This comprehensive guide will start with the basics of Cypher’s abilities and progress to advanced techniques, helping you excel in the highest ranks. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive in!
Cypher’s Abilities: A Deep Dive
Same like every other Valorant agent, understanding the Cypher’s kit is crucial to mastering this agent. Even if you’re familiar with his abilities, stick around for some valuable tips and tricks.
Tripwire (C Ability)
Tripwire is a fundamental part of Cypher’s defensive setup. You deploy it on a wall, and it connects to both ends. When an enemy crosses it, they are revealed and stunned. If the tripwire isn’t destroyed, it continues to stun and reveal the enemy, making it an excellent tool for holding flanks. Utilize Tripwires strategically to secure critical areas and protect your team.
Cyber Cage (Q Ability)
Cyber Cage acts as a smoke screen with a duration of about 7 seconds. It obscures vision and provides sound cues if enemies walk through it. This ability is perfect for blocking angles, hiding Tripwires, or surprising enemies who trigger a Tripwire. The cage has a 4-meter radius, so precision is key. For example, if you want the cage to end precisely at a point, stand at that spot, ping 4 meters out, and throw the cage accordingly.
Camera (E Ability)
Cypher’s Camera is a versatile tool for surveillance. It can be placed in high, hard-to-see spots and provides live feeds of enemy positions. Once an enemy is detected, they are revealed until they destroy the camera. For optimal use, position the camera where it’s not easily visible to enemies. Avoid pinging enemies immediately as it reveals the camera’s location, potentially causing it to be destroyed.
Neural Theft (Ultimate Ability)
Neural Theft is Cypher’s ultimate, revealing enemy locations twice from the corpse of a fallen enemy. It’s incredibly useful for identifying enemy positions and finding gaps in their defense. Use it early in a round to assess enemy positioning and adjust your strategy. The ultimate costs 6 points, so don’t save it for too long; use it to gain the maximum strategic advantage.
Defensive Setups
Cypher excels in creating strong defensive setups. Here’s a breakdown of effective setups for each map:
Ascent
- A Site: Place a Tripwire across the main entrance, paired with a Cyber Cage. Set another Tripwire on the ground, with a second cage nearby. Position yourself on Dice to pop the cage and secure frags as enemies enter.
- B Site: Deploy a Tripwire across the entrance and a second one on the ground. Position a Cyber Cage to cover the Tripwires and play from a safe spot, using the camera to monitor enemy movements.
Bind
- A Site: Position the camera high up, throw one Tripwire across the baths, and pair it with a Cyber Cage. Place another Tripwire on the ground, and use the cages strategically to cover angles and get kills.
- B Site: Place a camera on the high wall, set a Tripwire and Cyber Cage on the ground, and utilize the cage for covering the Tripwires.
Breeze
- A Site: Position the camera high, throw a Tripwire across the large brick structure, and use Cyber Cages to cover angles. Play behind the titty and use the camera for surveillance.
- B Site: Set the camera high on the wall, deploy a Tripwire and Cyber Cage near the entrance, and use the setup to secure kills or fall back if necessary.
Fracture
- A Site: Place a Tripwire across mid and pair it with a one-way Cyber Cage. Position yourself behind a pillar for effective coverage and frag potential.
- B Site: Use a high camera and deploy a Tripwire and Cyber Cage for optimal defense. Monitor enemy movements and pop the cage to secure kills.
Haven
- A Site: Deploy a camera high on the wall, place a Tripwire across the entrance, and use Cyber Cages to cover the Tripwires. Utilize the setup to get frags and back off if needed.
- C Site: Position a Tripwire in garage and another across main, paired with a Cyber Cage. Use the camera to monitor enemy movements and adapt your strategy.
Lotus
- A Site: Place a Tripwire across B main and pair it with a Cyber Cage. Position the camera above the door for valuable information and play around mid-site for effective coverage.
- B Site: Deploy the camera high on the Bell Tower, set a Tripwire and Cyber Cage, and use the setup for defense and information gathering.
Pearl
- A Site: Position the camera high on the wall, set a Tripwire and Cyber Cage, and play in pit to secure kills through walls.
- B Site: Use the camera on the Bell Tower for visibility into long and mid doors. Place Tripwires and Cyber Cages strategically for effective defense.
Split
- A Site: Deploy a camera high on the wall, place a Tripwire across the entrance, and use Cyber Cages for coverage. Monitor enemy movements and secure frags.
- B Site: Set a powerful Tripwire, use a high camera, and deploy Cyber Cages for effective defense and information gathering.
Playing Cypher on Attack
Attacking with Cypher requires a different approach compared to defense. Your primary role is to hold flanks and support your team with utility. Here are some key points to remember:
- Hold Flank: Use your Tripwires to secure flanks and provide valuable information.
- Utilize Cages: Toss Cyber Cages to block lines of sight and support your team in taking space.
- Camouflage and Info Gathering: Use your camera to clear angles and gather information. Be strategic with your placement and communication.
Map Tier List for Cypher
- Ascent: S Tier – Excellent for Cypher with versatile setups and strong defensive potential.
- Pearl: C Tier – Average map with some good setups but not ideal for Cypher.
- Haven: A Tier – High potential with strong setups and effective defensive strategies.
- Breeze: B Tier – Good setups but less effective due to open spaces.
- Lotus: C Tier – Lower tier due to less favorable setups.
- Split: A Tier – Great map with strong setups and effective lurking opportunities.
- Fracture: A Tier – Strong setups on both sides, good for lurking.
- Sunset: B Tier – Some effective setups but limited overall.
- Bind: B Tier – Known for strong setups but not as effective as other maps.
Conclusion
Mastering Cypher in Valorant involves understanding his abilities, creating effective defensive setups, and adapting strategies for both attack and defense. By implementing the tips and setups provided in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to dominating the battlefield with Cypher.
