Agent Neon of Valorant zooms her way into the game with electrifying speed, this time offering the game with an Agent capable of pulling off short bursts to speed to outrun her foes. However, while this Duelist certainly adds an entirely different element to the game’s meta, her speed-based abilities still have the same share of risk-reward gameplay that makes being a Duelist quite a dangerous play for a lot of players.
Thankfully, some insights towards Agent Neon’s abilities can give players a much-needed edge to capitalize and maximize her fast-paced arsenal in any match. However, just how can players make sure they’re not running to their deaths while using Neon in Valorant?
8 Get Into The Heart Of The Action
Unlike other Valorant Agents, Neon prefers to be at the center of attention instead of being the backstage, with her abilities giving her the freedom to explore areas and engage in firefights. Thanks to her toolkit, Neon and her players get encouraged to head straight into the action and get away just as fast. But unlike other defensive Duelists, Neon gets incentives when she scores skills.
Thanks to Fast Lane (C), Neon can effectively block the line of sight for enemies and interrupt combat for her teammates. And if that’s not enough, Relay Bolt (Q) can disrupt enemy formation for a few seconds, giving her team a chance to retaliate. If she needs a quick entrance, High Gear (E) can score easy ganks and recharge for a quick exit. And lastly, Overdrive (X, Ultimate) guarantees a kill when used against a retreating foe.
7 Fast Lane Is An Easy Blocker
Neon gets a nifty blocker in the form of Fast Lane (C), which comes at a messy 300 Creds. When triggered, this summons two short energy lines that rise into walls of static. These block vision and lightly damage all characters that try to pass through them.
It’s important to remember that Fast Lane damages both allies and enemies, making it effectively a blocker that zones a location exclusively for Neon. This is effective when making an entrance in contested territory, ensuring allies get out of the way while discouraging enemies to even dare get into a direct fight with Neon.
6 Relay Bolt Punishes The Competition
Although more of a visual impairment than anything else, the Concuss effect can become quite the game-changer in a heated match, regardless of the weapon used. Neon’s Relay Bolt (Q) is an energy bolt that bounces on a surface before charging the surface with a concussive blast, generating the same effect. In a duel, this jittery condition can give Neon an easy edge in a firefight.
Physics-wise, it helps to consider that all surfaces of Relay Bolt get their own share of concussive blasts. Since Neon can carry up to two Relay Bolts, she can theoretically stun four different surfaces. However, it’s important to consider that the height of the blast cone won’t be high enough to hit double boxes. Aim for a mid-ground instead, as the blast will definitely hit people directly above it, and on the ground below. Remember, Relay Bolt also affects people directly behind walls, so consider this when trying to penetrate through defenses.
5 Relay Bolt Redeems The Bounce
Oftentimes, grenades exist in Valorant as a fast and loose solution to distract enemies in combat - but Relay Bolt renews the grenade’s purpose and adds a bit of physics to it. At its core, Relay Bolt becomes extremely effective not only when timed right, but when positioned right as well. If players practice with Neon, they can position where the grenade bounces off to maximize its concussive capacity.
When done right, this can allow Neon to protect or even secure sites with an effective team comp courtesy of the Relay Bolt as an entry point. Remember, the Concuss effect might last for a few seconds, but this is more than enough disruptive effect to control combat to the team’s favor.
4 High Gear Ensures Zone Domination
Area control is an integral part of any firefight, and the Agent who can cover the most ground often decides the fate of a match. Neon’s High Gear (E/Signature) is exactly that, giving herself that iconic speed boost. In the game, charging High Gear allows Neon to summon an electric slide with Alt Fire. This slide charge will reset whenever she scores two kills.
However, despite High Gear guaranteeing speed domination, Neon shouldn’t use this carelessly. Her sped-up movement has a unique sound, so enemies with sharp ears will probably know when Neon is about to arrive with guns blazing. Moreover, while High Gear is a tempting move to use, players probably will benefit from this best in a firefight with guaranteed odds - possibly even Kill Steal - as Neon can only recharge High Gear quickly with two kills.
3 Slide For Quick Loadouts
Loadout speed can be a bummer in Valorant, especially when weapon-switching can become a primary way of determining who lives and dies in a gunfight. Thankfully, High Gear becomes an easy way for Neon to switch weapons and switch locations at the same time. At its core, High Gear allows Neon to slide her way around difficult angles - giving her an immediate way to escape firefights.
Moreover, when she does her slide, the sprint immediately ends, and she pulls out her weapon. When the game pulls out her weapon, though, it doesn’t necessarily resort to her primary. Rather, the game pulls out whatever weapon Neon used prior to her sprint. This allows players to set up whatever weapon they want if they plan on dashing their way into a firefight.
2 Overdrive Zaps Enemies Into Oblivion
Duels often get decided with the person who dishes out the most powerful attack ASAP, and Neon remains the queen of speed with Overdrive (X/Ultimate). When activated, Neon charges her full power and, when fired, unleashes a lightning beam that has high movement accuracy. Moreover, the charge for Overdrive resets whenever Neon scores a kill.
However, it’s important to remember that Overdrive works just like a weapon. And while it doesn’t have a range limit, it does have a damage falloff with its 40-”bullet” spread. At close range, Overdrive can kill enemies within six shots. This extends to 15 shots at longer ranges. While the bullets do seem costly, Overdrive does get a recharge when it scores a kill, so try using this during firefights.
1 Ultimate Doesn’t Have Headshots
Unlike other damage-based Ultimates, Overdrive doesn’t have headshot damage - which means Neon is immediately at a disadvantage when it comes to damage numbers. However, the damage of Overdrive isn’t to be trifled with, and Neon easily dominates when it comes to body shots. Players can circumvent this inherent disadvantage with the way they use Overdrive.
At its core, a great way to use Overdrive is to catch enemies by surprise via High Gear, especially when it comes to securing angles. When done correctly, Neon can catch enemies right on their tails and go for an easy kill. Since both Overdrive and High Gear recharge per certain kills, this is an easy slide-ultimate combo that players need to master ASAP.
Valorant was released on June 2, 2020, for the PC.
