Learn how to play Yoru, Valorant’s most underrated duelist

Yoru may not see much time in ranked games, but he’s a viable and deadly agent in the right hands. Here’s how to effectively play Yoru in your ranked games.

Riot Games extended the Valorant duelist roster in Episode 2 with Japanese stealth agent Yoru, who was expected to add a new twist of wits to the first-person shooter game. When used correctly, the agent can be a game-changer despite a kit that can sometimes lack impact in the most high-stake games. 

How to play Yoru in Valorant

Yoru is equipped with various abilities that can easily deceive a team more focused on firepower. His Gatecrash ability paired with flashbangs can be a menace for teams that are unaware of their surroundings. The rest of his powers are just as useful for players who are willing to put their guns aside and learn some mind games.

Gatecrash (E)

Gatecrash is commonly known as teleport in the Valorant community. The ability is used to pick duels while also moving to safety when things get out of hand. Place the magical tether at a spot near the attacker spawn and push into one site to clear the other bomb point for your teammates. Teleport back to safety and help teammates plant the Spike on an empty bomb point after your successful entry and distraction. 

The tether can also be used to pick first duels when your teammates have far more valuable abilities. Leave a tether at a safe spot and try to get a pick. Teleport back after one kill to keep the man advantage. 

Tips:

• Gatecrash makes a loud sound cue, so try to leave a tether at angles that are not as exposed. 
• Tether is breakable, so you can leave it in front of the enemy to distract them and misplace their crosshairs.

Fakeout (C)

Fakeout is a decoy that makes a fake footstep sound to throw off enemies. It can be effective in low-ranked queues, but experienced players will often recognize the bait. To squeeze the full juice out of this ability, use it in the middle of a duel. The Fakeout becomes more believable when enemies know your location first. Leave fake footsteps mid-fight to throw off an aggressive enemy, then peek them when they’re looking for the decoy. 

Tips: 

• Fakeout is an easily recognizable decoy. Try leaving a bait and and then following it a few seconds after to catch the enemy by surprise. The opponent will likely look the other way after noticing a Fakeout. 
• Don’t rely on Fakeout to act as a proper bait, most players can easily read the false footsteps.

Blindside (Q) 

Blindside is Yoru’s pop-flash that can be game-changing if you have a more aggressive duelist on your team. It’s worth noting that Yoru’s kit is built like that of an initiator, so wait for another duelist to push on the back of your flash. Pair it with Gatecrash to defuse the sound of the teleporter and take down enemies when they’re blind. 

Tips: 

• Blindside is a pop flash, so wait for a second before peeking. Instantly peeking the flash can cost you your life. 

Dimensional Drift (X) 

Dimensional Drift is the perfect intel-gathering ability that can win you rounds if you have a team that cooperates around it. Pair it with Gatecrash to teleport in front of the enemy and then move back to safety after taking them down. It can be very useful in a clutch situation where small bits of information can help turn the tables. 

Tips:  

• Yoru can safely pick up Spike from under the enemy’s nose when he’s in another dimension. Use his ultimate to pick up the Spike if your team loses bomb control.