Dark Cover icon
Omen · Signature ability

Dark Cover

Dark Cover is Omen's E signature ability. ENTER Shadow Vision. REACTIVATE to cast a smoke. HOLD FIRE/ALT FIRE to adjust distance. RELOAD to toggle view.

Agent
Omen
Role
Controller
Key
E
Type
Signature ability

How has Dark Cover changed in every patch?

All patch notes →

Dark Cover has been changed in 16 patches, from patch 0.50 to patch 11.10: 11 buffs, 10 nerfs and 8 bug fixes. Newest changes first.

  1. Patch 11.10
    • Adjustment Spectators can now see Omen’s perspective in Dark Cover when he is placing his smokes.
    • Bugfix Fixed its minimap to match the darkness of other dome smokes.
  2. Patch 11.08
    • Nerf Cooldown increased from 30s → 40s
  3. Patch 11.00
    • Buff Given no other dome smoke controllers reveal their own location on smoking, removed this opponent counterplay specific to Omen.
    • Buff No longer plays audio in third person within 12.5 meters for opponents. This audio will still play for Allies.
    • Bugfix Fixed an issue where targeting views could be inconsistently applied during Dark Cover if Shrouded Step was spammed during Dark Cover’s ability equip flow.
    • BugfixNerf Fixed a bug allowing Omen to unintentionally see enemies as they appear on your teammates' view using Dark Cover.
  4. Patch 10.10
    • BugfixNerf Reverted a bugfix that was released in 10.07, which should fix the issue where dead allies spectating Omen could see through nearsights (most notably Viper’s ult) if Omen is using Dark Cover
      • Reintroduced (and still investigating) the issue where Omen could not see properly when casting Dark Cover if he was overlapping another dense smoke (smokes that obscure vision inside, e.g. Jett Cloudburst, Brimstone Sky Smoke, etc.).
  5. Patch 10.07
    • BugfixBuff Fixed an issue where Omen could not see properly when casting Dark Cover if he was overlapping another dense smoke (smokes that obscure vision inside, e.g. Jett Cloudburst, Brimstone Sky Smoke, etc.).
  6. Patch 9.10
    • Nerf Will now always fall to level geometry where players can stand
    • Added Visual cues have been added to the inside of the smoke before it expires.
  7. Patch 7.08
    • Added Smokes play an audio and visual cue 1.5 seconds before they are about to fade.
  8. Patch 7.05
    • BugfixBuff Fixed a bug where other Agents were not animating when they moved through Omen’s Dark Cover ability.
  9. Patch 6.00
    • Nerf Now falls to the height of nearby ground if placed inside walls
  10. Patch 4.04
    • Buff Cooldown decreased 40s → 30s
    • Buff Projectile Speed increased 2800 → 6400
    • Nerf Cost increased 100 → 150
  11. Patch 3.05
    • BugfixBuff Will no longer equip weapons slower than intended after casting Dark Cover
  12. Patch 3.04
    • BugfixBuff Fixed an issue where Dark Cover could travel in unintended ways that caused it to settle slightly off from where it was aimed
  13. Patch 3.00
    • Nerf Granted signature charges reduced 2 → 1
      • Omen now must buy his second smoke for C 100
    • Nerf Cooldown time increased 35 → 40
  14. Patch 2.00
    • Nerf Projectile speed decreased 4000 → 2800
  15. Patch 1.00
    • Buff Omen now enters a “phaser” world where he can see through walls to place his smokes
      • Pressing RELOAD toggles between phased and normal targeting
      • Omen can now increase smoke distance with PRIMARY FIRE, decrease it with SECONDARY FIRE, and throw smoke with the ABILITY KEY
  16. Patch 0.50
    • Buff Duration increased 12 >> 15 seconds
    • Buff Projectile speed increased to 4000
    • Nerf Cooldown increased 30 >> 35 seconds

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

Omen's other abilities

Omen guide →
C

Shrouded Step

Basic ability

EQUIP a Shrouded Step. FIRE to briefly channel, then teleport to a targeted location.
Q

Paranoia

Basic ability

EQUIP Paranoia. FIRE to send it forward. Applies nearsight and deafens all players.
X

From the Shadows

Ultimate ability

EQUIP a tactical map. FIRE to begin a teleport to a selected location. While teleporting, Omen appears as a destructible shade at the destination. REACTIVATE to cancel.

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

Ruse

Clove · 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.
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

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.