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Riot Plans to Add Agent Bans to Valorant — But Not Anytime Soon
Since its explosive launch in June 2020, Valorant has quickly become one of the most competitive shooters in the world. Combining tactical precision with hero-based gameplay, Riot Games has built a powerhouse that appeals to both casual and pro players looking to boost their rank and master agent mechanics.
But after multiple Episodes, dozens of balance updates, and a steadily growing Agent pool, players are still wondering about one key feature—Agent bans.
Is Riot Adding Agent Bans in Valorant?
In games like League of Legends, banning champions before a match is a standard part of ranked and competitive play. These bans allow teams to eliminate troublesome picks and increase strategic diversity. Valorant fans have long requested the same system—but Riot is hesitant.
According to Game Designer Nicholas Wu Smith, a pick-ban system is not off the table, but it won’t be coming anytime soon. Riot is waiting until the Agent roster reaches at least 30 characters before seriously considering a ban phase. As of now, Valorant is just under that threshold.
Why Riot Is Hesitant About Pick-Bans
Unlike other games, each Valorant Agent brings unique, critical utility to the team. A single ban could completely dismantle a team’s set strategy. In a 2020 interview, Senior Game Designer Trevor Romleski confirmed this concern, stating that pro teams often rely on specific Agents to execute precise plays.
While bans might offer more diversity in casual and mid-ELO play, they could hurt coordination and strategy at higher ranks, especially in professional scenes.
What Would a Valorant Ban System Look Like?
If Riot moves forward with bans, it will likely be a minimalist version—one ban per team, as Nicholas Wu Smith suggested. This would introduce strategic variety without disrupting the core identity of ranked Valorant. Think of it as a light version of League’s Draft Pick, focused on counterplay rather than outright denial.
It could also mean banning troublesome Agents like Reyna, Cypher, or Raze depending on the map, forcing teams to innovate and adapt. But Riot wants to make sure the agent pool is deep enough to support that flexibility.
What This Means for Competitive Play
If you’re climbing the competitive ladder or using a Valorant Rank Boosting service, the absence of bans means you can still rely on your favorite Agents without fear of them being taken away. For now, performance and adaptability matter more than pre-match draft strategies.
Riot is clearly taking a measured approach, prioritizing game balance and strategic integrity over rushed features. Until a ban system arrives, it’s best to focus on mastering multiple Agents and keeping up with the evolving meta.
When Can We Expect Agent Bans?
In short—not soon. Riot won’t introduce Agent bans until the roster grows larger and they’re confident it won’t hurt high-level play. And even then, the implementation will likely be gradual and carefully monitored.
Until then, Valorant’s competitive meta will continue to evolve with new Agents, updates, and strategy shifts. Players who stay adaptable and informed will always have the upper hand, with or without bans.
