“New Harbor is the most effective”: VALORANT professionals react to Harbor buffs at Masters Santiago

VALORANT Masters Santiago would be the first VCT event that may characteristic the latest Harbor buffs launched in patch 12.02.

Forward of the occasion’s kick-off tomorrow on February twenty eighth, Esports Insider requested attending in-game leaders (IGLs) Ayaz ‘nAts’ Akhmetshin, Jacob ‘valyn’ Batio and Ethan ‘Ethan’ Arnold how they view the agent’s energy within the meta.

“I’ve excessive expectations on groups attempting the brand new Harbor on this event,” shared Crew Liquid’s nAts through the pre-event press convention.

“I imply, we’ll see how it is going to be. Not many groups love to do the adjustments, however I feel the brand new Harbor is the most effective from what it was earlier than, and the skills are very attention-grabbing to work round. I feel some groups will certainly pull it out as a result of I feel it’s good.”

Since its launch in October 2022, Harbor has suffered because of its area of interest controller talents, usually outclassed by important people who smoke reminiscent of Omen and the preferred secondary controller, Viper.

Though Riot Video games launched a serious Harbor rework in November final yr, the agent’s choose price throughout the VCT modified little. Nevertheless, the latest patch 12.02 launched important enhancements to Harbor’s utility, together with an extended period for his Cove, together with growing the dimensions of his Excessive Tide.

Like nAts, G2 Esports’ IGL valyn appeared assured that Harbor can be picked by some groups through the upcoming Masters occasion. 

“I really feel like a Habor is fairly good proper now. I feel individuals don’t realise the potential he has. There’s a number of hidden, area of interest stuff about him that makes him a bit OP for my part,” commented the triple VCT Americas 2025 champion. 

“So, I gained’t be stunned if lots of people pull him out, together with these guys on my proper [points towards PRX players and chuckles]. We’re simply making ready for anybody to drag out Harbor. He appears fairly good.”

Each G2 and Paper Rex have proven flexibility of their staff compositions at VCT Kickoff, that means a possible Harbor choose wouldn’t be uncanny for these progressive groups.

Regardless of Harbor receiving reward from nAts and valyn, not all gamers at Masters Santiago consider the agent is viable in professional play.

“We haven’t performed towards a Harbor in any practices, so I feel individuals have collectively in all probability determined he’s worse now than he was earlier than,” argued NRG’s Ethan. “However I’m unsure. I feel he’s in a bizarre spot proper now.” 

Curiously, Ethan and his staff had been recognized to be Harbor believers previous to the agent’s rework. The reigning VALORANT Champions used to weave the agent into its double-controller staff composition on Abyss, even selecting the area of interest choose through the Champions 2025 Grand Ultimate versus Fnatic.

Whether or not Ethan or his fellow IGLs have the proper learn on the newest Harbor buffs, will quickly be revealed on the VCT stage in Chile. Masters Santiago will run from February twenty eighth till March third, that includes twelve groups from throughout the globe and a $1m (~£741,674) prize pool.

Followers can tune into the opening matches tomorrow at 5 PM BST by way of the official Twitch and YouTube broadcasts.