Riot Games drops official first look at Fade, Valorant’s new initiator

Who is Fade in Valorant?

Fade is Valorant’s latest addition to the roster of initiators, bringing a unique set of abilities that can disrupt the flow of the game and turn tides in favor of your team.

Abilities Overview

  1. Blambine (C): Fade deploys a sticky grenade that explodes after a short delay or when it comes into contact with an enemy. This ability can be used for both initiation and information gathering.
  2. Shadow Walk (Q): Fade becomes invisible and untargetable, moving quickly across the map while leaving behind a trail of smokescreens. This is perfect for flanking or escaping dangerous situations.
  3. Ultimate – Phantom (X): Fade creates a portal that can be activated at any time, allowing him to instantly travel to its location and swap places with his ultimate-placed Self. This ability can be used for quick positioning during team fights or for escaping from unfavorable situations.

Strategic Usage of Fade’s Abilities

  1. Initiation and Disruption: Fade’s Blambine and Shadow Walk abilities provide excellent opportunities for initiating fights or disrupting the enemy team’s positioning. Use Blambine to catch enemies off guard, or use Shadow Walk to flank from unexpected angles.
  2. Escapes and Evasions: Fade’s Shadow Walk and Phantom abilities make him an excellent choice for escaping dangerous situations or evading enemy attacks. Use them to slip past enemy lines undetected or to quickly move away from unfavorable engagements.
  3. Information Gathering: Fade’s Blambine ability can also be used to gather valuable information about the enemy team’s positioning and movements. Place it in areas where you suspect enemies may be lurking, and use the detonation delay to your advantage to catch them off guard.

**Summary: A New Dimension to Initiators**

Fade brings a fresh take on what an initiator can do in Valorant, with his unique abilities offering new opportunities for both initiation and evasion. Mastering Fade’s kit will require careful planning and situational awareness, but the rewards are well worth it.