Valorant Agent Guide: Cypher

Cypher valorant
Image credit: Riot Games

Our Valorant Agent Guide will help you catch up to all the beta players who’ve been playing the game since April. We’re going to give you an overview of each agent’s abilities and how to use them. You’ll get easily digestible guides, one agent at a time. Today we present to the human-surveillance network – Cypher.

Valorant has been out for over a month now and the game already received numerous patches. Popular picks like Sage keep getting nerfed and the maps are still getting regularly adjusted. If you’re a fan of recon but Sova ain’t quite your pick, then look no further than Cypher.

Much like the government, while playing as Cypher you’ll have a lot more information at your disposal regarding enemy locations. With access to various tools that grant him intel, Cypher is an agent you definitely want on your team.

Cypher Abilities Guide: Trapwire

Cypher’s first basic ability is Trapwire (default C). It allows him to deploy a tripwire on target location which creates a line spanning to the wall opposite of it. Any enemy who dares to cross it will be revealed, dazed, and tethered if they don’t destroy it in time. If nobody activates the trap and you happen to be nearby, feel free to pick it up and redeploy it somewhere else or save it for the next round.

There’s a limit of two per round, but getting one back is always worth it.

Cypher Abilities Guide: Cyber Cage

Cypher’s second basic ability is Cyber Cage (default Q). Using it will deploy an invisible trap on the ground. Cypher can activate the trap from a distance as long as he’s looking toward it, even through walls. Once activated the trap serves as a smoke grenade which also slows anyone trying to pass through it. In a way it’s a combination of a smoke and Sage’s Slow Orb.

Much like the Trapwire, you’ll have a limit of two uses per round. Cyber Cage can prove very useful if you’re holding a site as it’ll often surprise the enemy.

Cypher Abilities Guide: Spycam

Cypher’s signature ability is Spycam (default E). It really defines the agent as it allows him to get vision where nobody else can. Using Spycam will deploy a camera at the targeted location. You can switch to it and get direct vision from that angle. The camera can also shoot a tracking dart, which will periodically reveal an enemy’s location. Note that enemies can destroy the dart and/or the camera.

Spycam can be recalled and reused in a different location. In the case someone destroys it, the ability will go on a 45-second cooldown.

Cypher Abilities Guide: Neural Theft

Cypher’s ultimate ability is Neural Theft (default X). In order to use it, you’ll need a fallen enemy (one that died no longer than 30 seconds ago). Activating the skill will make Cypher throw his hat over a body and reveal to you the location of all remaining enemies. Think of it as a literal wallhack with a limited duration. It may not be the best ultimate in the game, but it sure is fancy and can definitely help you clutch a round.

Cypher Strategy Guide

As you’ve probably noticed while looking at Cypher’s abilities above, the agent doesn’t have any direct damage skills. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’s a defensive character as his abilities can definitely be used in an aggressive manner. First and foremost, your main objective as a Cypher will be to gather information. In order to do that you’ll need the utility. Sure Spycam is great and all, but don’t be afraid to go the extra mile with charges on Cyber Cage and Trapwire.

In most cases, Cypher can singlehandedly guard a bomb site thanks to his Spycam and Trapwire. Incoming enemies will quickly be revealed and you’ll have the element of surprise. Use that to your advantage to get some easy headshots and make sure to always give information to your team. Communication with your teammates as a Cypher is crucial.

Cypher Tips

  • Your Spycam can be used in a manner similar to Sova’s drone. Deploy it to get information right around the corner or to simply bait the enemy and then surprise them.
  • While on the defending side you’ll have plenty of time to set your traps and prepare. Make sure you place Trapwire in locations where it’s almost impossible to avoid.
  • We’ve already mentioned this, but make sure you communicate with your team and give them as much information as you can.
  • As Cypher you don’t have to worry about getting flanked. Simply use your tripwires and camera to cover any potential rotations from enemies.
  • Cyber Cage can be used to block sniper nests or cover the spike carrier while they’re planting.
  • Your abilities deal no damage, so there’s no friendly fire to consider. Use them freely!
  • Use a combination of your Trapwire and Cyber Cage to put your enemies in a sticky situation where they can’t escape.

This concludes our guide for Cypher. We certainly hope you found it useful, so go out there and get some info!

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Tasho Tashev

Law graduate from Sofia University turned gaming journalist. Gaming has always been a passion of mine since I was a kid (shocker I know) so it was only a matter of time before I started writing about it. My high-school...