How to play Phoenix in Valorant: Abilities, tips & tricks
Phoenix is Valorant’s hot-headed Duelist, whose abilities can literally change the landscape of a match with the snap of his fingers. If you want to master this agent, we’ve got you covered with a Valorant Phoenix guide.
Consider yourself a bit of an entry fragger? Have a gung-ho playstyle that often puts you in the thick of the action? Look no further than Phoenix as your Agent of choice. The fiery Duelist sports an impressive utility that can benefit your team on both Attack and Defense!
If you find yourself asking what sets Phoenix apart from the other Duelists in Valorant, this guide will attempt to answer that. We delve into the specifics of the Agent and break down everything that you need to know to have you throwing Curveballs at your enemies in no time.
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Riot GamesValorant Phoenix: abilities
Phoenix’s abilities are all fire-based, so it’s no surprise that in ‘Hot Hands’ he has a skill similar to a Molotov grenade in other games. His Signature Ability ‘Curveball’ allows him to blind opponents, by curving a flare orb either to left (Mouse 1) or the right (Mouse 2) — ideal for catching an enemy off-guard around a corner!
- Ability 1 — Blaze (200 Creds): EQUIP a flame wall. FIRE to create a line of flames that moves forward creating a wall that blocks vision and damages players passing through it. Hold FIRE to bend the wall in the direction of your crosshair.
- Ability 2 — Curveball (250 Creds): EQUIP a flare orb that takes a curving path and detonates shortly after throwing, impairing vision. FIRE to curve the flare orb to the left, detonating and blinding any player who sees the orb. Alternate FIRE to curve the flare orb to the right.
- Signature Ability — Hot Hands (1 free): EQUIP a fireball. FIRE to throw a fireball that explodes after a set amount of time or upon hitting the ground, creating a lingering fire zone that damages enemies.
- Ultimate Ability — Run it Back (6 Points): INSTANTLY place a marker at Phoenix’s location. When this ability is active, if you die or if the time expires, the ability ends and sends Phoenix back to the starting location.
Phoenix’s Blaze ability will throw up a flame wall, which will segment the map so you can push with your remaining abilities and really take the fight to your foes.
On paper, Phoenix is a Jack of all trades, but his most powerful ability is undeniably his Ultimate. ‘Run it Back’ temporarily grants the Agent a free life, during which he can act without consequences. When the skill expires, he’ll be returned to wherever he started with full health — even if he dies during it. This is perfect for an aggressive play into a Reactor Site that would otherwise be punished.
Riot GamesHow to play Phoenix
As one of Valorant’s resident Duelists, it’s no surprise that Phoenix is at his best when battling enemies head-on. That doesn’t mean that smart play won’t be rewarded, though. By making the most of his utility, Phoenix can not only gain major advantages in a one-versus-one, but also remain almost entirely self-sufficient by being able to take territory, hold that space, and even heal himself alone.
If you’re not sure what’s around the corner, it’s always worth dropping a quick Curveball. However, you need to make sure that you’re not blinding your allies, so it’s worth experimenting with the ability so that you understand the range. As soon as you’ve nailed down your Curveballs, you’ll be blinding enemies in no time, allowing you to jump in there and pop some heads.
Phoenix really comes into his own when you combine his abilities. By chaining together Blaze to create a wall, then a Hot Hands to make sure enemies won’t be popping out of any secret enclaves, you’ll be backing them into a corner ready to roast with a click of your fingers.
So that’s how to play as Phoenix in Valorant and master his scorching abilities! Looking for more Valorant guides? Here’s how to play all of Future Earth’s heroes:
Astra | Breach | Brimstone | Chamber | Cypher | Jett | KAY/O | Killjoy | Neon | Omen | Phoenix | Raze | Reyna | Sage | Skye | Sova | Viper | Yoru