In Riot Games’ ever-evolving tactical shooter Valorant, agent popularity shifts with every balance patch and meta adjustment. Yet as of August 2025, one agent consistently finds himself at the very bottom of the pick-rate charts:
Harbor, the water-bending Controller introduced in late 2022. Despite his striking visuals and unique theme, Harbor struggles to find a consistent place in both ranked play and professional tournaments.
Why Harbor Is the Least Played Agent
Harbor’s design revolves around zone control and protective walls, setting him apart from other Controllers.
But while visually impressive, his kit has proven difficult for many players to integrate into standard strategies:
- Low offensive impact: Unlike Omen, Viper, or Brimstone, Harbor lacks strong offensive tools such as blinds, mollies, or instant site-denial abilities.
- Steep learning curve: His water walls and smokes require precise placement and coordination to be effective—an element that doesn’t translate well in solo queue environments.
- Outshined by competitors: Teams usually prefer Controllers with more versatile and disruptive kits, leaving Harbor overshadowed in both casual and professional play.
As a result, Harbor’s abilities, though unique, often feel less impactful compared to the more established staples of Valorant’s meta.
Low Pick Rate Statistics
The numbers reinforce Harbor’s struggles:
- Pick rate: According to VStats.gg and other community trackers, Harbor’s usage hovers between 0.1% and 1.2%, depending on the rank tier.
- Behind other underplayed agents: Even agents like Deadlock and Astra, often criticized for low popularity, generally rank slightly higher than Harbor.
- Competitive scene: At major tournaments such as Valorant Masters Bangkok 2025, Harbor’s presence was virtually nonexistent, highlighting his absence from the pro meta.
Despite Riot’s push to diversify gameplay with agents like Harbor, his kit has not translated into consistent popularity.
Community and Pro Feedback
Community sentiment echoes the stats. Many players cite Harbor’s abilities as predictable and his overall contribution as limited compared to other Controllers. In competitive settings, pros often avoid him entirely, preferring the reliability of Viper or Omen for site control and flexibility.
Riot Games has acknowledged Harbor’s low pick rate in developer communications, leaving the door open for future buffs or reworks aimed at making him a more viable choice.
The Forgotten Controller
For now, Harbor holds the dubious title of Valorant’s least played agent in 2025. His low pick rates underscore the challenges of designing agents who balance visual flair with competitive impact.
While Harbor may still appeal to dedicated mains who enjoy his style, his place in Valorant’s wider meta remains limited—proof that not every agent can make a splash in the game’s competitive waters.
Written by:
Christian