Valorant: How to master Iso in 2024
Iso is one of the best Duelists in Valorant, especially after the recent buffs during patch 8.11. He could be the best Agent against the infamous Operator, considering he can take a hit and still not die. He is meant to help enter sites without taking any damage as intended by the opponent. While Jett and Raze are still popular Duelist picks, Iso can be effective in the right hands.
For those interested, this guide will explain how to master his abilities.
All abilities of Iso in Valorant
To master Iso in Valorant, it is vital to understand the base of his abilities, when to use them, and how effective they can be. This section discusses his abilities and what exactly it is that they do to help the Agent in battle.
Double Tap (E) - Free Signature ability
Iso's Double Tap allows him to obtain a shield that takes one hit of damage. It could be a bullet, knife attack, or any ultimate. After one hit, the shield disappears and you become vulnerable to damage.
Contingency (C)- 200 Credits
Iso can create a barrier shield that perpetually moves forward. Hiding behind the shield protects everyone from incoming damage.
Undercut (Q)- 200 Credits
Equip a molecular bolt and fire it forward to apply vulnerability to whoever comes in contact with it. It can be released in a straight line.
Kill Contract (X)- 7 Ultimate Orbs
The Kill Contract imitates a 1v1. Equip and fire it in a large area. One opponent from the target area gets teleported to Iso's dimension, where they duel to the death.
How to master Iso in Valorant
Iso is a brilliant Agent on smaller Operator-friendly maps like Ascent. While he was nerfed post-Valorant patch 8.11, one can still use his barrier shield to decrease the chances of getting hit during entry. You can also use his undercut to combo with other pieces of utility to secure frags. Let's discuss more about mastering his abilities.
Double Tap mastery
Understanding when to use the Double Tap is important when it comes to mastering Iso in Valorant. Activate it before peeking into angles where an Operator player could be holding. You should also trigger it before entering a site. This will give you a chance to live even after being shot in the head and help master Iso in Valorant.
Remember, with the Double Tap, timing is crucial. Also, attempt shooting at orbs that appear after you take a kill or get an assist. Shooting orbs further extends the shield.
Contingency mastery
To master Iso, know that the Contingency can work as an escape plan and an entry plan. Release it forward to cover your allies as they enter the site and if not, you can also release it to move from one angle to another without the opponent hitting you in the process.
Undercut mastery
There isn't a lot to releasing the Undercut. Use a Sova dart or Owl Drone to locate your opponents first. Alternatively, you can also listen for sound cues or footsteps. As soon as their approximate location has been determined, release the Undercut in their direction.
This works especially well in narrow lanes and entryways. To master Iso in Valorant, always pair this ability with other utilities, such as Raze's Paint Shells or Sova's Shock Bolts. Use it to aid allies as well as to make solo plays.
Kill Contract mastery
The Kill Contract puts Iso and an opponent in a 1v1 duel. Try and activate the Double Tap before entering Iso's pocket dimension so that you have an upper hand against your opponent.
To master Iso in Valorant, know that the Kill Contract is not only a great tool for solo fights, but also for stalling or entering sites. For instance, you can try and locate the defending Sentinel, say Cypher, on a site. If Iso manages to take Cypher to his dimension for a fight, all of the Sentinel's utility goes offline until either of them dies.
Allies can use this time to enter the site unbothered by Trapwires or Cybercages.
Where to pick Iso in Valorant?
After you master Iso in Valorant, knowing what maps work best for him is important. Sure, in good hands, the Agent works well everywhere. However, it is better to keep Iso limited to maps like Ascent and Bind.
These are smaller maps where most of his abilities can cause great damage. For instance, the Kill Contract has more space to swallow opponents whole toward an unfair duel with Iso. The Undercut can make opponents vulnerable because of small, tight angles.
Furthermore, entryways are relatively narrow compared to maps like Pearl, Abyss, or even Breeze. Therefore, Contingency can make for a great cover. To master Iso, know exactly what maps work well for him. Any maps with narrower entryways and smaller spaces work for the Agent.
You can also alternatively use him on maps, such as Haven, that support the use of Operators. Haven also has narrow passages and is one of the best maps for OP users. Iso can be annoying, as he doesn't die even after being shot by the most powerful sniper in the game. Use him to your advantage wisely.