🧠 Who Is Clove in Valorant?
Clove is a new agent in Valorant, and they’ve already made a big impression—not just because of their abilities, but because of who they are. Clove is Valorant’s first non-binary agent, and Riot made that clear right from the start.
They’re a controller from Scotland, and their playstyle is all about bending death to their will. Even after they’re taken out, they can still use smokes and even come back to life—if they earn it. That makes Clove one of the most unique agents in the game.
Riot’s design for Clove isn’t just about powers, though. It’s about identity too. Clove’s personality, appearance, and voice lines all reflect who they are. From their fashion choices to how they talk about death, everything is tied into their story.
And in a game with millions of players, that kind of representation matters. It gives players someone they might relate to—someone who reflects their own identity or shows them something new.
🌈 Clove's gender identity: Is Clove Trans?
Clove is non-binary. Riot Games officially confirmed it in a developer Q&A when they introduced the character. They didn’t just hint at it—they said it outright. Clove uses they/them pronouns, and that’s consistent across everything: in the game, on the official website, and in developer interviews.
John Goscicki, who leads agent development at Riot, explained it pretty clearly. When the team creates a new agent, they think about more than just powers and roles. They want every agent to reflect different parts of the player base—including gender identity. That’s part of why Clove exists.
So, no, Clove isn’t a girl. And they’re not a guy either. They’re non-binary, and that’s something Riot built into the character from the beginning.
Their design also helps underline that. From the way they dress to the butterfly rings with a non-binary gender symbol, it’s all intentional. Nothing feels like an afterthought. It’s part of who they are as a person—and as an agent in Valorant.
🗣 What Are Clove’s Pronouns in Valorant?
Clove uses they/them pronouns. You’ll hear it in voice lines, see it in official patch notes, and find it in character descriptions. Riot hasn’t left this vague—they’ve made it part of the character’s identity from day one.
Even other agents refer to Clove using the right pronouns in-game. That matters because it sets the tone for how the community talks about them too. When the game respects Clove’s identity, players are more likely to do the same.
This is especially important in team-based games like Valorant. Agents aren’t just avatars—they have stories, voices, and personalities. Using correct pronouns helps ground Clove as a real part of that world.
It’s a small detail, but it goes a long way. It shows that Riot is paying attention—and making space for players who want to see characters that reflect them.
📖 What Does the Lore Say About Clove’s Gender?
Clove’s lore doesn’t just hint at their identity—it supports it all the way through.
They’re described as a Scottish troublemaker who’s fearless in the face of death. That theme of defying expectations is a big part of who they are—not just in how they play, but in how they live. Clove’s powers revolve around death and resurrection. Even after getting eliminated, they can come back, smoke the map, and change the round. That idea of not being limited by one state—alive or dead—mirrors their gender identity too.
In the official lore, Clove is immortal. They move between the living and the dead like it’s nothing. That flexibility, that resistance to being boxed in, is a strong metaphor for being non-binary. And Riot seems to be using that on purpose—not in a heavy-handed way, but subtly woven into the character.
Even their design choices tell part of the story. The symbols on their rings, their clothes, their voice lines—everything backs up their identity. For example, one of their rings includes the neutrois gender symbol, a direct nod to the non-binary community.
So, while Clove’s gender is never the central plot point, it’s always there—part of the fabric of who they are. That’s how you know Riot meant it, and didn’t just add it in last minute.
🔥 How the Valorant Community Reacted – And the Controversy Around It
When Riot confirmed Clove’s identity as non-binary, the reaction online was… mixed. A lot of players supported the move. They appreciated seeing a character who reflects a wider range of gender identities—especially in a popular competitive shooter like Valorant.
But not everyone was on board. Some players felt like gender shouldn’t be a focus in a game where the goal is to outshoot the enemy team. One particular controversy blew up when a Twitter account claimed players could be banned for misgendering Clove in voice chat. The claim came from an unofficial Valorant updates account, but it spread fast—and caused a lot of debate.
