What Is Valorant ISO Guide? Everything You Need To Know

Valorant’s ever-expanding roster welcomes a new addition in Episode 7 Act 3: Iso, a Chinese assassin shrouded in intrigue and stealth. The release trailer for Iso was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in an Omen reference that left the community buzzing with excitement. While the connection between Iso and Omen remains a mystery, gamers worldwide are already crafting theories and speculations about the enigmatic backstory of this enigmatic character.

One aspect we don’t need to speculate on is Iso’s abilities and his unique kit. As the seventh duelist to join Valorant’s roster, Iso ushers in a new era of gameplay, marked by distinctive skills and abilities that promise to make a significant impact on the battlefield. If you’ve been pondering questions like, “What are his abilities?” or “Is he a viable agent to main?” you’re in the right place. Check the depths of Iso’s abilities, his role, and what you need to know about this intriguing addition to Valorant’s agent lineup.

Iso’s Abilities Demystified:

While Iso’s introduction in the Valorant universe may depict him as an assassin, his abilities deviate from the conventional notion of a stealthy infiltrator. Instead, his kit caters to players with impeccable mechanical skills, focusing on individual prowess over covert maneuvers. His skillset amalgamates elements from various agents, crafting a unique set of abilities that promise to leave a significant mark on the game.

1. Contingency (C)

Cost: 250

Charge: 1

Contingency equips Iso with a wave of energy that, when fired, generates an indestructible wall aimed at the enemy. This wall bears a resemblance to Harbor’s Wall but with a crucial difference – it cannot be penetrated by bullets. However, it cannot slow down approaching enemies, setting it apart from Harbor’s Wall. Contingency serves a dual purpose, providing both cover and strategic advantage, particularly when paired with flashes for a relentless assault.

2. Undercut (Q)

Cost: 200

Charge: 2

Undercut arms Iso with a molecular ball of energy that, when launched, inflicts vulnerability upon enemies it contacts, lasting for four seconds. This vulnerability, distinct from blinding, resembles Killjoy’s Alarmbot, making it a formidable tool for disrupting enemy strategies. Notably, Undercut possesses the unique ability to traverse walls, providing players with endless strategic possibilities.

3. Double Tap (E)

Cost: 150

Charge: 2

Double Tap introduces an intriguing ability to Iso’s arsenal. Upon eliminating an enemy, an orb materializes above their head, similar to Reyna’s Soul Orb. This orb can be shot to acquire a purple shield, offering protection against the next incoming hit. Unlike Reyna’s Dismiss, which grants temporary invincibility, Double Tap functions by absorbing damage, but it can withstand only a single hit, regardless of the type of damage. The protective effect of the shield persists for 15 seconds.

4. Kill Contract (X) – Ultimate

Charge: 7 orbs

Iso’s ultimate ability, Kill Contract, equips him with an interdimensional arena, from which he fires a column of energy across the battlefield. The first target struck by this energy wave, along with Iso himself, is transported to a distinct arena for a one-on-one duel to the death. This arena eliminates any abilities, relying solely on player skill, akin to Warzone’s Gulag. It’s worth noting that both participants are granted maximum health, irrespective of their prior health status. Following the duel, Iso is returned to his original health.

Iso’s Role in Valorant:

Iso’s kit stands out with a unique approach to duelist abilities, diverging from the conventional duelist archetype. His skillset leans more toward initiator agents, positioning him as an initiator/duelist, capable of setting up plays for entry fraggers like Jett or acting as a secondary fragger. However, this flexibility does not preclude him from taking on the mantle of the primary duelist within a team composition. Contingency and Undercut make him a versatile asset for early map control, offering opportunities for strategic plays.

Is Iso Viable in Ranked Play?

Without a doubt. Iso brings an impactful and user-friendly kit to the table, making individual plays and self-sufficiency easily achievable. In standard Ranked lobbies where communication might be lacking, having an agent who can operate independently is invaluable. When combined with Double Tap, Iso becomes an agent capable of thriving in solo queue environments. His abilities necessitate minimal coordination and allow players to leverage his strengths autonomously.

Moreover, unlike agents like Astra or Breach, Iso’s abilities do not demand intricate communication and coordination. This makes him a strong candidate for solo queue, where the absence of coordinated team play is often the norm.

Iso in the Pro Scene:

Predicting Iso’s role in Valorant’s professional scene is a challenging endeavor. The professional Valorant arena is dynamic and multifaceted, with teams adopting diverse strategies and compositions. While some agents were initially considered unconventional picks, they found their niche in the hands of creative and adaptable professionals.

Iso’s kit, with its potent Contingency and Undercut, might appear overpowered. Maps with tight chokepoints, such as Ascent or Bind, may amplify his effectiveness. However, Iso shares a challenge with Reyna: his kit emphasizes individual playmaking, while the professional scene often favors coordinated team strategies.

Additionally, Iso’s ultimate, Kill Contract, may not offer the game-changing impact found in agents like Killjoy or Viper. The one-on-one duel, while thrilling, offers no assurance of a significant outcome. A single elimination is the maximum return on investment.

Nevertheless, given the complexity and diversity of the professional Valorant scene, Iso may find his place in certain team compositions. Teams willing to experiment and adapt may incorporate Iso into their strategies, adding a layer of excitement to the highest level of Valorant competition.

In conclusion, Iso’s arrival in Valorant marks a significant addition to the game’s roster. As the community delves into his abilities and strategic potential, Iso enthusiasts are eager to explore his capabilities in both competitive and ranked play. Whether he finds his place in the professional scene remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Iso brings a unique and dynamic element to Valorant’s ever-evolving landscape.