Ruse icon
Clove · Signature ability

Ruse

Ruse is Clove's E signature ability. EQUIP a tactical map. FIRE to set smoke locations. ALT FIRE to cast smokes. While dead, Clove can access Ruse to cast brief smokes.

Agent
Clove
Role
Controller
Key
E
Type
Signature ability

How has Ruse changed in every patch?

All patch notes →

Ruse has been changed in 10 patches, from patch 8.07 to patch 12.06: 3 buffs, 3 nerfs and 7 bug fixes. Newest changes first.

  1. Patch 12.06
    • BugfixBuff Fixed a bug where post-death Ruse could not be unequipped without casting it.
  2. Patch 12.05
    • Nerf Smoke duration 14s >> 6s when casted while dead
  3. Patch 11.10
    • Nerf Charges are now restricted to 1 maximum when Clove is dead
  4. Patch 10.07
    • BugfixBuff Fixed an issue where Clove’s Ruse battlefield view could be seen from underneath elevated locations while they have it equipped.
  5. Patch 10.04
    • Nerf Cooldown duration increased from 30s → 40s
  6. Patch 9.10
    • Adjustment Enemy smokes updated to appear more red than ally smokes
    • Added Visual cues have been added to the inside of the smoke before it expires.
  7. Patch 9.03
    • Added Can now ping and see additional icons on maps used for ability targeting
  8. Patch 8.11
    • Bugfix Fixed an issue where players inside Clove’s smoke forming location were at a disadvantage compared to players on the outside of the smoke.
  9. Patch 8.08
    • Bugfix Fixed Clove's icons being incorrect when Ruse was equipped.
  10. Patch 8.07
    • Bugfix Fixed a bug where Ruse used after death does not report to the Match Details.
    • BugfixBuff Fixed a bug where Clove’s head and arm hitboxes could be offset when aiming sharply up or down, and while crouched with Ruse equipped.
    • Bugfix Fixed a bug where moving through the edges of Clove’s smoke would cause flickering vision rather than a smooth transition.

Patch change data adapted from Clove's update history on the VALORANT Wiki, licensed CC BY-SA 3.0.

Clove's other abilities

Clove guide →
C

Pick-me-up

Basic ability

ACTIVATE on a targeted dead enemy that you damaged or killed to gain haste and overheal.
Q

Meddle

Basic ability

EQUIP Meddle. FIRE to throw. Explodes on landing, decaying all players.
X

Not Dead Yet

Ultimate ability

On death, ACTIVATE to channel a self-resurrect. During the channel, Clove is intangible. REACTIVATE to end the channel early. Once resurrected, secure a kill or damaging assist to stay alive.

Other Controller E abilities

All abilities →
E

Nebula

Astra · Signature ability

ACTIVATE a Star to transform it into a smoke.
E

Sky Smoke

Brimstone · Signature ability

EQUIP a tactical map. FIRE to set smoke locations. ALT FIRE to cast smokes.
E

Cove

Harbor · Signature ability

ENTER The Deep. REACTIVATE to cast a smoke. HOLD FIRE/ALT FIRE to adjust distance. RELOAD to toggle view. After casting, REACTIVATE to transform the smoke into a destructible shield.
E

Waveform

Miks · Signature ability

EQUIP a tactical map. FIRE to set smoke locations. ALT FIRE to cast smokes.
E

Dark Cover

Omen · Signature ability

ENTER Shadow Vision. REACTIVATE to cast a smoke. HOLD FIRE/ALT FIRE to adjust distance. RELOAD to toggle view.
E

Toxic Screen

Viper · Signature ability

EQUIP Toxic Screen. FIRE to send forward and place a line of emitters. REACTIVATE to consume fuel to create a toxic vision-blocking wall that decays enemies.