Valorant's Kayo Problem

I'll preface this with saying NA has a boner for Kayo. Seriously. 77% of their games they play Kayo, having 100% pickrate on 3 maps as well. EA however has only 32%. Now this might just highlight that NA is weird and loves Kayo. But as this game becomes more and more utility based, (utility combo, site executes, fakes, etc) Kayo's pickrate should only become higher and higher. I'll break down each of Kayo's abilities and why, all together, it creates the most broken agent in the game (besides Chamber).

Zero Point:
On average, it takes ~12 seconds to rotate on each map. Obviously this changes on certain maps (Breeze). Kayo's suppress takes away 8 seconds off that clock. Kayo can outright shut site executes down, by suppressing certain members which wastes utility already used in setup. This gives them one of two options, wait for their util to come back, allowing precious rotation time, or they can brute force it using no util (the Bronze player creed).

Example: Two Omen smokes go down and Jett dashes into her smoke. Her Sova Recon Darts. Breach is about to stun + flash but gets suppressed. Now the other teammates are isolated from Jett with a smoke going up on the chokepoint, Jett easily gets picked off from the defenders as she has no one to back her up. This not only leaves this to a 4v5 but takes away most of the explosiveness from the opposing team.

Work Arounds:
Bait out Kayo Knife before hand.
Kayo fails the time because it is a very tight timing you have to get.

Flash
Kayo can execute two flashes. Left Click for a flash that will pop after 1.6 sec, Right Click for a pop flash after 1 sec. Overhand flash is a flash primarily used for teammates in set plays and executes and is very easy to perfect flash with. Underhand flash can be used for bursting out of choke points with a difficult flash to turn, and pop flashing out of smokes. A good Kayo places themselves at a small distance from the choke point so the flash pops directly there and does not give any time to dodge. A full blinded enemy is blinded for 2 seconds.

I don't think there is too much debate about this but this is the best flash in the game. It is so versatile in its uses which makes it so useful.

Molly
This is the worst part of Kayo's kit and its still pretty good. It's heaviness doesn't allow for too much lineups but it can be used to break KJ lockdowns without LOS thanks to the new buffs to his molly. It stalls for 4 more seconds and buys time for that 12 rotate time I was talking about earlier.

Ultimate
A 7 point Phoenix Ult that also suppresses everyone in a large radius? Sounds great. Ult lasts for 12 seconds, its a huge slow on defense side and great for executes on attack. Its an S tier ult for an S tier character.

I spent way too much time writing this so heres a tldr with a bit more
TLDR
Kayo is an agent which can do too much better than other agents. Whether that be his duelist-initiator hybrid replacing duelists on maps like Icebox. Or his flashes just being better. Kayo forces other agents into smaller niches because he can just do it all more reliably. Also cool robot man.

Cool robot man B)

Kayo’s really good but as an initiator main I can tell you the real broken agent rn is Fade. A good fade can make defense and aggression literally impossible.

zardinez [#3]

Kayo’s really good but as an initiator main I can tell you the real broken agent rn is Fade. A good fade can make defense and aggression literally impossible.

Fade is insane for sure but I feel possible nerfs for her are much easier to implement. I'd say a slight reduction in hp for her dog and decay doing less damage would do wonders for balancing her. Also either making the ult a bit skinnier or a bit shorter (1 - 2 lines) would put her in a great spot. Idk though I'm shit at balancing agents lol.

