Cypher, one of Valorant’s most iconic agents, stands out as a sentinel specializing in gathering intel and controlling the battlefield through his unique set of abilities. Cypher excels at both offense and defense, acting as the team’s eyes and ears while strategically setting up traps to outwit opponents. His role may not be as aggressive as others, but his utility in the hands of a skilled player can be a game-changer.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Cypher, from his abilities to advanced strategies that will help you elevate your gameplay.

Cypher’s Biography and Story

Amir El Amari, also known as Cypher, hails from Rabat, Morocco. He has a deep connection to the people and culture of his hometown but harbors resentment towards Kingdom Corporation for draining the region’s resources. Growing up in challenging conditions, El Amari became a skilled information broker, gathering secrets for a price. As a member of the VALORANT Protocol, he is known for his secrecy, wearing a face-concealing mask and setting up multiple safehouses to ensure his personal information remains hidden from both enemies and allies alike.

Despite being recruited as Agent 5 of the VALORANT Protocol, Cypher keeps his identity a secret even from his teammates. His calculated and observant personality allows him to manipulate the battlefield, always staying one step ahead of his enemies by uncovering secrets no one else can.

Cypher’s Abilities Explained

Trapwire (C)

Cypher’s Trapwire is a covert device used to set up a tripwire between two surfaces. Any enemy who crosses the wire will be tethered, revealed to Cypher’s team, and briefly concussed if they fail to destroy the trap in time. Trapwires can be picked up and redeployed, making them extremely flexible for both offensive and defensive situations.

Using Trapwire, Cypher can cover key choke points or flanks, slowing down the enemy’s advance or catching them off guard. A well-placed Trapwire can also provide your team with critical information about enemy movements.

• Strategy: When defending, place Trapwires in high-traffic areas, such as entryways or bomb sites. On offense, use them to protect your flank while you focus on advancing.

Cyber Cage (Q)

Cyber Cage is an ability that deploys a vision-blocking zone that can be triggered at will. Unlike typical smokes in Valorant, the Cyber Cage plays an audio cue when enemies pass through it, alerting Cypher to their presence. This can be used to delay pushes, deny information, or create safe angles for yourself and your team.

• Strategy: One effective trick is placing the Cyber Cage on top of a Trapwire. When the enemy gets snagged, activate the Cyber Cage, giving yourself a hidden angle to strike. Additionally, using Cyber Cage to cover a planted spike can make it difficult for enemies to defuse without exposing themselves.

Spycam (E)

Cypher’s Spycam is arguably his most versatile tool. This camera can be placed on walls and manually controlled to gather intel from a safe distance. While in control of the camera, Cypher can fire a tracking dart that will reveal the location of an enemy until the dart is removed.

Spycam excels in gathering information without Cypher needing to risk his life, and when used creatively, it can provide invaluable intel on enemy locations and movements.

• Strategy: Place the Spycam in hidden or high locations where enemies are unlikely to spot it. Use the camera to scout out enemies before they push or to hold angles on bomb sites. Always recall your camera when possible to reduce the cooldown and prevent it from being destroyed.

Neural Theft (Ultimate Ability)

Neural Theft is Cypher’s ultimate ability, allowing him to extract information from a dead enemy and reveal the locations of all living opponents twice in a row. This ability can turn the tide of a round, especially in close, high-stakes situations.

• Strategy: The best time to use Neural Theft is after securing a key pick, giving your team a clear advantage by revealing enemy positions. However, be aware that this ultimate also reveals your position, so use it wisely and quickly retreat to safety after activation.

Best Strategies for Playing Cypher

Attacking with Cypher

On offense, Cypher’s role isn’t just about planting the spike. His job is to gather information and prevent the enemy from flanking. When attacking, Cypher should use his Spycam and Trapwires to lock down key areas of the map. Placing a Trapwire in an unexpected location can alert your team to an enemy trying to rotate behind you.

Additionally, use your Cyber Cage to block vision or create safe zones while pushing into a bombsite. Cypher is also excellent at lurking — instead of following your team into a site, place a Spycam to gather information while watching for rotations or setting up a flank.

Defending with Cypher

Cypher truly shines on defense, where he can control key choke points and deny enemy pushes. Place Trapwires at critical entry points to slow down the enemy’s advance, forcing them to either destroy the trap or trigger it. The concuss effect and revealing nature of the Trapwire will make it easier for your team to hold the site.

Spycam can be placed in high, hard-to-spot locations to watch over bomb sites or entry points. Combine Spycam with Trapwires and Cyber Cage for a layered defense, making it extremely difficult for enemies to push without being detected.

Using Cyber Cage to hold off enemies on site or to hide in corners provides additional protection. If the enemy knows your location, activate the Cyber Cage, change your position, and use the chaos to your advantage.

Advanced Tactics: Mastering Cypher

Lurking

Cypher’s ability to gather information while remaining undetected makes him one of the best lurkers in Valorant. By placing Trapwires and Spycam behind you, you can safely rotate or flank without worrying about enemies sneaking up. Lurking can create opportunities to catch opponents off guard and make game-changing plays.

Peeking Off Trapwires

One of the most effective ways to use Trapwires is to peek immediately after an enemy triggers them. Most players’ first instinct when caught by a Trapwire is to shoot it. This gives you a brief moment to swing around the corner and catch them off guard while they’re distracted.

Stacking Trapwires

Placing multiple Trapwires close together can trick enemies into thinking they’ve cleared the site after destroying one wire. By stacking them vertically or horizontally, you can catch aggressive enemies rushing into the site and disrupt their push.

Smart Use of Neural Theft

While Neural Theft is a powerful ultimate, using it recklessly can reveal your position to the enemy team. Always use it in moments where your team has the upper hand, preferably when you know the enemy is scattered or low on resources. The intel provided by Neural Theft can help your team coordinate their final push or defense with precision.

Conclusion: Why Cypher is a Vital Agent

Cypher is the backbone of any team looking to control the flow of the game through information and deception. His abilities to gather intel, protect flanks, and hold bomb sites make him a vital pick for any strategy-heavy team composition. Though Cypher may require creativity and strategic thinking to be fully effective, a well-played Cypher can turn the tide of any match, making him a crucial agent for both casual and competitive players.

By mastering the strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an exceptional Cypher player, capable of outsmarting and outmaneuvering your opponents in any scenario.