In Valorant, duelists are agents designed for aggressive, high-impact plays. These agents are essential for creating space, securing kills, and leading your team to victory.
As the meta continues to evolve in 2025, understanding which duelists are the strongest can significantly improve your gameplay. In this guide, we’ll explore the best duelists currently in the game, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to use them effectively in your matches.
The following agents are considered the top duelists in Valorant for 2025. Their mobility, damage output, and ability to dominate in one-on-one engagements make them the go-to picks for many players. Based on the latest tier lists and gameplay analysis, here’s how the duelists rank:
S+ Tier
Jett
Jett remains the queen of mobility in Valorant. With her Tailwind dash, Updraft, and ultimate Tailwind resets, she can reposition quickly and throw off opponents.
The Blade Storm buff has made her even more deadly, especially with the Operator. Her high mobility and precision make her a top-tier pick in almost every competitive setting.
Reyna
Reyna is one of the strongest duelists in Valorant due to her ability to self-sustain and heal after securing kills. Her ultimate, Empress, boosts both her fire rate and damage, making her a force to be reckoned with. With Dismissing after kills, she can quickly reposition, heal, and continue to dominate engagements.
Raze
Raze continues to be a powerful duelist, especially in narrow areas. Her explosive kit, including Boom Bot, Blast Pack, and Paint Shells, allows her to clear corners and break through defensive lines. While she doesn’t have the mobility of Jett or Reyna, her raw power and ability to disrupt the enemy make her an excellent choice for aggressive plays.
A Tier
Iso
Iso’s unique playstyle relies on his sniper abilities and protective gadgets. His toolkit is more situational, but he can dominate long-range engagements when used effectively.
Iso’s increased defensive capabilities with recent buffs have made him a more reliable duelist, though his effectiveness still depends on the player’s skill and map knowledge.
Neon
Neon’s mobility has been buffed, making her a more viable pick in 2025. Her ability to sprint at lightning speed and her High Voltage ultimate provide a unique combination of mobility and utility. While still a high-skill agent, Neon is better in team compositions that take advantage of her speed and aggression.
B Tier
Phoenix
Phoenix is a classic duelist who offers good healing and sustains through his Hot Hands and Run It Back ultimate. However, his relatively straightforward kit struggles against higher-ranked opponents who can counter his predictable abilities. Phoenix is still a solid choice for beginners but is less effective in the hands of higher-skill players than other duelists.
C Tier
Yoru
Yoru remains a tricky duelist who can confuse opponents with his teleportation abilities and Fakeout decoys. However, his reliance on team coordination and player skill means he’s often outclassed by other duelists who can consistently impact high-level play. While fun to play, Yoru’s unpredictability can also be a double-edged sword.
How to Use the Best Duelists in Valorant 2025
Jett
- Mobility: Jett thrives on her ability to reposition constantly. Use her Tailwind dash to get in and out of fights quickly. Mastering her Updraft allows you to reach higher vantage points and catch enemies off guard.
- Operator Usage: Jett excels with the Operator due to her mobility. Use her dash to quickly reposition after securing a pick to avoid retaliation. Her Blade Storm ultimately increases her lethality, allowing for quick, precise shots.
Reyna
- 1v1 Engagements: Reyna is most effective when taking on opponents in 1v1 duels. Her Dismiss and healing ability after getting a kill let her sustain herself in combat. Use her Leer to blind enemies before taking the fight.
- Ultimate Usage: Her Empress ultimate is a game-changer. It increases damage and fire rate, making Reyna a deadly force in any encounter. Make sure to use Dismiss to reposition and heal after each kill.
Raze
- Explosive Plays: Raze’s utility revolves around controlling space and forcing enemies out of cover. Use her Boom Bot to scout out enemy positions and her Paint Shells to clear tight spaces.
- Aggressive Playstyle: Raze excels when playing aggressively. Use her Blast Pack to gain quick positioning or to escape dangerous situations. Use her ultimate to disrupt enemy plans and secure key kills.
Iso
- Sniper Playstyle: Iso is best used in long-range engagements. His Aegis ability provides protection, allowing you to take calculated shots with his sniper. Be sure to position yourself where you can control angles and hold sightlines.
- Situational Play: While Iso isn’t as mobile as other duelists, his defensive tools allow him to engage from a distance safely. Use his abilities to fortify your position while picking off enemies at range.
Neon
- Speed and Aggression: Neon is a fast-paced duelist who benefits from aggressive, quick engagements. Use her High Voltage to sprint into combat and her Relay Bolt to blind enemies around corners.
- Ultimate Usage: Neon’s Overdrive ultimate increases her speed and damage, allowing her to clear areas and secure multi-kills. Use it in tight corridors or to initiate fast pushes.
Phoenix
- Self-Sustain: Phoenix is all about healing and regeneration. Use his Hot Hands to heal yourself while pushing or after taking damage. His Run It Back ultimate is great for initiating aggressive plays and getting back into the action if you’re eliminated.
- Team Utility: Phoenix’s kit is designed to work well in team compositions that require self-sustain and front-line engagement. Use his Blaze wall to block vision and create space for your team to move forward.
Yoru
- Deception and Ambushes: Yoru is best when played as a trickster. Use his Fakeout decoys to confuse enemies and his Gatecrash teleportation ability to surprise opponents from unexpected angles.
- Ultimate Usage: His Dimensional Drift ultimate allows you to scout the enemy or escape danger. Use it to gain crucial intel or initiate aggressive plays without putting yourself at risk.
FAQ
How do I choose the best duelist for my play style?
Jett or Reyna are your best bets if you enjoy high mobility and precision. If you prefer explosive, aggressive playstyles, Raze is ideal. For those who like long-range engagements, Iso is a strong pick.
Are there any agents that work well in a team composed of duelists?
Yes! Controllers like Omen and Brimstone can create space for duelists by blocking vision with their smokes, making it easier for duelists like Jett or Reyna to engage and secure kills. Support agents like Sage can also complement duelists by healing and providing utility.
Can Phoenix still be effective in higher ranks?
While Phoenix is less effective at higher ranks, he can still work in specific team compositions, especially in lower-tier matches. His ability to self-sustain and initiate with Run It Back can help push objectives.
Conclusion
Valorant’s duelist meta in 2025 is diverse, offering multiple options depending on your playstyle and preferences. Whether you prefer fast-paced action, strategic sniper play, or explosive tactics, there’s a duelist suited for you.
By understanding each duelist’s strengths and how to use them effectively, you can dominate your matches and lead your team to victory.