In Valorant, planting the spike is a crucial objective that can determine the outcome of a round. While the decision of who should plant the spike can be situational, there are some general guidelines to follow based on the roles in the game. In this guide, we'll discuss the ideal order of roles for planting the spike and the factors to consider when making this decision.
Ideal Order of Roles for Planting the Spike:
Initiator
Sentinel
Controller
Duelist
Initiators and Sentinels are generally the best choices for planting the spike due to their abilities to gather information and secure the site. Controllers, such as smoke agents, should prioritize staying alive to provide vision control throughout the round. Duelists, who are often tasked with entry fragging, should typically be the last resort for planting the spike. If you're still unsure and want to learn more about what plays you should make, maybe consider Duo Carry options to learn and improve.
Factors to Consider:
Agent Abilities: Some agents have abilities that make planting the spike easier or more effective on certain sites. For example, Sage's wall can provide cover while planting on certain maps.
Ultimate Ability: If an agent is close to obtaining their ultimate ability, it may be more beneficial for them to focus on charging it rather than planting the spike.
Fragging Performance: If an Initiator or Sentinel is having a particularly good game and fragging out, it may be more valuable for them to continue focusing on getting kills rather than planting the spike.
Site-Specific Strategies: The optimal agent to plant the spike may vary depending on the site and the team's strategy. For instance, on Icebox, a Viper may struggle to plant the spike effectively without the support of a Sage wall.
Proximity to the Spike: In some cases, the agent closest to the spike when the site is secured should be the one to plant, regardless of their role.
While there is a general order of roles that should prioritize planting the spike in Valorant, the decision ultimately depends on various factors such as agent abilities, ultimate charge, individual performance, site-specific strategies, and proximity to the spike. Communication and coordination with your team are key to determining the best agent to plant the spike in each situation.