Valorant, the strategic and high-energy first-person shooter game from Riot Games, has been captivating players since its launch in 2020. As we delve into 2023, the developers have piqued our curiosity with an announcement for a series of major updates for the year. But there’s one particular update that has everyone on the edge of their seat: the introduction of a new character known as Agent 23.
The Arrival of Agent 23
Agent 23, the codename of the new Sentinel agent in the Valorant universe, remains shrouded in secrecy as the official name continues to be withheld (although it might be “Cashew”), leaving fans and enthusiasts eager for more information. The enigmatic nature of this character has only fueled the flames of speculation within the passionate Valorant community, triggering a whirlwind of discussions, theories, and predictions.
Little is known about this enigmatic character, but that hasn’t stopped the Valorant community from engaging in a whirlwind of speculations. If the rumors hold any truth, we can expect this agent to be a game-changer in the Valorant universe. Just like Gekko changed the meta and the way the post plant is played in Valorant, this agent can change a lot more. If the speculations are true, he will come equipped with traps that will require extra awareness when you play against him.
The Abilities of Agent 23
One of the most tantalizing clues about Agent 23 is tied to their abilities. The developers teased that this agent “will stop you dead in your tracks and pull you in for a closer look”. This statement coupled with a player card named “Death Trap” appearing in the teaser image has led many to theorize that “Death Trap” could be the name of an ability that might involve trapping and pulling enemies closer, akin to a fish being reeled in.
The Origin of Agent 23
Another hint about Agent 23 comes from a curious detail: a depiction of Scandinavian waffles with a specific Norwegian cheese called brunost in the teaser image. This, along with recent lore entries mentioning Norway and the country’s long history with fishing, suggests that Agent 23 could be of Norwegian origin. This is yet another piece of the puzzle that adds depth to the character’s backstory.
2023 Valorant Roadmap
Beyond Agent 23, Valorant has a lot in store for the second half of 2023. The roadmap features new game modes such as “Swiftplay” and a unique take on Team Deathmatch. There’s also an array of new content, including 3 new agents, maps, skins, balance updates, and a new method for unlocking content, possibly separate from the Battle Pass. Since Gekko was added in 2023, 2 more agents remain. According to speculations, those agents will be Cashew and Smokedancer. One of them, Agent 23, will probably come to Valorant on June 27th, when the release of Episode 7 is scheduled for.
But that’s not all – the developers are also implementing a new system to mitigate disruptive behavior in the game, enhancing the player experience.
Valorant Esports 2023

For esports enthusiasts, 2023 is set to be a thrilling year. The Valorant esports schedule includes domestic and international leagues, a global Champions event, and more. With VCT Champions 2023 scheduled for late August, the second agent will very likely be revealed during that event. Of course, it will be related to the public in the next update after the VCT.
Moreover, Valorant Premier, an in-game tournament system, will probably leave an open beta, offering competitive players an exciting new arena to showcase their skills.
Conclusion
Valorant’s upcoming major update for 2023 is generating significant anticipation and excitement among players. At the heart of this excitement lies the introduction of Agent 23, a new Sentinel agent whose true identity and abilities remain veiled in secrecy.
While we eagerly await more details about Agent 23’s abilities and origins, the expansive 2023 roadmap promises to keep the game fresh and exciting. It’s clear that Valorant is committed to delivering a fantastic gaming experience that continues to evolve, innovate, and challenge its players.
Stay with The Game of Nerds for more updates, and get ready for an exhilarating year in the world of Valorant!