Clove vs Fade•Matchup

Clove vs Fade Matchup Summary

The Clove vs Fade matchup in Valorant is a significant advantage for one side. Based on 317 competitive matches analyzed, Clove wins 53.6% of the time compared to Fade's 46.4%, a 7.3 percentage point difference. The most significant gap is in damage output, where Clove consistently outperforms. In this Controller vs Initiator matchup, Clove dominates this matchup statistically. Clove can confidently take 1v1 duels, while Fade should focus on playing with teammates, using utility to create advantages, and avoiding direct confrontations.

Clove vs Fade Fragging Analysis

Clove claims 4 out of 5 fragging metrics in the Clove vs Fade matchup, establishing clear mechanical superiority with advantages in KDA efficiency, kill production, damage output. Our analysis of 317 ranked games reveals Clove consistently outperforms Fade in direct combat scenarios. While Fade manages to win the remaining metric, the overall picture favors Clove in gunfights. Fade players should play around their one strength while minimizing exposure in areas where Clove dominates.

Clove vs Fade Attack and Defense Performance

Attack Side

Clove

48.5%

46.4%

Defense Side

Clove

53.6%

51.5%

Attack Side Breakdown

Clove demonstrates a modest attack-side advantage over Fade in this matchup, converting 48.5% of attacking rounds versus 46.4%. While this 2.1 point edge gives Clove slightly better site-taking capability, the gap remains narrow enough that skilled Fade players can overcome it through superior execution and team play.

The data from 317 competitive games suggests Clove's kit provides marginally better tools for attack-side scenarios. This could manifest as slightly more effective entry utility, better post-plant stalling, or superior mid-round adaptability. However, Fade teams shouldn't dramatically alter their attacking approach — instead, focus on tightening execute timing, coordinating utility chains more precisely, and ensuring trades are happening when entries fail. Small improvements in team coordination can easily overcome a 2.1% gap.

When taking entry duels, Clove holds a slight statistical advantage but nothing that should change fundamental approach. Fade players should still take confident entries when they have good information or utility support. The key adjustment is ensuring you're not taking unnecessary 50-50 duels — look for angles where you have an advantage through utility, information, or teammate support. Clove can play slightly more aggressively on entries, knowing the statistics marginally favor them.

In post-plant situations, Clove's slight advantage likely stems from better utility for denying defuses or controlling retake angles. Fade should compensate by being more deliberate about post-plant positioning — take spots that offer escape routes or trade potential rather than hero plays. Stack post-plants with teammates when possible, and use utility efficiently to maximize delay time. The 2.1 point gap can be neutralized through smart post-plant fundamentals.

Defense Side Breakdown

Clove shows slightly better defensive capabilities than Fade, winning 53.6% of defense rounds compared to 51.5%. This 2.1 percentage point edge suggests Clove's kit provides marginally better tools for CT-side play, though the gap remains small enough for skilled Fade players to overcome.

When deciding site assignments, Clove can slightly more confidently take solo anchor roles. Their 2.1% defensive advantage likely stems from better stalling utility, superior information gathering, or more effective site-holding positions. Fade should consider pairing with a teammate on their site rather than solo anchoring, or taking positions that allow early rotates rather than committing to extended holds. The advantage is small but worth considering in close games.

Clove demonstrates marginally better retake capability in this matchup. Whether through superior clearing utility, better post-plant positioning, or stronger clutch mechanics, Clove converts retakes at a slightly higher rate. Fade should focus on retaking with numbers — don't take hero 1v1 retakes against Clove when you can wait for teammates. Clove can be slightly more confident in isolated retake situations, knowing the statistics marginally favor them.

On eco and force buy rounds, the 2.1% gap becomes more pronounced as utility advantages compound. Fade should be more conservative with eco aggression against Clove and prioritize saving for full buys where team utility can compensate for individual disadvantages. Clove can play slightly more aggressively on force buys, knowing their defensive kit provides small but meaningful advantages even with limited economy.

Overall Side Analysis

Clove holds clear advantages on both attack (48.5%) and defense (53.6%), establishing themselves as the superior choice in the Clove vs Fade matchup regardless of map side. This consistency across both halves means Clove doesn't need to play for specific sides or rely on winning a particular half to succeed.

Clove's advantage holds across all map types and team compositions. Whether on attack-sided, defense-sided, or balanced maps, Clove performs better. Fade teams should consider compositions that can cover their weaknesses — pair Fade with strong fragging agents who can carry during their difficult matchup encounters, and ensure utility supports Fade's positioning.

For ranked climbing specifically, Clove is the objectively better pick in this matchup. If you're equally comfortable on both agents and frequently face this matchup, practicing Clove provides a measurable ranked advantage. Fade players should focus on team play, utility value, and avoiding direct Clove confrontations rather than trying to outfrag them.

The verdict is clear: Clove wins this matchup on both sides of the map. The combined 4.3 percentage point advantage across attack and defense represents a meaningful statistical edge. Fade isn't unplayable, but faces an uphill battle requiring stronger team support and more disciplined play to compete.

Controller vs Initiator Dynamics

The Controller (Clove) vs Initiator (Fade) dynamic creates asymmetric encounters where each agent brings fundamentally different tools to engagements. Clove's Controller abilities serve different purposes than Fade's Initiator kit, meaning direct fights often feature non-equivalent utility exchanges.

Understanding how Controller abilities interact with Initiator counterplay is essential for maximizing your agent's potential. Clove's Controller toolkit may excel at certain aspects while Fade's Initiator kit counters others. The Clove advantage suggests their role's capabilities translate better to winning these cross-role encounters on average.