Shootouts can get pretty hectic and intense in Valorant, but things may get a little easier with the arrival of Killjoy, the newest agent in Riot’s hybrid shooter. A genius inventor who specialises in deploying killer tech for the most potent defensive impact, she will join the existing roster sometime next week when Act II drops.
The turret-toting member, like all of the other characters, comes equipped with three abilities and an Ultimate in tow. An accompanying release trailer shows some of her skills in action, which seems to promise a drastically different gameplay experience that takes on a Team Fortress 2-inspired spin. Killjoy’s full kit is as follows:
- Alarmbot (C) – Equip and deploy a bot that hunts down enemies who dare to get in range. When my killer robot friend reaches its target, boom goes the idiot. Alarmbot not only deals damage, it temporarily leaves affected targets vulnerable to double damage from all sources. Hold equip if you want to recall your deployed bot.
- Turret (Q) – Sometimes it’s good to plant some roots. Deploy a turret that fires at enemies within its 180-degree cone. Hold equip to recall the deployed turret. With my turret, I can hold an area pretty well myself while the others cover the angles I can’t.
- Nanoswarm (E) – OK check this out. Throw the grenade. When it lands, it goes quiet. Then, activate the Nanoswarm to deploy a damaging swarm of nanobots and catch the enemy crying. I love this trick!
- Lockdown (Ultimate) – You’ll have to adjust your timing for the windup, but once you get this device going, it detains all enemies caught in its radius for about 8 seconds. Yeah, enemies can destroy it—except I built plenty more.
It’d be interesting to see how auto-turret gameplay will fit into the traditional gunplay model, especially with the need to balance things out fairly with the extra assisted damage. If anything, her distinct abilities should bring more creative gameplay into the fold, and encourage players to adopt a more disruptive, defensive style. Bonus points if she, you know, kill the joy of winning with her frustrating turrets.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Trinity Sun
Natalie
