Phoenix, one of Valorant’s original Duelists, is a fiery agent with a kit designed to dominate in combat. With his fire-based abilities, he excels at self-sustainability, area control, and initiating fights. Whether you’re new to Phoenix or want to master him, understanding his abilities is key to unlocking his full potential.
Phoenix’s abilities revolve around flames and self-healing, making him a strong pick for aggressive playstyles. His skills can deal damage to enemies while healing himself, granting a unique advantage. With his flashy toolkit, Phoenix can create space for his team, push enemies back, or secure clutch plays in intense situations.
Phoenix’s abilities
Blaze (C)
Blaze is a versatile ability that summons a wall of fire. It can be used to block vision, deter enemies, and heal Phoenix.
Cost: 200 credits
Effect: Creates a wall of fire that lasts for 6 seconds.
Damage/Healing: Deals 30 damage per second to enemies but heals Phoenix for the same amount.
Vision Blocking: Use Blaze to block enemy sightlines, allowing safe pushes or retreats.
Healing: Stand in your own wall if low on health to regain HP during a lull in the fight.
Curve the Wall: Master the ability to curve the wall by moving your mouse, allowing for creative coverage angles.
Curveball (Q)
Curveball is Phoenix’s signature flash ability, designed to blind enemies temporarily.
Cost: 250 credits per flash (max 2 charges).
Effect: Throws a flashbang in a curve, either left or right, blinding everyone in its path for up to 1.5 seconds.
Quick Entry: Use Curveball to clear corners or flash enemies when entering a site.
Curve Direction: Practice curving left and right to hit specific angles without exposing yourself.
Mind the Team: Ensure teammates aren’t caught in the flash, as it blinds allies too.
Hot Hands (E)
Hot Hands is Phoenix’s self-sustaining ability that can also deal significant damage to opponents.
Cost: Free (1 charge per round).
Effect: Throws a fireball that explodes upon impact or after a short delay, creating a fiery zone.
Damage/Healing: Deals 60 damage per second to enemies, heals Phoenix for the same amount.
Heal Smartly: Save Hot Hands for healing during firefights or after taking damage.
Zone Control: Use the fireball to flush enemies out of hiding spots or deny them entry.
Combo Potential: Pair with Curveball to surprise enemies forced out of cover.
Run It Back (Ultimate – X)
Phoenix’s ultimate ability, Run It Back, lets him take risks with no consequences.
Effect: Activates a 10-second timer. If Phoenix is killed during this time, he respawns at the activation location with full health.
Tips for Using Run It Back:
Aggressive Plays: Use it to initiate site pushes or gather critical intel without fear of dying.
Ultimate Orbs: Prioritize collecting ultimate orbs to charge this ability quickly.
Safe Setup: Activate the ultimate from a secure position to avoid being camped upon return.
Playstyle and synergies
Phoenix thrives when played aggressively. His abilities are designed to help him lead charges, create space, and secure early picks.
Use Curveball to blind enemies before pushing aggressively.
Heal with Hot Hands and Blaze during skirmishes, maintaining combat effectiveness.
Pair Phoenix with initiators like Breach or Sova to capitalize on enemy disorientation.
Use smokes from agents like Omen or Brimstone to complement Phoenix’s flash plays.
Countering Phoenix
While Phoenix is a formidable agent, he isn’t without counters:
Smokes: Smokes can nullify his flashes and fire abilities.
Long-Range Fights: Keep Phoenix at a distance where his self-healing abilities become less effective.
Aggressive Punish: Anticipate his Run It Back activation location to secure a kill upon his return.
Phoenix is a strong choice for players who enjoy dynamic and aggressive gameplay. By mastering his fire-based abilities, you can dominate duels, support your team, and clutch rounds with style. Whether you’re blazing through enemies or healing in the midst of chaos, Phoenix ensures you’re always in control.