Instalocking has long frustrated Valorant players, where teammates duplicate agent picks and disrupt team synergy in multiplayer FPS matches.
Riot Games addressed this issue in developer discussions and is now rolling it out via the cascading agent selection method, eliminating instalocks for smoother queue experiences.
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Instalocking tests every player's patience during agent select screens. Players pick preferred agents pre-match, but selfish picks without team coordination lead to unbalanced comps and poor gameplay.
In ranked matches, a quick lock can force teammates into suboptimal roles. Flexible players adapt, but it's far from ideal.
Riot Games, creators of Valorant, is countering this with Cascade Picking, per leaks from ValorLeaks' Mike. It mirrors the system in Riot's League of Legends.
Valorant designer Jon Walker confirmed Cascade Picking arrives in Act 2 or 3 of Episode 4: Disruption. Each player gets 15-20 seconds per cycle to pick; late choosers can select later, preventing rushed, unbalanced locks.
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