning and enabling quick follow-ups. It adds utility to her kit that many other Controllers lack, reinforcing why many players ask: is Clove good Valorant? The answer is often yes — when her abilities are used creatively and aggressively.
Clove All Abilities Explained | VALORANT New Agent
How to play Clove
To master Clove Valorant, you must embrace a hybrid playstyle that blends aggressive pushes with strategic utility.
Unlike other controllers, she thrives on adaptability — enabling mid-round impact even after death.
Learning how to play Clove Valorant means leveraging her kit to control space, punish overextensions, and turn fights in your favor.
Moreover, her abilities allow both solo plays and team synergy. While traditional controllers focus on holding space, Clove Controller Valorant rewards tempo control, calculated aggression, and momentum-driven rounds.
Ideal playstyle: adaptive, disruptive, and aggressive
- First and foremost, Clove excels in mid- to close-range engagements due to her self-sustain and speed boosts.
- She can be played aggressively, using Pick-Me-Up and Not Dead Yet to chain frags.
- When needed, she can also provide team support by smoking chokes and decaying enemies with Meddle.
Consequently, Clove adapts well to solo queue and ranked matches, where chaotic rounds benefit from quick decision-making and self-sufficiency. For those following a Clove Valorant guide, this balance between individual power and team utility is key.
Additionally, here’s a breakdown of when to lean into each style:
- Passive: Anchor sites using Ruse and Meddle to slow pushes. Play for information and save your ultimate for post-plant.
- Aggressive: Entry frag with support nearby. Use Pick-Me-Up after the first kill to reposition quickly.
- Supportive: Focus on smoking off angles and debuffing enemies before teammates enter fights.
Best timing for each ability
- Initially, use Ruse to block key sightlines during early-round map control. Reuse post-death if needed to support retakes.
- Then, deploy Meddle when clearing corners or delaying enemy advances. It’s especially useful in combination with initiator utility.
- After securing a kill, activate Pick-Me-Up to quickly reset or escape. Avoid using it when exposed to multiple angles.
- Finally, reserve Not Dead Yet for clutch rounds, especially when playing as second entry or trade fragger. You’ll gain value by baiting aggression and re-engaging with surprise.
Certainly, understanding these timings is critical for maximizing your impact. Whether climbing ranked or experimenting with the best Clove setups Valorant, her kit rewards players who know when to act — and when to wait.
Best Clove setups by map
To dominate with Clove Valorant, mastering site control is just as vital as winning duels. Although her skill set allows flexible aggression, her true strength lies in map-specific planning.
Therefore, understanding the best Clove setups Valorant helps you take full advantage of her smokes and debuff utility.
Moreover, these setups were selected for their viability in ranked and competitive play. Whether you’re solo queuing or running coordinated executes, each map benefits from tailored smoke placement and smart post-death utility use.
Below are examples from key maps:
Pearl: controlling mid and explosive retakes
- Initially, smoke Mid Plaza and Art when defending, limiting fast control from attackers.
- On attack, use Ruse to block Screens and Flowers on B site pushes.
- Consider the following placement for early-round defense:
- Smoke A Main aggressively for early info control.
- Meddle common B Hall positions to delay rushes.
Consequently, Pearl favors Clove’s post-death value. If eliminated, she can still smoke critical retake zones or reinforce a site collapse using Ruse again.
Bind: teleporter control and site lockdowns
- First, use smokes on A Short and Lamps to slow site hits.
- On B, block Long and Hookah to isolate duelists.
- Then, for aggressive plays:
- Meddle into Showers or Garden pre-round for early chip damage.
- Combine Pick-Me-Up with teleporter rotations for quick mid-round repositioning.
Ultimately, Bind rewards players following a refined Clove Valorant guide, emphasizing control over teleporter transitions and post-plant power.
Split: denying ropes and fast site control
- Begin defense by smoking A Main and Ramps, two high-traffic early zones.
- When attacking, block Heaven angles on both sites — especially critical on B site.
- Additionally:
- Use Ruse after death to re-smoke Ropes or Screens mid-retake.
- Deploy Meddle into Mail Room to disrupt mid pushes.
As a result, Split highlights how Clove Controller Valorant thrives in tight corridors and layered fights.
Haven: three-site utility value
- On defense, smoke Garage Window and C Long to minimize early map loss.
- When attacking, focus on A Heaven and B Site defensive angles.
- For maximum efficiency:
- Use Pick-Me-Up when defending B solo — it boosts survivability after a quick frag.
- Time your ultimate around C site rotates; you can often rejoin fights after dying near Garage or Link.
Because of its three-site layout, Haven is ideal for Clove’s flexible utility usage and her ability to support across the map, even posthumously.
Is Clove viable in the current meta?
Although Clove Valorant was introduced recently, her presence in ranked and pro play has already stirred discussions. Therefore, it’s worth examining if she’s actually meta-relevant.
Community feedback and usage data
- Initially, Clove reached a pick rate of 8% in high Elo lobbies within her first week (source: Blitz.gg).
