Shock Bolt icon
Sova · Basic ability

Shock Bolt

Shock Bolt is Sova's Q basic ability. EQUIP a Shock Bolt. FIRE to shoot a bolt that explodes on any surface, dealing damage to all players. HOLD FIRE to increase the bolt’s velocity. ALT FIRE to add up to two bounces.

Agent
Sova
Role
Initiator
Key
Q
Type
Basic ability

How has Shock Bolt changed in every patch?

All patch notes →

Shock Bolt has been changed in 5 patches, from patch 3.00 to patch 5.12: 2 buffs, 3 nerfs and 2 bug fixes. Newest changes first.

  1. Patch 5.12
    • Buff Now deals damage to Fade's Prowler
  2. Patch 5.01
    • BugfixBuff Fixed issue with the bolts not damaging enemy traps and other game objects other than players
  3. Patch 4.11
    • BugfixNerf Fixed the trick shot VO line so that it only plays when he kills an enemy agent with 1-bounce or 2-bounce bolt
      • The line will no longer play if it destroys any utility under these conditions
  4. Patch 4.08
    • Nerf Max Damage decreased 90 → 75
      • Radial damage has been scaled in accordance with new max damage
  5. Patch 3.00
    • Nerf Cost increased 100 → 150

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

Sova's other abilities

Sova guide →
C

Owl Drone

Basic ability

EQUIP a destructible Owl Drone. FIRE to take control. FIRE again to shoot a dart that repeatedly reveals enemies.
E

Recon Bolt

Signature ability

EQUIP a destructible Recon Bolt. FIRE to shoot a bolt that repeatedly reveals nearby enemies in range and line of sight. HOLD FIRE to increase the bolt’s velocity. ALT FIRE to add up to two bounces.
X

Hunter's Fury

Ultimate ability

EQUIP Hunter’s Fury. FIRE to shoot a zone that deals damage. Can be fired up to two more times. Enemies hit are revealed to Sova.

Other Initiator Q abilities

All abilities →
Q

Flashpoint

Breach · Basic ability

EQUIP a Flashpoint. FIRE to send it through a wall, exploding to flash all players looking at it.
Q

Seize

Fade · Basic ability

EQUIP Seize. FIRE to throw. REACTIVATE to drop early. On landing, deafen, decay, and tether enemies.
Q

Wingman

Gekko · Basic ability

EQUIP a destructible Wingman. FIRE to send it forward. Chases the first enemy it sees, concussing on impact. ALT FIRE to have Wingman plant or defuse at a targeted bomb site. Reverts to a Globule.
Q

FLASH/drive

KAY/O · Basic ability

EQUIP a FLASH/drive. FIRE to throw. ALT FIRE to lob. After a delay, explode, flashing all players looking at it.
Q

Trailblazer

Skye · Basic ability

EQUIP a destructible Trailblazer. FIRE to take control. FIRE again to lunge and explode, concussing all players and dealing damage to enemies on direct hits.
Q

Special Delivery

Tejo · Basic ability

EQUIP Special Delivery. FIRE to launch. ALT FIRE to launch with a bounce. Explodes on any surface, concussing and damaging all players.