Cancelling Raze’s Ultimate animation is, regrettably, impossible in Valorant. While the thought of immediately firing the rocket after activation is enticing, the game mechanics intentionally prevent this for balance reasons, forcing players to commit to the animation. However, strategic positioning and timing are crucial to mitigating the vulnerability during the ult activation sequence.
Understanding the Raze Ultimate: Showstopper
Raze’s ultimate, Showstopper, is a devastating area-of-effect weapon that can quickly clear tight corners or secure objective sites. However, its effectiveness is directly tied to the user’s skill in managing the lengthy animation sequence before the rocket can be fired. This animation leaves Raze vulnerable to enemy fire, making smart positioning and tactical awareness paramount. The ult takes around 1.45 seconds to equip and fire.
Many players erroneously believe there’s a hidden technique or exploit to bypass this animation, fueled by misinterpretations of gameplay clips or outright misinformation. In reality, the key to maximizing Showstopper’s potential lies not in cancellation, but in minimizing exposure during the activation period and mastering predictive aiming.
Strategic Positioning: The Key to Success
Since canceling the animation isn’t an option, the focus shifts to optimal positioning. This involves carefully selecting locations that offer cover or concealment while activating the ultimate. Consider these factors:
- Angles of Attack: Choose spots where enemies are unlikely to expect you. High ground, unexpected corners, or behind temporary smokes are all valuable options.
- Cover and Concealment: Prioritize areas with solid cover, such as walls or crates, to protect you from incoming fire during the animation. Alternatively, use smoke grenades to provide concealment, albeit temporarily.
- Enemy Awareness: Gauge your opponents’ knowledge of your location. If they know you’re nearby, a more aggressive approach might be suicidal. Instead, reposition or feign a different action.
Timing and Prediction: Maximizing Impact
Even with excellent positioning, the timing of your ultimate activation is critical. A poorly timed Showstopper can be easily countered or completely wasted. To improve your timing:
- Anticipate Enemy Movement: Observe enemy patterns and anticipate their movements. Activate Showstopper just before they enter a vulnerable area, maximizing your chances of a successful hit.
- Coordinate with Your Team: Communicate your intentions with your teammates. They can provide cover fire, create diversions, or even set up opportunities for you to land a clean shot.
- Utilize Audio Cues: Listen for audio cues that indicate enemy positions or movements. The sound of footsteps, reloading, or ability usage can provide valuable information for timing your ultimate.
- Faking Out Opponents: Sometimes, simply pulling out the rocket launcher, without firing, can be enough to create panic or force opponents to relocate, granting you an advantage even without using the ultimate. This can be a key part of your strategy.
Overcoming the Animation Vulnerability
While you can’t skip the animation, you can mitigate its impact:
- Pre-Aim: While not cancelling the animation, pre-aiming where you intend to fire helps the instant the animation completes. This is vital for faster reactions.
- Quick Peeks: Don’t expose yourself for extended periods. Use quick peeks to scout enemy positions and then retreat to safety before activating Showstopper.
- Awareness is Key: Be aware of your surroundings and potential threats before using your ultimate. A surprise flank can easily lead to your demise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to common questions about Raze’s ultimate and animation:
FAQ 1: Can I jump or slide during the Showstopper animation?
No, jumping or sliding during the Showstopper animation is not possible. Activating the ultimate locks you into the animation sequence, preventing any movement adjustments.
FAQ 2: Does using Showstopper slow Raze down?
Yes, Raze’s movement speed is significantly reduced while Showstopper is active. This vulnerability further emphasizes the importance of strategic positioning.
FAQ 3: Can another agent’s ability cancel my Showstopper animation?
Yes, certain abilities, like Sova’s Shock Darts or Breach’s Fault Line, can disrupt your Showstopper animation if you are hit during the activation. However, it does not cancel the ult’s charge completely; you’ll still have the rocket, but the current firing animation will be interrupted.
FAQ 4: Does Showstopper’s rocket have a set travel time?
Yes, the rocket has a travel time, though it’s relatively fast. This requires leading your targets, especially at longer ranges, to account for their movement.
FAQ 5: Can I use Showstopper to propel myself upwards like a rocket jump?
While you can use the Showstopper’s explosion for a limited amount of “rocket jumping,” it’s not as effective or reliable as in other games. The damage to yourself is significant, and the launch isn’t very controlled. It is generally not a good tactic.
FAQ 6: Does Showstopper’s explosion damage Raze?
Yes, Showstopper’s explosion does damage Raze. Be extremely cautious when firing at close range or near walls. The self-damage can be lethal.
FAQ 7: How much does Showstopper cost in ultimate points?
Showstopper costs 8 ultimate points to charge.
FAQ 8: Is there a minimum range for Showstopper’s rocket?
No, there is no minimum range. You can fire Showstopper point-blank, but be mindful of the self-damage!
FAQ 9: Can I use Showstopper in mid-air?
Yes, you can activate and fire Showstopper while in the air. This can be useful for surprising enemies from unexpected angles, but be mindful of your momentum and the limitations of mid-air aiming.
FAQ 10: Does Showstopper penetrate walls?
No, Showstopper’s rocket does not penetrate walls. It will explode upon impact with any solid surface.
FAQ 11: How can I practice using Showstopper effectively?
The best way to practice is in the practice range. Focus on familiarizing yourself with the rocket’s trajectory, explosion radius, and the timing of the animation. Experiment with different angles and positions. Unrated and Swiftplay games are also excellent environments to hone your skills in a live setting without impacting your competitive ranking.
FAQ 12: Are there any Raze Showstopper tutorials by professional players I can watch?
Yes, many professional Valorant players and coaches have created tutorials on Raze and her Showstopper ultimate. Searching platforms like YouTube for “[Pro Player Name] Raze Guide” or “Valorant Raze Showstopper Tips” will yield valuable results. These guides often include detailed explanations of advanced techniques, common mistakes to avoid, and strategic positioning tips.
Conclusion
While cancelling the Raze ultimate animation remains an unachievable goal, mastering the art of strategic positioning, precise timing, and predictive aiming are crucial for maximizing Showstopper’s devastating potential. Practice, observation, and adaptability are your best tools for transforming Raze into a formidable force on the battlefield. By understanding the limitations and focusing on leveraging available strategies, players can unleash the full power of the Showstopper and secure victory.