Possible nerfs:

-Zero/Point suppress time decreased 8s >>> 5s, radius increased very slightly
OR
Zero/Point no longer suppresses enemies out of LOS (like sova dart), radius increased moderately

-Flash/Drive alt-fire full flash decreased 2s >>> 1.7s
OR
-Flash/Drive alt-fire flash windup increased 1s >>> 1.2s

-Reduce NULL/CMD radius (can suppress way too far IMO)
-NULL/CMD points increased 7 >>> 8
-No longer grants shooting buffs

hiyo [#5]

Possible nerfs:

-Zero/Point suppress time decreased 8s >>> 5s, radius increased very slightly
OR
Zero/Point no longer suppresses enemies out of LOS (like sova dart), radius increased moderately

-Flash/Drive alt-fire full flash decreased 2s >>> 1.7s
OR
-Flash/Drive alt-fire flash windup increased 1s >>> 1.2s

-Reduce NULL/CMD radius (can suppress way too far IMO)
-NULL/CMD points increased 7 >>> 8
-No longer grants shooting buffs

the sova dart has a far longer range tho, so I would think that you would need to buff the dart range

Kay/o is fine, different regions have different styles and Kay/o is just a generalist; He's good on every map but not broken. So there's no need for nerfs.

hiyo [#5]

Possible nerfs:

-Zero/Point suppress time decreased 8s >>> 5s, radius increased very slightly
OR
Zero/Point no longer suppresses enemies out of LOS (like sova dart), radius increased moderately

-Flash/Drive alt-fire full flash decreased 2s >>> 1.7s
OR
-Flash/Drive alt-fire flash windup increased 1s >>> 1.2s

-Reduce NULL/CMD radius (can suppress way too far IMO)
-NULL/CMD points increased 7 >>> 8
-No longer grants shooting buffs

Zero/Point no longer suppresses enemies out of LOS (like sova dart)

Nah that is kind of the whole gimmick with Zero/Point. It doesn't need LOS. Your first option was good, although I'd make it 6s.

I think windup doesn't really matter as if you position yourself correctly it will pop perfectly at the chokepoint. Full Flash decrease sounds good.

I'd say first increase ult points, and if the ult is still supremely busted then go through with the other nerfs.

As a whole, there were a lot of nice points. However, his ult is not even close to how good the phoenix ult is considering how most of the time he is not rezzed in pro matches. Also, I don't think Kayo is a problem if its popularity is region dependent. If you look at a broken agent like Chamber, his pick rate is universally high, regardless of region. He is definitely a top agent but not broken, although I have no idea why they buffed his molly when it seemed unecessary.

Neonfreak [#9]

As a whole, there were a lot of nice points. However, his ult is not even close to how good the phoenix ult is considering how most of the time he is not rezzed in pro matches. Also, I don't think Kayo is a problem if its popularity is region dependent. If you look at a broken agent like Chamber, his pick rate is universally high, regardless of region. He is definitely a top agent but not broken, although I have no idea why they buffed his molly when it seemed unecessary.

Mark my words, Kayo will rise in pick rate slowly but surely in other regions as well. Phoenix Ult comparison was a bit bad but I didn't feel like analyzing the ult because there isn't really much to analyze IMO. He's a top agent who we should keep on our radar for potential nerfs. Also the molly buff is stupid my ranked games are thrown now :(. (Salty KJ abuser on Ascent.)

Rishoo [#10]

Mark my words, Kayo will rise in pick rate slowly but surely in other regions as well. Phoenix Ult comparison was a bit bad but I didn't feel like analyzing the ult because there isn't really much to analyze IMO. He's a top agent who we should keep on our radar for potential nerfs. Also the molly buff is stupid my ranked games are thrown now :(. (Salty KJ abuser on Ascent.)

As a fellow KJ player, I definitely feel ur pain her ult is somehow getting weaker lmfao

You had some good points, but some bold claims also. It is indeed true that KAY/O is a strong & versatile agent who can do things his competition is made to do, but slightly better. However, it doesn't pass the "needs a slight nerf" threshold, and to be perfectly honest he is not a "broken agent".

His knife is the main part of his kit, and to truly find value, you have to be extremely precise with it. But that same knife is the reason he will always be a go-to pick for many coordinated pro teams. By design, the knife is supposed to do many things - give information for executes, clear enemy off site to make him play retake, slow pushes down etc. This design choice is why you need to be extremely cautious with using it and need to properly evaluate the situation you're in.

