Did Reyna’s Return Cause Toxicity?

Is Valorant More Toxic Now that Reyna Returned?

Valorant’s most notorious duelist, Reyna, is back after a game-breaking overheal bug forced her temporary removal. While some players celebrate her return, others argue that bringing her back revives old frustrations—especially the infamous insta-lock culture. With debates raging across the community, should Riot consider a rework for Reyna?

Why Was Reyna Removed from Valorant?

Reyna has always been a controversial agent. Her kit is incredibly powerful but highly selfish, making her an ideal pick for solo players who rely on their mechanical skill and are looking to boost their rank in Valorant. However, in Patch 10.5, a critical bug in her Devour ability prevented her from properly overhealing, rendering her nearly useless in matches.

The issue gained widespread attention on March 21, 2025, when T1’s Masters Bangkok winner, ‘T1 Meteor,’ highlighted the bug. Soon after, Riot removed Reyna from all game modes, even replacing her player card in career history with concept art. For days, the game remained silent about her return—until March 25, when Riot finally reintroduced her into the roster.

Why Some Fans Didn't Want Reyna Back

While many Reyna mains celebrated her return, a significant portion of the Valorant community expressed disappointment. Their reason? The game, according to them, was far less toxic during her absence.

The stereotype surrounding Reyna mains has existed for years, with many labeled as reckless, bottom-fragging players or overly aggressive smurfs who dominate lower ranks, like Valorant Elo Boosters. The frustration largely stems from her insta-lock nature—players picking her without considering team composition, only to underperform and leave their squad at a disadvantage.

Community Reactions to Reyna’s Return

The response from the Valorant player base has been mixed. Many believe that Reyna’s return shifts the balance of ranked games, as she enables players with strong aim to single-handedly dominate lobbies. However, others argue that her reliance on raw mechanical skill makes her a high-risk, high-reward agent rather than an inherently problematic one.

Another key factor fueling the debate is how Reyna fits into the evolving meta. With new agents like Waylay gaining popularity, Reyna’s playstyle feels increasingly outdated. She struggles as a secondary duelist who lacks strong site entry abilities, meaning she often relies on teammates to create space—something that doesn’t always happen in a game filled with random teammates.

Should Reyna Get a Rework?

With these ongoing discussions, some players have suggested that Reyna could benefit from a rework. While her abilities are effective in lower ranks, they become less viable at higher levels, where coordinated team play is essential. A potential rework could make her more adaptable to the evolving meta while preserving her high skill ceiling.

Ultimately, Reyna remains one of the most polarizing agents in Valorant. Whether she boosts competitive integrity or contributes to a more toxic environment is still up for debate. One thing is certain—her presence in ranked play isn’t going unnoticed. What do you think? Does Reyna need a rework, or should players simply adapt to her strengths and weaknesses?

 

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