TL;DR
- Yoru suffers from the weakest duelist kit with poor pick rates in competitive play
- Mixwell identified flash hitbox size and teleport audio range as critical flaws
- Smaller flash hitbox would enable advanced double-bounce techniques on key maps
- Reduced teleport audio range would improve flanking and site rotation effectiveness
- The agent needs fundamental mechanical changes rather than minor numerical adjustments

Despite being available for several months, the Valorant community continues to express dissatisfaction with Yoru’s performance. Professional player Oscar “mixwell” Cañellas from G2 Esports has identified several critical issues that explain why this Japanese infiltrator struggles to find his place in the current meta.
Although Yoru remains one of the newer additions to the agent roster, his ability package consistently underperforms when measured against other duelists. Many analysts consider his toolkit to be potentially the weakest among all agents currently available in the game. This performance deficit has resulted in consistently low selection rates across all competitive tiers and virtually no representation in professional tournament play.
Yoru’s standard loadout includes a flashbang capability, teleportation mechanics, and decoy deployment functionality. These utility options overlap significantly with agents like Omen, Breach, and Phoenix, who possess either complementary stronger abilities or more refined versions of similar tools. This redundancy creates an awkward positioning scenario where Yoru fails to excel in any particular role, though professional analysis suggests he may not be entirely beyond redemption. G2 Esports’ mixwell has provided detailed insights into the character’s shortcomings and specific recommendations for how Riot Games could enhance his viability.
Sign this petition for a Yoru buff.
– Flash hitbox should be really small, to be able to flash properly without hitting corners.
– Lower the range to hear the teleport.Thank you.
— G2 m1xwell (@Mixwell)February 15, 2021
- Valorant pro subroza shows how best to use Yoru’s flash
G2 Mixwell explains how Yoru could be better
Unlike other flash abilities in Valorant that detonate immediately upon deployment, Yoru’s signature pop flash operates differently and maintains relevance in higher-ranked matches. The requirement for his flash to impact a solid surface before activation creates unique tactical opportunities but also introduces significant execution challenges.
Focusing on the pop-flash mechanic’s distinctive characteristics, the professional player highlighted how an oversized collision detection area diminishes Yoru’s flash effectiveness. Rather than ricocheting off narrow surfaces to create unpredictable angles, the flash detonates prematurely upon contact. Mixwell proposed resolving this problem by shrinking the flash’s collision detection radius. For instance, a flash with reduced hitbox dimensions could successfully perform double-bounce maneuvers around Haven’s middle doors or Ascent’s B-lobby partitions.
The analysis also pinpointed vulnerabilities in Yoru’s teleportation capability. Players familiar with Omen understand that teleportation sounds in Valorant provide substantial auditory information to opponents. An audible indicator notifies enemy players of the agent’s repositioning, signaling an impending engagement. Yoru’s teleport functions similarly, with the tether generating sufficient noise to alert defenders about his movement patterns. The G2 professional suggested increasing Yoru’s viability by moderately decreasing the audible range of his teleportation sound effects. This adjustment would permit Yoru to employ his relocation ability more effectively when opponents are positioned on alternate bomb sites.
To maximize Yoru’s flash effectiveness, players should practice precise angle calculations and understand surface interaction mechanics. Common mistakes include throwing flashes too close to edges, resulting in premature detonation, and failing to account for the larger-than-expected hitbox when planning bounce routes. Advanced optimization involves mastering specific wall angles on popular maps like Bind and Split where Yoru’s flash can create unexpected blind spots.
For teleport optimization, strategic placement becomes crucial. The current audio range of approximately 40 meters allows defenders extensive warning time. Reducing this to 20-25 meters would maintain counterplay options while enabling more successful flanking maneuvers. Professional players typically recommend using teleports during execute phases when ambient noise from other abilities can mask the sound cue.
Currently, Yoru maintains the lowest selection rate among all duelist agents in Valorant, with minimal justification for choosing him over alternative options. To effectively replace aggressive agents such as Raze, Jett, and Reyna, Yoru likely requires additional mechanical adjustments from the development team. The community remains hopeful that Mixwell’s social media advocacy will generate increased attention toward this underutilized operative.
Action Checklist
- Practice flash bounces on Haven mid-doors and Ascent B-lobby using precise angles to avoid hitbox issues
- Test teleport audio range in custom games to understand current detection thresholds
- Study professional VODs to identify optimal teleport timing during team executes
- Master decoy placement to mask teleport audio cues in ranked matches
No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » Yoru stinks and needs to be fixed, says G2 Esports’ Mixwell Professional analysis of Yoru's weaknesses and expert recommendations for improving Valorant's struggling duelist agent