His flashes are pretty straightforward, but no, they are not the best. Even in terms of versatility and ability to use one for the team, and one for yourself, Skye will always beat KAY/O out + she gathers information. Also, the ceiling for KAY/O flashes is very fucking high, as if these pop flashes are not done properly, they become obsolete, and need to be mastered to be ALWAYS useful. You will see many more mishaps with flashes if you pay more attention to strictly KAY/O players lol. Hell, to pop flash out of checkpoints or smokes, even Phoenix's flash is harder to avoid if done right.

Molly needs some QOL changes, like Breach's Aftershock, it is ridiculous for an ability that costs 200 to be able to break a 7 orb ultimate. But other than that, pretty straight forward ability.

His ULT, again, it is a design choice by devs which will always make him a favorable pick. A slight nerf would be welcoming, but it is not 100% necessary.

But overall, some great points and a proper analysis. A nerf may be needed and is probably on the horizon, but if devs do anything drastic with it, it might make the initial design of KAY/O useless and totally turn him into something different, which not many people want, let's be honest.

lmaoo just shoot the fukin knife, stop bitching soo much use ur guns

Neonfreak [#9]

As a whole, there were a lot of nice points. However, his ult is not even close to how good the phoenix ult is considering how most of the time he is not rezzed in pro matches. Also, I don't think Kayo is a problem if its popularity is region dependent. If you look at a broken agent like Chamber, his pick rate is universally high, regardless of region. He is definitely a top agent but not broken, although I have no idea why they buffed his molly when it seemed unecessary.

Kayo ult is the best ult for T side, better than phoenix ult.
The powerful thing about Kayo ult is his ability to suppress enemies counter utils, being able to res him is just a bonus.

lintik kayo

chloeburbank [#13]

lmaoo just shoot the fukin knife, stop bitching soo much use ur guns

You can't always shoot the knife.

Kayo owns you and all agents. KAYO Gaming!!!

doosean [#12]

You had some good points, but some bold claims also. It is indeed true that KAY/O is a strong & versatile agent who can do things his competition is made to do, but slightly better. However, it doesn't pass the "needs a slight nerf" threshold, and to be perfectly honest he is not a "broken agent".

His knife is the main part of his kit, and to truly find value, you have to be extremely precise with it. But that same knife is the reason he will always be a go-to pick for many coordinated pro teams. By design, the knife is supposed to do many things - give information for executes, clear enemy off site to make him play retake, slow pushes down etc. This design choice is why you need to be extremely cautious with using it and need to properly evaluate the situation you're in.

His flashes are pretty straightforward, but no, they are not the best. Even in terms of versatility and ability to use one for the team, and one for yourself, Skye will always beat KAY/O out + she gathers information. Also, the ceiling for KAY/O flashes is very fucking high, as if these pop flashes are not done properly, they become obsolete, and need to be mastered to be ALWAYS useful. You will see many more mishaps with flashes if you pay more attention to strictly KAY/O players lol. Hell, to pop flash out of checkpoints or smokes, even Phoenix's flash is harder to avoid if done right.

Molly needs some QOL changes, like Breach's Aftershock, it is ridiculous for an ability that costs 200 to be able to break a 7 orb ultimate. But other than that, pretty straight forward ability.

His ULT, again, it is a design choice by devs which will always make him a favorable pick. A slight nerf would be welcoming, but it is not 100% necessary.

But overall, some great points and a proper analysis. A nerf may be needed and is probably on the horizon, but if devs do anything drastic with it, it might make the initial design of KAY/O useless and totally turn him into something different, which not many people want, let's be honest.

I agree with most of what you said for Kayo Knife. I acknowledged that by saying the timing for these perfect knifes are very slim. This is a very difficult timing to get the hang of.

Flashes are a thing we'll disagree on. How to do a perfect pop flash out of a smoke is not standing directly at the edge of the smoke at pop flashing, that gives enemies the full 1 sec of windup time to be able to watch. Instead place yourself a few steps back and then pop flash. With some timing practice anyone can get the hang of it.

