Neon vs Clove•Matchup

Neon vs Clove Matchup Summary

The Neon vs Clove matchup in Valorant is a close matchup with a slight statistical edge. Based on 212 competitive matches analyzed, Neon wins 51.4% of the time compared to Clove's 48.6%, a 2.8 percentage point difference. The most significant gap is in headshot accuracy, where Clove consistently outperforms. In this Duelist vs Controller matchup, Neon holds a minor advantage, but Clove can absolutely secure rounds through good positioning and utility timing. The difference is slim enough that coordinated team plays and winning key aim duels can flip the matchup.

Neon vs Clove Fragging Analysis

Clove claims 4 out of 5 fragging metrics in the Neon vs Clove matchup, establishing clear mechanical superiority with advantages in KDA efficiency, kill production, damage output. Our analysis of 212 ranked games reveals Clove consistently outperforms Neon in direct combat scenarios. While Neon manages to win the remaining metric, the overall picture favors Clove in gunfights. Neon players should play around their one strength while minimizing exposure in areas where Clove dominates.

Neon vs Clove Attack and Defense Performance

Attack Side

Neon

48.8%

47.8%

Defense Side

Neon

52.2%

51.2%

Attack Side Breakdown

The attack-side comparison between Neon and Clove reveals near-perfect parity, with Neon winning 48.8% of attacking rounds compared to Clove's 47.8%. This negligible 1.0 percentage point difference indicates neither agent possesses inherent advantages when executing onto sites or pushing through chokepoints. When these agents meet on attack, success depends almost entirely on team coordination, execute timing, and individual mechanical skill rather than agent kit superiority.

From a tactical standpoint, neither Neon nor Clove should adjust their standard attacking approach based on this matchup. Both agents can run their typical execute patterns, default rotations, and lurk timings without worrying about a statistical disadvantage. The data from 212 matches suggests that whichever player has better game sense, utility timing, and raw mechanical aim will win attack-side encounters — there's no agent-based shortcut to victory here.

For entry fragging specifically, both Neon and Clove players can confidently take the first duel when executing onto sites. Neither agent's abilities create meaningful first-contact advantages over the other, so entry success comes down to crosshair placement, pre-aim quality, and jiggle-peeking technique. Whether you're playing Neon or Clove, approach site entries with the same confidence you'd have in any other matchup.

Post-plant scenarios in this matchup are similarly balanced. Neither agent demonstrates superior spike defense or retake denial capabilities against the other based on our attack-side data. When the spike is down, focus on standard post-plant fundamentals: positioning for crossfires, using utility to delay defuses, and communicating enemy positions to teammates. The 1.0% difference is small enough to be statistical noise rather than a meaningful advantage.

Defense Side Breakdown

Defensive performance between Neon and Clove is virtually identical, with Neon holding 52.2% of rounds on CT side and Clove at 51.2%. This 1.0 point margin indicates both agents contribute equally when anchoring sites, retaking, or denying post-plants. Neither possesses defensive utility advantages significant enough to swing matchup outcomes.

Both Neon and Clove can anchor sites with equal effectiveness in this matchup. Whether holding A, B, or mid on any map, neither agent's defensive kit provides meaningful advantages over the other. Site anchor decisions should be based on map knowledge, team composition needs, and personal preference rather than matchup considerations. The 1.0% difference is too small to influence site assignment choices.

Retake scenarios are similarly balanced between Neon and Clove. Neither agent demonstrates superior retake utility, post-plant clearing ability, or clutch potential against the other based on our defensive data from 212 matches. When retaking against either agent, focus on standard retake fundamentals: utility to clear common spots, coordinated timing with teammates, and trading effectively. Don't adjust your retake approach based on whether you're facing Neon or Clove.

Economy decisions and utility usage shouldn't change based on this specific matchup during defense. Both agents have comparable force buy success rates, full buy conversion, and utility effectiveness against each other. Make economy calls based on team needs and general defensive principles rather than Neon vs Clove specific considerations. Your standard defensive utility timing and placement will be equally effective regardless of which agent you're facing.

Overall Side Analysis

Neon maintains a consistent but slim advantage across both sides of the map in this matchup, with 48.8% attack win rate and 52.2% defense win rate. While Neon is statistically favored regardless of map side, the margins are close enough that Clove remains highly competitive and can win games through strong individual performance.

Map choice and team composition have minimal impact on this specific matchup outcome. Both agents perform similarly across attack-sided, defense-sided, and balanced maps. Pick based on personal comfort, team needs, and broader composition considerations rather than Neon vs Clove specific factors. The slight Neon advantage doesn't change based on external factors.

For ranked climbing, don't overthink this matchup. The statistical differences are small enough that individual skill, team coordination, and game sense remain the primary factors determining outcomes. Focus on improving your fundamentals on either agent rather than trying to gain edges through matchup knowledge. Both Neon and Clove are viable ranked picks with minimal matchup disadvantage.

Bottom line: this is one of the more balanced agent matchups in Valorant. Neon has a slight statistical edge, but Clove is absolutely viable and can win through skill. If you're comfortable on Clove, don't switch to Neon just for this matchup — the difference is too small to justify changing your agent pool.

Duelist vs Controller Dynamics

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

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