- Meanwhile, in lower elos, her pick rate has hovered between 4%–6%, due to her post-death mechanics being harder to capitalize on.
Consequently, opinions are divided: some praise her unique revival mechanic, while others consider it situational. On Reddit, many players call her a “clutch queen” for her ability to turn 1vX rounds even after dying.
Additionally, her utilities are often seen as user-friendly compared to Astra or Viper, making her attractive for casual players learning the Clove Valorant guide.
Community Stats & Reception
| Elo Bracket | Pick Rate (approx.) |
| Immortal+ | 8% (week 1 post-release) |
| Gold–Platinum | 4–6% |
- High-value for clutch scenarios
- Easier learning curve than Astra or Viper
- Popular on Reddit for her unique “revive clutch” playstyle
Use Blitz.gg Agent Stats to track her win rates and usage trends by patch.
Strengths and weaknesses across ranks
- Among strengths:
- Her Not Dead Yet ultimate lets her impact rounds even after early deaths.
- Her smokes deploy quickly and intuitively, similar to Omen.
- She thrives in chaotic fights and clutch scenarios.
- On the downside:
- At higher ranks, her abilities are countered more easily by coordinated teams.
- Her post-death smoke only works with timing; if misused, it becomes irrelevant.
- She lacks the raw site denial that Viper or Astra bring with walls and stars.
Ultimately, the answer to is Clove good Valorant depends on team coordination and playstyle. When used creatively, she can outperform expectations, especially in mid-Elo where coordination is emerging but not yet punishing.
Comparison with other controllers
Since Clove shares the Controller role with staples like Brimstone, Omen, Astra, and Viper, understanding where she fits is essential. Although all controllers manipulate space, their impact varies by team comp and round pace.
Clove vs Brimstone and Omen
- Compared to Brimstone, Clove lacks molotov utility but offers post-death potential and quicker repositioning.
- When matched with Omen, she shares similar smoke speed and simplicity, but Clove’s Pick-Me-Up and Not Dead Yet add a support hybrid dimension.
Moreover, both Brim and Clove benefit from easy-to-use smokes, which is ideal for entry-level players following a Clove Valorant guide.
Clove vs Viper and Astra
- Unlike Viper, Clove doesn’t offer long-lasting area denial. However, her abilities are more flexible mid-round and less setup-dependent.
- When compared to Astra, Clove offers faster reactions but lower global map pressure.
Therefore, in fast-paced or solo queue environments, Clove often feels smoother and more forgiving than these two high-skill agents.
Additionally, her skill floor is lower, which benefits players learning how to play Clove Valorant with less mechanical commitment.
What are Clove’s abilities in Valorant?
Certainly, Clove brings a unique toolkit to the Controller role. Her skill set includes:
- Ruse: deploys smoke clouds instantly in visible areas.
- Pick-Me-Up: grants temporary health and speed boost after an elimination.
- Meddle: applies a debuff that weakens enemies caught in the area.
- Not Dead Yet: allows Clove to revive herself after a death if she gets a kill or assist.
Accordingly, players interested in mastering her should check out the official Riot Games ability breakdown and visuals from Fandom’s Clove page for animation previews.
How to play Clove effectively?
Clearly, learning how to play Clove Valorant requires adapting to both aggressive and support-driven playstyles. For best results:
- Use smokes reactively during fights or in post-plant situations.
- Combine Meddle with teammate initiations to punish grouped enemies.
- Prioritize staying alive until impactful ult rounds.
Additionally, explore practical builds and tutorials on Blitz.gg to refine your execution based on your map and rank.
Is Clove a good agent in the current meta?
Undeniably, many players are asking is Clove good Valorant after her initial release. As of recent patches, she performs well in mid-Elo and excels in retake scenarios.
However, her skill ceiling is lower than Astra or Viper, which can limit her influence in pro play. Refer to updated tier lists on Blitz.gg for more context by patch.
What are the best Clove setups per map?
Indeed, the best Clove setups Valorant players can run depend on map-specific layouts. For example:
- Bind: quick one-way smokes on Hookah or short A.
- Split: aggressive smokes on mid-vents and ropes.
- Haven: wide post-plant coverage for C-long with Ruse.
How does Clove compare to other controllers?
Clove plays smoother than Astra and Viper but less reliably than Brimstone in executes.
While she doesn’t offer long-duration denial tools, her self-revival and reactive playstyle make her ideal for chaotic or solo queue environments.
Ready to dominate with Clove?
Ultimately, if you’re looking to elevate your gameplay with a reactive, high-impact agent, Clove is a solid choice — especially for players who enjoy hybrid support roles.
After mastering her Valorant Clove abilities, take the next step and experiment with different tactics across maps.
Additionally, for the smoothest experience in competitive play, we recommend using ExitLag to reduce ping spikes and improve connection stability, especially when executing time-sensitive smoke placements or reviving with Not Dead Yet.
So, dive into your next ranked session, try new lineups from the best Clove setups Valorant, and unlock her full potential.
Whether you’re learning or already experienced, Clove will add a dynamic edge to your matches. Don’t miss your chance to master Clove Valorant today!
