Agent Overview

KAY/O is the definition of an entry agent in VALORANT. His ability to create space and assist his teammates is some of the best in the game. The main draw that separates him from other flash agents like Breach and Skye is that he can throw flashes so quickly without all the setup. On top of that, KAY/O is great for finding where your enemies are located and can be used to shut down their utility.

Strengths

• KAY/O can easily enable his team to enter a bomb site with quick detonating flashes.
• He can gather information about any small map portion using his dagger.
• KAY/O can disable his opponent’s utility with two abilities, which can be very strong if you’re diligent about studying the map and paying attention to your opponent’s ultimate abilities.

Weaknesses

• If piloted by an inexperienced player, KAY/O can do more harm than good with his flashes.
• His FRAG/MENT ability can be easily avoided with its slow detonation time.
• KAY/O’s ZERO/POINT knife is destroyed with one bullet, similar to Sova’s dart, which means players need to be intentional with its use and consider learning lineups for this ability.

Skill Breakdown

Ability 1 (C) – FRAG/MENT

Equip an explosive fragment. Fire to throw. The fragment sticks to the floor and explodes multiple times, dealing near-lethal damage at the center with each explosion.

Ability 2 (Q) – FLASH DRIVE

Equip a flash grenade. Fire to throw. Alternate-Fire to lob the grenade a short distance in front of KAY/O. The flash grenade explodes after a short delay, blinding anyone in line of sight.

Signature Ability (E) – ZERO/POINT

Equip a suppression blade. Fire to throw. The blade sticks to the first surface it hits and suppresses anyone in the explosion’s radius.

Ultimate Ability (X) – NULL/CMD

Instantly overload with polarized radianite energy that empowers KAY/O and causes large energy pulses to emit from his location. Enemies hit with these pulses are suppressed for a short duration, and agents with deployable utility, such as Cypher and Killjoy, will have their gadgets disabled. KAY/O can also be revived if killed during this ability and gains Rapid Fire.

Tips and Tricks

Tip #1 – High Flash

KAY/O’s Flash Drive has been updated, reducing the power of its effect when thrown underhand using alternate fire. It’s still one of his most important abilities and can be used effectively. One of the ways to use this ability is by throwing the Flash Drive high on the site, sending out a blind that flashes anyone looking towards it. This tip has worked for a while but is especially strong in the current state of Valorant since the flash changes. With a high flash, it’s much more difficult to notice the small projectile moving through the air, and as a result, many players will not react and end up being flashed. While learning this tip, remember that high flashes should be communicated to teammates for the best results possible.

Tip #2 – Intel on Point

Since KAY/O’s ZERO/POINT ability recharges over a round, it should be used very quickly at the start of a round. The reason for this is that you can easily gain information about the location of enemy players or even disable their utility use for a site push. Whether it’s being used for information or to deny an opponent, any player looking to play KAY/O should use their ZERO/POINT knife quickly and often.