Pacific powerhouse Paper Rex has devised a fearsome Pearl composition that propelled them to victory against top-ranked Evil Geniuses, securing their place in the VALORANT Champions 2023 Grand Finals. This innovative strategy revolves around utilizing Phoenix, a duelist often overlooked, to great effect.
In their recent match against EG on August 24th, Paper Rex showcased the power of Phoenix and how they strategically played around his abilities. The series was a thrilling back-and-forth affair, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance and despair. Ultimately, it was Paper Rex’s mastery of their unique composition that proved decisive in the final map, Pearl, which went into overtime.
Thanks to clutch plays from mindfreak and f0rsakeN, Paper Rex emerged victorious with a 15-13 scoreline. However, their success would not have been possible without their unconventional composition featuring Jinggg on Phoenix.
Phoenix offers distinct advantages over other duelists. Firstly, his ultimate, Run It Back, is the most cost-effective, requiring only six ult points to charge. Additionally, he possesses a molly ability called Hot Hands, which deals damage over time in a small area. When combined with the dynamics of Pearl, a map where orbs are easily contested, Phoenix becomes a formidable force. His ult allows for information gathering and aggressive pushes, while his molly can be used for post-plants or to control chokepoints.
Reviewing the VOD of the Paper Rex/EG matchup on Pearl, it becomes evident that almost every round begins with Jinggg securing an ult orb, often from A main. This is made possible through coordinated use of abilities such as Phoenix’s Blaze wall, Jett’s Cloudburst, or even a flash. As a result, Jinggg can activate his ultimate two to four times per half, consistently providing value for the team.
Furthermore, Phoenix’s molly has a specific range before it drops, limiting its long-range capabilities compared to agents like Killjoy. However, it can still be utilized for select lineups. For instance, when pushing through B link, Jinggg throws a molly that precisely hits the inside corner, forcing any lurking opponents to reveal themselves. While it may not always result in a kill, this demonstrates the intelligent use of Phoenix’s limited molly for advantageous positioning.
On the attacking side, Phoenix excels on both sites of Pearl due to his Blaze wall and Hot Hands molly. Typically, agents like Viper and Harbor are relied upon to secure the site and prevent defuses from long distances. However, Phoenix can wall himself onto the site, play aggressively, and even use his molly on the spike if necessary. He seamlessly transitions from a duelist to a controller, making him a versatile asset. Additionally, his ultimate can be sacrificially employed to gather crucial information, similar to Yoru but with greater kill potential. Pearl’s sites, with their long sightlines and constant corners, perfectly suit Phoenix’s playstyle.
Unlike other pocket picks such as Reyna or Yoru, where flash usage and aim are paramount, Phoenix thrives on strategic utility plays. Coupled with an almost unavoidable flash ability, Phoenix proves to be an excellent choice on Pearl, even if Riot doesn’t make significant changes to him compared to other duelists.
Paper Rex will now face the winner of the lower bracket finals between LOUD and EG on August 26th to determine the VALORANT Champions 2023.
Source: DOTESPORTS
