Valorant's Scottish troublemaker Clove continues to disrupt the meta in 2025, bringing a unique blend of controller utilities and unprecedented resurrection capabilities that have revolutionized gameplay strategies. Since their introduction to the roster last year, this immortality-wielding agent has become a favorite among players looking to make mischief for enemies both in combat and beyond the grave.
The Immortal Controller: Clove's Unique Position
As Valorant's sixth controller, Clove stands apart with their distinctive life-death mechanics. Unlike any other radiant in the game, Clove possesses unprecedented powers over the essences of life and immortality. Each death brings them to a junction between realms, allowing them to journey back to life through their signature resurrection ability.
What makes Clove particularly fascinating is how they've evolved in the current meta. Players who have mastered this agent - some becoming the best Clove mains in competitive play - understand that their power isn't just in controlling sightlines but in creating psychological pressure on opponents who can never be certain if Clove is truly eliminated.
"Dying isn't the end, it's just a wee detour," as Clove might say, perfectly capturing their fearless approach to combat.
Ability Breakdown: Clove's Arsenal in 2025
Basic Abilities
Pick-me-up (C) - This ability allows Clove to absorb life force from fallen enemies they've damaged or killed, gaining a 15% speed boost and up to 100 points of temporary health. In the current meta, timing this ability properly during site executes has become crucial for sustaining aggressive pushes.
Meddle (Q) - Equipping a fragment of immortality essence, Clove can throw this projectile that erupts after a short delay, temporarily decaying all targets caught inside (up to 90 HP). The 2025 competitive scene has seen insane Clove clutch moments where perfectly placed Meddle orbs turn disadvantageous situations around.
Signature Ability
Ruse (E) - This signature smoke ability allows Clove to set locations where vision-blocking clouds will settle. What makes this ability particularly powerful is that Clove can use it even after death, allowing for strategic plays from beyond the grave. The recent updates have slightly adjusted the duration to 13.5 seconds, maintaining its effectiveness while preventing overly extended site control.
Ultimate: Not Dead Yet (X)
The crown jewel of Clove's kit remains their ultimate ability. After dying, Clove can activate to resurrect themselves. Once back, they must secure a kill or damaging assist within a set time or face death again. This ability continues to be a game-changer in 2025, with clutch resurrection plays becoming highlight moments in professional tournaments.
Mastering Clove: Tips from the Best
Those who've become the best Clove mains share some common approaches:
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Death Management - Unlike other agents, strategic deaths can sometimes be advantageous for Clove, allowing for information gathering or unexpected resurrections.
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Smoke Discipline - Using Ruse effectively requires understanding timings and common angles. Top players often save one charge for post-plant situations.
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Ultimate Economy - Knowing when to use Not Dead Yet versus saving it creates pressure on opponents who must constantly consider Clove's resurrection potential.
Clove's Cultural Impact
Beyond gameplay, Clove has made a significant cultural impact on the Valorant community. Their non-binary identity (represented through their character design including the neutrois gender symbol on one of their rings) has been embraced by players, while their Scottish punk aesthetic has inspired countless cosplays and fan creations.
Riot's curated playlist "PLAY: CLOVE" featuring artists like Grimes, SOPHIE, and 100 gecs continues to reflect the character's edgy, boundary-pushing personality that resonates with fans.
Competitive Viability in 2025
After several balance adjustments throughout 2024, Clove has found a solid place in the controller meta. While not always the first pick on every map, they excel particularly on maps with tight chokepoints where their Meddle ability creates maximum impact.
The professional scene has seen several dedicated Clove specialists emerge, with teams building specific strategies around their resurrection capabilities for tournament play. The insane Clove clutch potential has made for some of the most memorable moments in recent Valorant esports history.
Conclusion
As we move through 2025, Clove remains one of Valorant's most distinctive and engaging agents. Their unique relationship with death, controller capabilities, and fearless personality continue to make them a favorite among players looking to disrupt enemy strategies and make mischief across the battlefield.
Whether you're just picking up this Scottish troublemaker or looking to refine your skills as one of the best Clove mains out there, understanding the nuances of their kit and embracing their fearless approach to combat will help you turn even the most desperate situations into opportunities for glory.
After all, for Clove, death is just the beginning of the next play.