Kayo Flashes have a much higher skill ceiling than Skye Flashes. Although her bird does give info, as we are in the initiator meta atm, Kayo is not going to be your solo initiator. His job on the team isn't really for recon but his utility. Kayo flashes are so good because a mastered Kayo has perfect flashes for every choke point. Also, Kayo flashes don't have a loud sound queue, which makes it even harder to turn.

The devs have already addressed the KJ ult situation saying that they have faith in KJ players to find better ult spots. Maybe combo Kayo ult + KJ lockdown?

Ult is not necessary for a nerf I agree. Kayo is a fun agent to watch and not one you are really able to easily see the oppressiveness of like pre-nerf Sova.

Thanks for the reply and reading my post in its entirety.

Shownu [#17]

Kayo owns you and all agents. KAYO Gaming!!!

I'm a Kayo enjoyer as well Shownu. For the sake of balance I believe he deserves a slight nerf but for my ranked games I would hate it.

Rishoo [#19]

I'm a Kayo enjoyer as well Shownu. For the sake of balance I believe he deserves a slight nerf but for my ranked games I would hate it.

No he is perfectly fine. I can entry with him if my duelists are braindead, play as a Sentinel and stop pushes. Best agent imo.

daddy breach >> Kayo

Shownu [#20]

No he is perfectly fine. I can entry with him if my duelists are braindead, play as a Sentinel and stop pushes. Best agent imo.

kay/o + fade duo rolling

Idk why no one suggested this but:
If kayo himself is killed, all active suppressions are immediately cancelled - force him to make a decision between taking fights or helping the team
Revert the change so kayo no longer radiates waves in his ult while downed
They also need to make his flash a little bouncier off walls/ground, it feels awkward rn

Rishoo [#18]

I agree with most of what you said for Kayo Knife. I acknowledged that by saying the timing for these perfect knifes are very slim. This is a very difficult timing to get the hang of.

Flashes are a thing we'll disagree on. How to do a perfect pop flash out of a smoke is not standing directly at the edge of the smoke at pop flashing, that gives enemies the full 1 sec of windup time to be able to watch. Instead place yourself a few steps back and then pop flash. With some timing practice anyone can get the hang of it.

Kayo Flashes have a much higher skill ceiling than Skye Flashes. Although her bird does give info, as we are in the initiator meta atm, Kayo is not going to be your solo initiator. His job on the team isn't really for recon but his utility. Kayo flashes are so good because a mastered Kayo has perfect flashes for every choke point. Also, Kayo flashes don't have a loud sound queue, which makes it even harder to turn.

The devs have already addressed the KJ ult situation saying that they have faith in KJ players to find better ult spots. Maybe combo Kayo ult + KJ lockdown?

Ult is not necessary for a nerf I agree. Kayo is a fun agent to watch and not one you are really able to easily see the oppressiveness of like pre-nerf Sova.

Thanks for the reply and reading my post in its entirety.

Aye, no problem, I like to indulge in lengthier discussions much more than in shitposts lol

About Skye flash, I only stated that she has versatility as her advantage and a lot of players showcase more efficiency on her, but are probably forced to play KAY/O more.

And that KJ + KAYO combo is what I've already stated few times, but when I thought about it more, their ults have similar duties both on attack and defense, retake, site clearance and whatnot, so it may not be as efficient, but idk lol

Either way, we can discuss this back and forth lol, thanks for a great read. Good day to ya!

doosean [#24]

Aye, no problem, I like to indulge in lengthier discussions much more than in shitposts lol

About Skye flash, I only stated that she has versatility as her advantage and a lot of players showcase more efficiency on her, but are probably forced to play KAY/O more.

And that KJ + KAYO combo is what I've already stated few times, but when I thought about it more, their ults have similar duties both on attack and defense, retake, site clearance and whatnot, so it may not be as efficient, but idk lol

Either way, we can discuss this back and forth lol, thanks for a great read. Good day to ya!

You too!