Riot Games has consistently worked to improve and balance Valorant, and Patch 9.08 is no exception. This update introduces a host of changes aimed at enhancing gameplay, refining agent abilities, and addressing community feedback. Below are the most significant changes you can expect in this patch.
Agent Changes
- Brimstone:
- Stim Beacon: Duration increased, allowing for extended support during crucial moments. This change aims to make Brimstone a more viable choice in both competitive and casual play.
- Sova:
- Owl Drone: Reduced cooldown to encourage more frequent use of the ability. This adjustment allows Sova players to gather intel more effectively without being overly penalized for using the drone.
- Jett:
- Blade Storm: Damage per knife reduced slightly, making it a bit harder for Jett to secure instant kills. This aims to balance her ability to dominate rounds with her ultimate.
More on agents
- Blind abilities like Gekko’s Dizzy and Vyse’s Arc Rose will now display the blind effect on Yoru’s Fakeout clone as if he was a real Agent.
- Vyse will play her Successful Blind celebration lines when blinding Yoru’s Fakeout clone.
- Clove’s Meddle will now show the decay effect on Yoru’s Fakeout clone.
- Cypher’s Neural Theft will show the Yoru’s Fakeout clone.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Patch 9.08 - Yoru Change // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VALORANT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VALORANT</a> <br><br>• Blind abilities like Gekko’s Dizzy and Vyse’s Arc Rose will now display the blind effect on Yoru’s Fakeout clone as if he was a real Agent.<br>• Vyse will play her Successful Blind celebration lines when blinding Yoru’s Fakeout clone.<br>•… <a href="https://t.co/1OI1n8yWSW">pic.twitter.com/1OI1n8yWSW</a></p>— VALORANT Leaks & News (@VALORANTLeaksEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/VALORANTLeaksEN/status/1848714638759727269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Gameplay Adjustments
- Economy Changes:
- A slight increase in the cost of rifles, particularly the Vandal, to encourage players to consider their purchases more strategically. This tweak aims to slow down the pace of rounds and promote more thoughtful team compositions.
- Map Adjustments:
- Various maps will see minor changes to sightlines and cover placements. This is intended to promote more dynamic gameplay and reduce overly defensive strategies that can stall rounds.
Map Pool
Quality of Life Improvements
- Agent Select Screen:
- The agent select screen has been revamped for better visibility and ease of use. Players can now see more information about their chosen agents and their roles in the team.
- Ping System Updates:
- Enhancements to the ping system allow for clearer communication among teammates, making it easier to coordinate strategies without relying heavily on voice chat.
Bug Fixes
- Numerous bug fixes have been implemented, addressing issues with agent abilities and improving overall stability. Notably, some visual glitches that affected gameplay have been resolved, ensuring a smoother experience for all players.