VALORANT Masters Santiago would be the first VCT event that may function the latest Harbor buffs launched in patch 12.02.
Forward of the event’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 power 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 are going to see how it will likely be. Not many groups love to do the adjustments, however I believe the brand new Harbor is the perfect from what it was earlier than, and the skills are very attention-grabbing to work round. I believe some groups will certainly pull it out as a result of I believe it’s good.”
Since its launch in October 2022, Harbor has suffered as a consequence of its area of interest controller skills, usually outclassed by most important people who smoke similar to Omen and the most well-liked secondary controller, Viper.
Though Riot Video games launched a serious Harbor rework in November final 12 months, the agent’s decide charge throughout the VCT modified little. Nonetheless, the latest patch 12.02 launched important enhancements to Harbor’s utility, together with an extended period for his Cove, together with rising 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 believe folks don’t realise the potential he has. There’s loads of hidden, area of interest stuff about him that makes him a bit OP in my view,” commented the triple VCT Americas 2025 champion.
“So, I received’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 getting ready for anybody to drag out Harbor. He appears fairly good.”
Each G2 and Paper Rex have proven flexibility of their crew compositions at VCT Kickoff, that means a possible Harbor decide wouldn’t be uncanny for these progressive groups.
Not All Gamers Agree

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 believe folks have collectively most likely determined he’s worse now than he was earlier than,” argued NRG’s Ethan. “However I’m unsure. I believe he’s in a bizarre spot proper now.”
Apparently, Ethan and his crew have 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 crew composition on Abyss, even selecting the area of interest decide through the Champions 2025 Grand Final 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 through the official Twitch and YouTube broadcasts.
The put up “New Harbor is the best”: VALORANT pros react to Harbor buffs at Masters Santiago appeared first on Esports Insider.
