Phoenix, one of the most dynamic agents in Valorant, is a duelist known for his self-sufficiency and aggressive playstyle. As an agent capable of healing himself, creating blinding flashes, and controlling the battlefield, Phoenix offers a versatile set of abilities that make him a potent threat in the hands of a skilled player.
Phoenix is a fire-based duelist who thrives on pushing forward and taking control of spaces. He is built for players who enjoy aggressive plays, taking initiative in team fights, and controlling crucial areas of the map. His abilities focus on self-healing, creating vision-blocking barriers, and dealing damage with fire-based attacks. Mastering his abilities allows players to not only frag effectively but also support the team with his healing potential.
Phoenix’s Abilities
Phoenix has five core abilities: Blaze, Curveball, Hot Hands, and his ultimate, Run It Back. Let’s break each one down:
Blaze is Phoenix’s signature ability and can be used in multiple ways, either offensively or defensively. When activated, Phoenix creates a wall of fire in a straight line that can be placed in front of him or across an area. This wall has two functions:
Blocking Vision: Blaze acts as a smokescreen, obstructing sightlines for both Phoenix and enemies.
Healing: Phoenix can walk through the wall to heal himself. This makes Blaze a powerful tool for either healing after a fight or positioning himself safely to regain health.
Use Blaze to block enemy vision while you push aggressively or retreat. It’s perfect for isolating fights or creating space for your team.
Remember, Blaze is a one-way wall for enemies, meaning you can shoot through it, but they can’t see you unless they peek from the right angle.
Curveball is a flashbang ability that Phoenix can curve around corners. When activated, Phoenix throws a flashbang that curves either left or right, blinding any enemies caught in its line of sight. This ability is key to initiating fights and creating opportunities for your team to push forward.
Curveball works best when you’re entering an area with multiple potential sightlines, like tight corridors or open bomb sites. Use the curve to clear angles and blind enemies before they can react.
Be mindful of the curve’s timing. Flashing too early or late can give away your position or allow enemies to counterplay.
Hot Hands (E)
Hot Hands is Phoenix’s heal and damage ability. When activated, Phoenix throws a fireball that can be used in two ways:
Healing: If Phoenix catches the fireball, he heals himself. This is extremely useful in the middle of a fight or after taking damage.
Damaging Enemies: If an enemy is hit by the fireball, they take damage, making it an effective offensive tool in dueling situations.
Hot Hands can be used both offensively and defensively. Use it to heal yourself after a battle or to deal extra damage to enemies hiding behind cover.
The fireball travels a short distance, so be mindful of your positioning when using it. A well-placed throw can hit enemies hiding in corners, but it can also be a waste if you miss.
Run It Back (Ultimate – X)
Phoenix’s ultimate ability, Run It Back, is one of the most impactful in Valorant. When activated, Phoenix places a marker at a location. If Phoenix is killed while his ultimate is active, he respawns at the marker, keeping all his weapons and abilities. This makes Phoenix a relentless force, as he can engage aggressively without the fear of losing the round.
Use Run It Back to take high-risk, high-reward plays. Whether you’re pushing the enemy team or planting the spike, your ability to respawn gives you a second chance.
The best use of this ability is when your team is preparing for a push. With Run It Back, Phoenix can bait out enemies, clear angles, and get information without risking a round loss.
Make sure the marker is placed in a safe spot, preferably behind cover, so you can get the most out of your resurrection if things go awry.
General Phoenix Tips
Be Aggressive but Smart: Phoenix excels when taking the initiative, but don’t rush in blindly. Use Blaze for vision control, Curveball to disorient enemies, and Hot Hands to heal or deal extra damage in fights.
Self-Sustainment: Phoenix’s abilities revolve around self-sustainment. Make sure to use Blaze for healing when necessary, and try to position yourself in areas where you can recover with Hot Hands after engagements.
Ultimate Usage: Run It Back is powerful, but be strategic with it. Use it when you’re about to enter a tough area or during key rounds to give your team a numbers advantage.
Phoenix is a powerhouse duelist with a versatile set of abilities that make him an exceptional choice for players who enjoy an aggressive, self-sufficient playstyle. By mastering Blaze, Curveball, Hot Hands, and Run It Back, players can maximize their impact in any round. Whether you’re healing yourself, flashing enemies, or taking calculated risks with your ultimate, Phoenix’s abilities allow for a diverse range of strategies to turn the tide of battle.