A starter guide to Sova, the Archer

VALORANT’s Sova is an initiator with a versatile skillset. His Bow not only deals damage to enemies but also scouts out their positions. Here is how you get the most out of his abilities.

Using the Recon Bolt

Sova’s main utility is scouting ahead and his Recon Bolt is the core ability to do so. It allows him to reveal opponents, so that they are forced out of position. Each map has multiple spots in which to use it. You can also choose to ricochet the arrow off the wall up to two times to reach more uncommon angles.

An example on the map Split. If you shoot an arrow from A lobby on to the sign it will bounce off and reveal the ramp. Make sure to focus the upper right corner of the sign.

Do keep in mind the rather long cooldown of 35 seconds, so make the most out of the reveals by communicating clearly with your teammates.

Shock Bolt

Sova’s Shock Bolt deals damage in an area around its impact. The safest way to use it is to bounce it off the map as you can avoid returning fire that way, but it is a very versatile tool.

On Bind you can use the Shock Bolt to stop a defuser from Elbow as long as the spike was planted properly.

While you can use the Bolt to flush out common positions the most efficient usage is to disrupt planting or defusing the spike on each map.

Owl Drone

The Owl Drone is a great tool to check out enemy positions across the map. You can also mark opponents using its dart to keep them revealed. But keep in mind that you are defenseless while using the drone. Another usage of the drone is baiting opponents. Often times your enemies will try to shoot the drone down. If you communicate properly your teammates can peek at the right time to punish them. A popular usage of Sova’s drone is Icebox’ B spot.

Hunter’s Fury

Sova’s ultimate sounds extremely potent at first but also has its limitations. For optimal usage you need to communicate with your team. You can adjust the direction of your arrow on the minimap to clear out corners or force your opponents into the open. But make sure to shoot before the timer runs out or you would have wasted the ability.

Ascent’s A site is a good target for Hunter’s Fury. Make sure to hit opponents twice to take them out.

The three shots of your ultimate can be fired rapidly  and your opponents might anticipate them so make sure to switch it up with delayed shots as well.

Scout with killer instinct

Sova is a great scout with strong abilities. You can easily enable your teammates with proper recon but if the situation demands it you can also rack up kills and use him more offensively.

All in all he offers a very versatile kit that excels in taking over a site on the map.

More VALORANT:

• VALORANT vs CS:GO – What each game does better
• ScreaM: “VALORANT is not a One-Tap game”

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Image Credit: Riot Games