Cypher, the fifth Agent to join the VALORANT PROTOCOL, is a master of surveillance like no other. His unique Sentinel abilities let him lock down crucial areas and monitor the enemy’s every move. With his high-tech tools, Cypher operates as a single-person surveillance network, leaving no secret undiscovered and no maneuver unseen.
Background
This mysterious and enigmatic figure is originally from Morocco. Cypher is known as an information broker with a shadowy past who has no ties to anyone and has supposedly “lost” his family. His surveillance skills and self-made network of gadgets allow him to control the battlefield with almost unsettling precision.
Cypher’s personality is a blend of morbid humor and playful mischief. He often tampers with the gadgets of fellow Agents or “borrows” small items from them. Despite this light-hearted facade, Cypher’s darker side occasionally surfaces, revealing the pride he has in his deadly abilities and experience uncovering deeply buried secrets. Above all, Cypher values his anonymity to the point he meticulously conceals his past and true identity.
Abilities
Cypher’s unparalleled mastery of information gathering is a game-changer. His Spycams and traps, when used strategically, can turn the tide of battle, meaning skilled players can outmaneuver the enemy while remaining hidden in the shadows.
Trapwire
Trapwire allows Cypher to place tripwires between two close locations, creating a hidden line between the two points. When enemies cross the tripwire, they are momentarily tethered, revealing their location to Cypher and his team. If the enemy fails to destroy the tripwire in time, they are also stunned, making them vulnerable to attack. This ability is crucial for covering flanks and ensuring enemies cannot approach undetected. The trapwires can be picked up and redeployed, adding flexibility to Cypher’s defensive strategies.
Cyber Cage
Cyber Cage lets Cypher instantly toss a device that creates a vision-blocking zone when activated. Enemies passing through this Cyber Cage slow down, making it difficult for them to move quickly or see clearly. Unlike other smokes in the game, Cypher can trigger the Cyber Cage at will, even through walls, so he has precise control over when and where to deploy it. It is particularly effective for defending a dropped spike, as it obscures the location or sets up an ambush by hiding within the cage to surprise unsuspecting enemies.
Spycam (Signature)
Cypher’s Spycam is a versatile tool that can be placed on most surfaces, supplying valuable intelligence. Once placed, Cypher can control the camera’s view to monitor his enemy’s movements. The Spycam can also fire a marking dart that reveals the location of any enemy it hits until they remove the dart. This flexibility grants Cypher the ability to check corners, peek lines of sight, spot enemies for teammates, and even set up wall bangs with a sniper rifle. Cypher can recall and redeploy the Spycam as needed, making it a critical part of his surveillance strategy.
Neural Theft (Ultimate)
Neural Theft is Cypher’s Ultimate ability, where he can instantly reveal the location of all remaining enemy players using a dead enemy’s body. This ultimate ability is beneficial when the enemy team is outnumbered, as it gives crucial information on their whereabouts, helping Cypher’s team secure a round. Cypher throws his hat at a dead enemy to activate Neural Theft, hacking into their body to extract the data. However, Neutral Theft can also reveal Cypher’s position to the enemy, so stay aware of the surrounding area and maintain communication with the team to maximize its effectiveness.
Best VALORANT Maps to Play Cypher
Sentinels are essential in VALORANT map strategy. If you’re playing any of the following VALORANT maps, Cypher is the best choice for your team:
- Pearl
- Bind
- Split
- Haven
- Sunset
Aside from being a good map to play Cypher on, Bind is connected to his lore, as he lived in the city before Kingdom redeveloped it. Kingdom’s meddling in the city destroyed its old history and culture, fueling Cypher’s hatred for the corporation.
Best VALORANT Team Comps for Cypher
On different VALORANT maps, Cypher’s abilities complement different team compositions. Based on Cypher’s best maps mentioned previously, these are some of the best team compositions for those maps:
- Pearl: Cypher’s best team for Pearl includes Astra, Neon, Viper, and Fade. Astra and Viper provide substantial map control with their smokes and walls, which are crucial in Pearl’s open areas and narrow chokepoints. Cypher and Fade work together by continuously surveying and relaying information, which is especially useful in Pearl, where information is vital to avoiding ambushes. Neon’s speed and ability to rapidly rotate or take control of crucial areas make her the perfect complement to the team’s slower, more methodical playstyle, as she can create opportunities by catching enemies off guard or quickly reinforcing a site under attack.
- Bind: For this map, Cypher’s ideal team comp is Raze, Fade, Sage, and Brimstone. Cypher and Fade guarantee the team always has a read on enemy positions, while Brimstone and Sage have the necessary tools to control Bind’s tight choke points and execute site takes. Raze’s explosive playstyle complements the team’s ability to gather information and control space. The combination of Cypher and Fade helps the team stay one step ahead, while Raze, Sage, and Brimstone deliver the much-needed firepower to dominate offensively and defensively.
- Split: Cypher’s team comp on Split comprises Brimstone, Raze, Sova, and Sage. Brimstone’s smokes and Sage’s walls can block off enemy sightlines and choke points so that the team can control critical positions like Heaven or Mid. Cypher’s traps and cameras cover the flanks, while Sova’s recon tools reveal enemy positions to help with attack plans. Raze’s ability to clear out tight spaces and create chaos complements the team’s need to push through Split’s narrow corridors.
- Haven: Cypher’s team comp for this map is a bit more flexible, as he works well with any team of Jett, Yoru, ISO, Omen, Sova, KAY/O, or Skye. Sova, Cypher, and KAY/O/. Skye provides vital recon and control over the map, as Sova’s and Cypher’s abilities let the team always know the enemy’s location. KAY/O or Skye can gather further intel or disrupt enemy plays, and the Jett, Yoru/ISO, and Omen bring flexibility and aggressive potential to the team. Jett and Yoru/ISO can quickly take control of sites or create opportunities. Omen’s smokes and teleportation create cover, leading to unpredictability for attacking and defending.
- Sunset: On this map, Cypher’s ideal team comp is Neon, ISO, Skye, and Astra. Cypher’s surveillance secures critical areas, while Astra’s smokes and abilities help control sightlines and choke points. Skye’s recon and utility further enhance the team’s ability to manage Sunset and respond to enemy attacks. Neon’s speed allows for rapid entries and engagements, while ISO’s kit complements her with his close-quarter combat and fight versatility. Together, they can take control of sites quickly and pressure the enemy. Skye and Astra offer critical support and utility, so the team effectively pushes through or holds positions. Skye’s healing and utility support Neon and ISO in aggressive plays, while Astra’s control abilities manage space and disrupt enemy strategies.
Immerse Yourself While Playing as VALORANT Agent Cypher
Whether you’re playing as Cypher or another agent from VALORANT, iBUYPOWER’s gaming PCs are the perfect setup for the best gaming experience. As the official partner for VCT America, iBUYPOWER has high-quality PCs from Intel and AMD for your VALORANT gaming sessions.
