Analyzing data from the kickoff tournaments across four tier-one regions, this breakdown highlights the most effective agent compositions and key meta shifts across Abyss, Bind, Fracture, and Haven in the Valorant VCT scene.

Abyss: The Most Played Map in Kickoff Tournaments

Using data from the VCT kickoff tournaments across the four tier-one regions, today’s focus is on four maps, starting with Abyss. This map had the highest play rate across all tournaments, making it a critical part of the current meta.

Abyss saw a dominant trend of compositions that did not include a Sentinel. The most popular comp featured double smokes, double initiators, and a duelist. Another common variation was a DRX-inspired lineup, resembling an Ascent-style setup, which performed decently. A less successful approach was a double duelist setup, similar to what Gen.G attempted last year, but it yielded a lower non-mirror win rate.

The Ascent-style team composition was the most frequently picked, making up 48.7% of the selections. However, it performed slightly below average in non-mirror matchups. The most successful setup was the double initiator and double smokes composition, showing promising win rates. If Abyss remained in rotation, this setup would likely gain more traction due to its effectiveness.

Astra has overtaken Omen in popularity, a shift likely driven by recent buffs. Standard picks such as Sova, Jett, and KAY/O remained prominent, with KAY/O showing strong results. Jett significantly outperformed Yoru, proving more effective due to her ability to utilize the verticality of the map. Yoru’s teleport mechanics were less useful due to Abyss’s layout, making rotations less impactful. Additionally, Yoru’s teleports often became predictable, leading to isolated deaths that left his team at a disadvantage.

Bind: A More Diverse Meta Before Rotation (Valorant VCT Meta)

Bind is rotating out just as its meta was becoming more diverse and engaging. Previously, Bind’s agent compositions were repetitive, but the kickoff tournaments introduced new variations, including double Sentinel setups and compositions without Viper.

The top-picked composition featured Astra instead of Viper, showcasing a shift in meta preferences. Another popular choice was the classic Viper double initiator comp. Additionally, a double Sentinel composition emerged as an alternative approach.

Gen.G’s previous style, which included Viper and Cypher, was replaced by a more modern version run by KRÜ Esports. This composition featured Brimstone, Raze, Skye, Viper, and Cypher, balancing defensive stability and post-plant advantages. It allowed teams to maintain site control while securing post-plant scenarios effectively. If Bind were staying in rotation, this setup would likely become the dominant strategy.

Agent Trends on Bind

Brimstone’s pick rate was lower than usual, with Astra being used as an alternative for teams that opted not to play Viper. Viper’s pick rate declined overall, aligning with the increasing preference for double Sentinel or no-Viper compositions. Cypher emerged as a top-performing Sentinel, demonstrating strong defensive capabilities.

Fracture: Standard Comps Remain Dominant

Fracture’s meta was less diverse compared to other maps. Most teams adhered to the traditional setup of double initiator, Sentinel, Raze, and Brimstone.

A variation of the traditional comp included Vi, which was played in every single match where it was available. Vi’s presence is expected to grow as teams recognize her effectiveness in denying site executions and using her ultimate to disrupt enemy setups.

Brimstone, Breach, and Raze remained essential picks, while Neon made occasional appearances. Vi demonstrated an impressive 7-1 record in non-mirror matchups, highlighting her value. Teams that utilized her found success in delaying aggressive executions and disrupting enemy plays.

Haven: A Stagnant Meta with Small Adjustments (Valorant VCT Meta)

Haven has settled into a largely predictable meta, with the most played comp appearing in 31% of games.

The most significant shift has been Cypher replacing Killjoy as the preferred Sentinel. This trend began in late 2023 and has continued into 2024. Cypher provides better utility for defending multiple bombsites and is a superior option in terms of information gathering.

Omen, Breach, and Sova continue to dominate in terms of pick rates. Duelist choices remain varied, with teams occasionally experimenting with Iso, Yoru, Jett, and Neon. However, the meta remains largely static, with few significant shifts.

Looking Ahead

These agent trends provide insights into the evolving Valorant meta across tier-one competition. With Abyss and Bind rotating out, teams will need to adjust their strategies accordingly. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how new maps and agent adjustments influence professional play.