One of the most interesting shifts in the Pro Valorant meta has been occurring recently, and some of the game’s newest Superstars are taking advantage of this to change how Pro Valorant will be played forever. The Neon and ISO buff has been a game-changer, with both agents seeing a surge in picks. In this video, eSports Andy dives into how players like Jimo and Miniu have shown the world some of the possibilities of the new Neon, and how their gameplay is influencing other Duelists. But before analyzing the best players, let’s look at the exact changes that brought Neon back into the meta after a year of little to no play.
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Key Takeaways:
- The Neon and ISO buff has brought Neon back into the pro meta
- Players like Jimo and Miniu are showcasing the potential of Neon
- Understanding the proper way to play Neon is crucial for success
- Neon’s role in the meta may continue to evolve as teams experiment with her
Neon’s Impact in Pro Play
Neon’s resurgence in the pro meta is thanks to a series of significant changes to her abilities. The first major change was to her slide, which now allows for more accuracy and instant equip out of the slide. Additionally, her sprint recharge time was reduced, making her a more viable entry player for teams. While her flash was nerfed in terms of charges, its increased concussion duration still makes it useful for site executes and holding off attackers. These changes instantly caught the attention of the Valorant world, paving the way for Neon’s return to prominence.
Playing Neon: Lessons from Team Secret
Team Secret’s performance with Neon in their recent match against T1 serves as an example of how not to play the agent in a pro setting. Their aggressive and individualistic approach led to poor results, with their Neon player finishing at the bottom of the scoreboard. Their lack of coordination, inability to retreat, and failure to properly execute site pushes showcased a fundamental misunderstanding of Neon’s strengths and playstyle.
Jimo: The Neon Player to Watch
EG’s Jimo, on the other hand, demonstrated a deep understanding of how to effectively utilize Neon. His aggressive yet calculated playstyle during their match against Loud showcased the power of coordinated executes, retreat options, and proper timing. Jimo’s ability to take first kills and balance aggression with caution played a crucial role in EG’s victory, highlighting the potential of Neon in the hands of skilled players.
Miniu: Making Neon His Own
Team Heretics’ Miniu quickly made Neon his own, utilizing her improved slides and exceptional aim to gain an advantage in engagements. His ability to peak corners and disrupt sightlines, combined with his team’s support, allowed for successful site takes and defenses. Miniu’s gameplay exemplifies the potential of Neon when played to its strengths.
The Future of Neon in the Meta
While Neon’s current map pool limitations make it difficult for teams to fully integrate her into their compositions, there is a chance that she will become a prominent third duelist option for teams who are not fans of Raze. Neon’s explosive diving ability, combined with her improved corner peaking, sets her apart from other agents and makes her a viable entry option in certain maps. As teams continue to experiment with Neon, the meta may undergo further changes.
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