Abyss is one of the most unique maps that has been added to VALORANT since its launch. The ability to not only fall off the map but use the lack of borders to your advantage depending on which Agent you are playing offers a slew of new gameplay options to incorporate. While any Agent can excel on any map in the right hands, there will always be certain Agents that perform better on some maps than others. Abyss is no exception to this, as it requires precise gameplay and team coordination to perform well on. Each class seems to have its winner in terms of who performs best on Abyss. Team synergy and utility based on the map itself play a huge role in which Agents perform at a higher level than the others.

Sentinel: Cypher

Cypher has solidified himself as not only the best Sentinel on Abyss, but it could be argued that he is the best Sentinel in the entire game. Ever since his buffs, his Trapwires are the best ability in the game for holding down sites, so good in fact that he can quite literally solo any site if the Cypher player knows what they are doing. This is no exception on Abyss; the geometry on both sites allows for him to set up crazy trip line-ups in multiple locations, some even securing kills by placing them in the correct spots over ledges and areas where people can fall off the map.

The rest of his kit shouldn’t be neglected either; his Cyber Cages provide great cover to halt pushes, especially when they are used with his Trapwires to secure kills safely. Finally, his camera can be set up either on site or Mid, so that you can safely get information on if the enemy is pushing or rotating through the area.

Backup: Vyse

While it may be a bit too soon to declare Vyse as the second-best Sentinel on Abyss, I am putting all my chips on her here. Her Sheer is extremely useful on both sites, whether it is put A-Main or just after the jump on to B-Site from Danger to cut off any other enemies trying to get on site. Completely cutting off an enemy from the rest of their team with an unbreakable wall is extremely valuable.

Her Razorvine is very useful too, as both main entrances to each site are very narrow and thin, allowing the ability to cover the entire area. Finally, her Arc Rose is useful in any situation, allowing her to be extremely versatile for holding pushes or retakes, especially in Heaven on both sites to cover a large area.

Duelist: Raze

The mobility and vertical space that Raze can acquire with her kit is extremely beneficial to any team on Abyss. Her Blast Packs make it effortless to enter either site, especially from areas around walls or borders that go off the ledge, allowing you to take space from angles the enemy will not anticipate. The rest of her kit is still great for taking space and clearing corners as well. Throwing Paint Shells or Boom Bot in an area you know the enemy is in and then boosting around with her mobility to finish them off is valuable on any map, especially on Abyss, where there is limited space due to the ledges.

Backup: Jett

Despite the countless nerfs she has received, it is impossible to deny the amount of value that Jett can offer with her kit on Abyss. Her Tailwind and Updraft provide you with the ability to take space wherever and whenever you see fit. Her Cloudburst, when used in unison with other teammates’ utility, is always a great option to cut off sight lines as well. Not to mention Blade Storm is even more beneficial when you consider the fact that you can use them at full accuracy off the map. While I do believe Raze is the best choice for Duelist on Abyss, Jett is a close second, despite the constant nerfing she has received in the past.

Initiator: Breach

Looking at the Initiator class, Breach is the kind of character you want to see on your team in ANY situation due to the amount of crowd control he offers with his flashes and concuss. However, on Abyss, this kind of utility is even more beneficial for your team. When taking either site, there are multiple angles you can use your Flashpoint on to cover a large area of the space you are trying to take. Mixed with his Aftershock and Fault Line, chaos is sure to follow when you are either pushing or orchestrating a retake with your team. Rolling Thunder can also completely knock enemies off the map if timed and spaced correctly, making him a constant threat while you have it available.

Backup: Gekko

Gekko is very similar to Breach regarding the utility he can provide on Abyss. His Dizzy is a great option for not only flashing, but it can gain intel through where it shoots its flash or if the enemy shoots it down, revealing their location. Wingman is also always a great tool for defusing or planting in high-pressure situations, especially across the gaps and ledges that each site has. His post-plant is also some of the best in the game, as he is able to utilize Thrash and Mosh Pit from far angles across both sites.

Controller: Omen

What makes Omen so useful on Abyss is his Shrouded Step used in combination with Dark Cover to take space and cover sight lines for his team. Since there are only two areas to mainly smoke on both sites, the fact that he only gets two charges of Dark Cover is not too much of a hindrance. Shrouded Step gives Omen such a big advantage over the other Controllers, allowing him to play almost like a Duelist, whilst still being able to cover sightlines and take space with Dark Cover and Paranoia. From the Shadows is also extremely useful, allowing you to escape sticky situations or rotate in a pinch. You can even jump off the map and use it mid-fall.

Backup: Astra

Astra is like Omen in how she can utilize the unique layout of the map to give her utility even more value. However, instead of a teleport to gain space for her team, her Gravity Well and Nova Pulse can be used to clear out common angles on site, especially ones that are near ledges. She can also use Gravity Well to suck enemies off the ledge in post-plant scenarios if they are not paying attention or enemies are trying to push on to sites near ledges. Her Nebula smokes also have unlimited range, so it’s easy to fake a site if you Dissipate them.

Conclusion

Abyss is an extremely unique map that provides players with gameplay options and scenarios that they wouldn’t normally experience on other maps. While anyone can excel with any Agent in the game on Abyss, there are definitely some that are better than others that will give you an advantage. Next time you queue up and get Abyss, refer to this list to see which Agents may give you an edge over your opponents!