Controller
What controllers do
- On attack: smoke off defenders' sightlines so the team can cross into a site.
- On defense: smoke chokepoints to slow a push.
- Post-plant: many controllers have abilities that help deny a defuse. See post-plant.
Why the role matters
Almost every pro team plays at least one controller on every map. Controllers are often the team's in-game leader, because their job already requires watching the whole round.
Their ACS is usually lower than a duelist's, but their smokes win many rounds that never show up as kills.
Learn more in Valorant Rules Explained.
Related guides
Valorant Rules Explained: How a Pro Match WorksHow Valorant works: 5v5, first to 13 rounds, Attackers plant the Spike, Defenders stop it, overtime until a 2-round lead. Economy and agents explained.
Related terms
DuelistDuelists in Valorant are agents built to take the first fights and make space for the team.
InitiatorInitiators in Valorant are agents who gather information and set up fights with recon, flashes and stuns.
SentinelSentinels in Valorant are defensive agents who lock down areas, watch the flank and slow pushes with traps and walls.
Post-plantPost-plant in Valorant is the phase after the Spike is planted, when Attackers defend it and Defenders try to defuse.
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