Some people were genuinely confused. Others were openly angry. They argued that in the heat of a match, using the “correct” pronoun shouldn’t matter—and that enforcing it would break comms or even lead to bans for small mistakes.
There was also a loud group pushing harmful narratives, mocking pronouns, or calling the character things Riot never intended. That kind of reaction, while not new in gaming, shows how polarizing conversations around gender identity still are in competitive spaces.
Here’s the thing though: Riot never said you’d be banned just for using the wrong pronoun. They’ve said before that they’re focused on stopping harassment—not policing how people speak under pressure. But like with any major update, rumors filled in the gaps, and it turned into a storm.
So where does that leave us?
Clove’s identity is part of who they are. It’s not forced—it’s consistent, respectful, and built into the lore. Riot isn’t asking players to change how they play. They’re asking the community to respect a character’s pronouns—just like they would for a teammate or friend.
In the end, it comes down to this: you don’t have to agree with every decision Riot makes. But mocking it, or turning it into a joke, doesn’t help anyone. Especially not the players who finally feel seen because of characters like Clove.
❓FAQs About Clove’s Gender and Identity in Valorant
Here are some common questions people have been asking—along with straightforward answers based on everything we know from Riot and in-game material.
🟡 Is Clove non-binary?
Yes. Riot confirmed this directly in a developer Q&A. Clove uses they/them pronouns and is Valorant’s first official non-binary agent.
🟡 Is Clove transgender?
No, not exactly. Transgender typically refers to someone whose gender identity is different from the one they were assigned at birth. Riot didn’t describe Clove as trans—they described them as non-binary. That means they don’t identify strictly as male or female.
🟡 What pronouns does Clove use?
They/them. You’ll hear it in voice lines and see it in patch notes and promotional material. It’s consistent across all official Riot content.
🟡 Do I get banned if I misgender Clove?
No, not automatically. Riot hasn’t stated that misgendering alone leads to bans. However, harassment or targeted abuse related to someone’s identity—whether it's a player or an agent—can lead to penalties. Riot's main goal is to keep the community respectful.
🟡 Why does Clove’s gender matter in a shooter?
For some players, it doesn’t. And that’s okay. You can just play the game. But for others, seeing a non-binary character in a mainstream shooter is a big deal. It’s about representation—giving people someone they can relate to, even in a fast-paced FPS.
🟡 Does Clove’s identity affect gameplay?
Not at all. Clove’s gender has no impact on performance, mechanics, or abilities. They're a controller with a strong utility kit—and that’s what really matters in-game.
🟡 Are there other LGBTQ+ agents in Valorant?
Yes. Killjoy and Raze are confirmed to be in a relationship, making them the first queer couple in Valorant. Riot has been adding more diverse characters over time, and Clove is another step in that direction.
🟡 What if I mess up and use the wrong pronoun?
It happens. The important thing is to correct it and move on. Nobody’s perfect, and most people appreciate the effort, not perfection.
🏁 Conclusion: Why Clove Matters
Clove is more than just another agent in Valorant. They’re a step forward in how games can reflect the people who play them.
By making Clove non-binary, Riot didn’t just check a box—they told a story. They gave players someone who breaks the mold, not just in gameplay, but in identity. And they backed it up with lore, design, voice acting, and clear communication.
Not everyone will care about Clove’s gender—and that’s okay. You can still smoke chokes, clutch rounds, and enjoy the game. But for a lot of players, Clove means something. It’s a reminder that Valorant isn’t just about guns and aim. It’s about people. It’s about building a game that welcomes everyone, even if they don’t fit into the usual categories.
And yeah, there’s been backlash. There always is when something challenges the norm. But Clove’s existence doesn’t take anything away from anyone. If anything, it adds more dimension to the game—more voices, more stories, and more ways for people to feel seen.
You don’t have to agree with every design choice Riot makes. But it’s worth recognizing when a character is built with care and purpose. Clove is one of those characters.
