Sentinel: What Are Sentinels in Valorant?

In Valorant, Sentinels are a key role within the game's tactical shooter mechanics. They are designed to provide defensive capabilities and support, ensuring that their team can hold positions, protect bomb sites, and create opportunities for strategic plays. Here’s a closer look at what makes Sentinels unique and their impact on gameplay.

What Defines a Sentinel in Valorant?

Sentinels in Valorant are agents who specialize in defensive and supportive abilities. Unlike Duelists, who focus on aggressive plays and fragging out, Sentinels are geared towards holding the line and providing utilities that can turn the tide of a round. Their abilities often include traps, healing, or vision control, making them indispensable for team strategies that rely on strong site control and post-plant situations.

What Are Some Examples of Sentinel Agents?

1. Sage

Sage is one of the most iconic Sentinels in Valorant. Her abilities include a healing orb, which can heal allies or herself, and a Barrier Orb, which creates a large, deployable wall to block enemy paths. Her ultimate, Resurrection, can bring a fallen teammate back to life, making her a critical asset for clutch plays and late-game scenarios.

2. Cypher

Cypher excels at gathering information and securing areas. His Spycam allows him to place a camera that can be used to scout enemy movements. His Trapwires^[1] can be deployed to detect and slow enemies, while his Cyber Cage can obscure vision and block paths. Cypher’s abilities make him particularly effective at holding choke points and protecting bomb sites.

3. Killjoy

Killjoy focuses on area denial and crowd control. Her Nanoswarm^[2] grenades can be deployed to deal damage to enemies who enter a specific area, while her Turret provides constant surveillance and can distract opponents. Her ultimate, Lockdown, deploys a device that emits a pulse, detaining any enemy caught in its radius. Killjoy’s toolkit is designed to secure areas and provide strong defensive setups.

How Do Sentinels Contribute to Team Play?

Sentinels are crucial in both defensive and post-plant situations. Their abilities help control key areas of the map, secure bomb sites, and support teammates in crucial moments. Effective Sentinel play can prevent enemy advances, enforce bombsite stacks, and turn defensive holds into successful retakes. 

In high-level play, their strategic use can make or break a match, emphasizing the importance of strong positioning and smart ability usage.

Sentinels in Valorant are integral to any team composition, providing defensive strength and tactical advantages. By using their unique abilities to control space and support their team, Sentinels ensure that their side can maintain a strong defensive presence and effectively manage key map areas. 

References

1. [1] "Trapwire". valorant.fandom.com. Retrieved September 10, 2024
2. [2] "Nanoswarm". valorant.fandom.com. Retrieved September 10, 2024