Riot Games has officially announced Agent 28, Waylay, set to debut in VALORANT on March 5th with the launch of Episode 2025 Act 2. This highly anticipated addition to the roster hails from Thailand and is designed to bring a new level of speed and aggression to the game. As a duelist, Waylay specializes in mobility, allowing players to make rapid and strategic plays that can disorient opponents and secure key advantages.
With her Light Speed ability, Waylay can ambush enemies, reposition quickly, and evade incoming attacks, making her an ideal choice for aggressive and tactical gameplay. During an exclusive early access presentation attended by Esports Insider, Riot Games developers shared valuable insights into Waylay’s abilities and general design philosophy.
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John Goscicki, Agent Lead at Riot Games, expressed his excitement about the introduction of Waylay: “She is the first entry duelist we’ve made in five years, which is very, very exciting.”
He further elaborated on the thought process behind her creation: “As we designed Waylay, we thought of her as a more strategic, cerebral Duelist. And we extended that strategic depth to her personality—she’s a seasoned duelist with years of experience. She is what we consider the ‘big sister’ of the roster.”
Waylay’s skill set is designed to complement players who favor aggressive but calculated gameplay. Unlike traditional duelists who rely on raw mechanical skills, she encourages a more thoughtful approach to engagements.
Agent 28 Valorant (image via Getty)The Best Maps for Waylay, According to Riot Devs
Waylay’s agility and versatility make her a powerful agent on various maps, especially when combined with the abilities of other agents like Omen’s Paranoia and Breach’s Fault Line. While VALORANT currently features 17 maps, Riot’s developers have identified the best ones for maximizing Waylay’s potential: Icebox, Ascent, Split, and Pearl.
June Cuervo, Senior Agent Designer at Riot Games, shared insights on why these maps favor Waylay’s playstyle: “Maps where the bombsites have lots of nooks and crannies to dash to, such as Icebox and Ascent, are maps where Waylay thrives.”
However, not all maps are well-suited for Waylay. Maps like Breeze and Abyss, which feature large open areas with minimal cover, can make it difficult for her to maneuver effectively. “She lacks 360-degree cover like Jett, so these open spaces can be a challenge,” Cuervo noted.
How to Unlock Waylay in VALORANT
Once Waylay is officially released, players can unlock her by participating in her recruitment event and earning XP. This method provides a straightforward way to gain access to the new agent. However, for those who miss the recruitment window, Waylay can later be unlocked by spending 8,000 Kingdom Credits or 1,000 VP.
Additionally, Xbox Game Pass subscribers have another way to access Waylay from day one. By linking their Xbox account to their Riot Games account, subscribers can immediately add her to their roster without additional costs.
Waylay’s arrival marks an exciting shift in the VALORANT meta, and players eager to master her unique playstyle should focus on the maps that best suit her high-speed, strategic approach. Whether you prefer coordinated team plays or aggressive solo engagements, Waylay is poised to become a game-changer in VALORANT’s ever-evolving battlefield.
