As the countdown begins for Valorant V26 Act 1’s launch, Riot Games has revealed an exciting array of patch notes that gamers can’t afford to miss. The highlight of this update? The introduction of the precision pistol, Bandit, perfect for those swift one-tap headshots. But there’s plenty more to unwrap, including tweaks for Breach, Brim, Harbor, Tejo, Sage, and Vyse. Plus, the Replay System is finally available in Custom Matches! Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what’s changed in Valorant’s Patch Notes 12.00.
Agent Changes in Patch Notes 12.00
- Breach
- Breach has struggled at higher levels, so we’re bringing back some power to reward precision and teamwork.
- Flashpoint
- Projectile speed increased by 20% from 2000 to 2400.
- Fault Line
- Width increased from 7.5m to 8m.
- Brimstone
- Updated the tactical map for Sky Smoke and Orbital Strike for easier reading.
- Harbor
- Harbor’s abilities weren’t hitting the mark, so we’re enhancing their effectiveness.
- Storm Surge
- Explosion no longer requires line of sight to nearsight and slow players.
- Explosion windup reduced from 0.8s to 0.6s.
- Slow duration extended from 0.6s to 2s.
- Reckoning
- Slow duration increased from 0.6s to 2s.
- Sage
- We’ve fine-tuned Sage’s targeting to enhance accuracy with blocked models.
- Healing Orb
- Updated targeting for better access.
- Tejo
- Tejo stands out as our go-to flushing Initiator. We aimed to add power to support Guided Salvos.
- Special Delivery
- Concuss duration decreased from 4 seconds to 2.5 seconds.
- Explosion damage added; max damage of 35 near the center, min damage of 20.
- Stealth Drone
- Reveal type changed to full reveal.
- Pulse radius reduced from 30m to 16m.
- Vyse
- To boost Vyse’s usability, we’re enhancing Steel Garden’s radius and width.
- Steel Garden
- Radius increased from 26m to 28m.
- Width increased from 7.5m to 8m.
Map Changes in Patch Notes 12.00
- Breeze Rework
- Breeze is back and has received a major rework! We’ve simplified angles, tightened open spaces, and improved defender rotation times. Your old setups may not hold up!
- Breeze Rework Event: For the first two weeks of Competitive, losses will reduce your RR by 50%; wins remain at 100% to help you acclimate!
- Haven and Corrode
- These maps are getting adjustments to wall penetration for better gameplay.
- Haven Mid Window: Added a breakable element to reduce early-round kills from wall penetration.
- Corrode: Adjusted wall materials at crucial points for a more balanced experience.
- Map Pool Updates
- BREEZE is back in the COMPETITIVE and DEATHMATCH queues.
- SUNSET has been removed from the queues.
All Platforms
General Updates
- Replays
- Replays are now active for Custom Swiftplay and Standard matches. Party leaders can opt into game recording in the Custom settings.
Competitive Updates
- Hidden MMR Update
- The hidden MMR calculation has been refined for better matchmaking.
- MFA for EU
- Starting with version 12.00, players detected for account sharing in the EU and all Ascendant+ rank players must enable Riot Mobile multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access Competitive mode.
Modes Updates
- New Limited Time Mode
- Introducing All Random One Site: a fast-paced 5v5 mode! You change Agents each round and fight for a single site with free loadouts and power-scaling abilities.
- Random Agents: Each round, a new random Agent is assigned, with no duplicates.
- Single Site: Each round activates one bomb site, randomizing it for maximum chaos.
- Available Maps: Abyss, Ascent, Breeze, Corrode, Pearl, Icebox, Sunset, Split.
- Abilities: You’ll start with all abilities charged each round, with rapid recharges during gameplay.
- Loadouts: Your loadout is selected each round at no cost.
Player Behavior Updates
- Behavior Standing is Live!
- An indicator will show your penalty status and risks in the Social Panel, making it clear when you’re at risk of penalties.
- Riot Games Community Pact
- Play to Win. Play Fair. Play with Respect. Upon your first login after the update, you’ll see the Community Pact to reaffirm expectations around player behavior.
- We’ve refined our systems for penalties related to Chat and Inappropriate Names for quicker and more reliable action against offenses.
Weapon Updates
- Meet the Bandit, a new, budget-friendly sidearm with excellent headshot power! This trusty new addition sits between the Ghost and Sheriff for light rounds.
- Weapon Class: Sidearm
- Price: 600 credits (approx. €570)
- Attachments: None
- Bullets per Magazine: 8
- Ammo Reserve: 24
- Reload Timing: 1.5s
- Equip Timing: 0.75s
- Wall Penetration: Medium
Bug Fixes
- Agents:
- Fixed several bugs with ability cooldown bars for observers when switching between Agents.
- Corrected issues where some throwing animations would malfunction.
- Maps:
- Fixed unintended wall penetration situations in Haven, Bind, and other maps.
- Competitive:
- Resolved mismatched names for ranked gun buddies in your collection.
PC Only Updates
Client Updates
- Home Screen Layout Update
- The Home Screen has received a refresh for a smoother navigation experience.
- Lobby and Queue Updates
- Added a “Queue Select” screen in the Matchmade Lobby for clearer queue options.
- Social Panel Refresh: Updated for improved management of friend requests and interactions.
Premier Updates
- Welcome to Stage V26A1! Matches kick off on January 14. Teams that didn’t finish in the top 16 have been demoted.
Known Issues
- Client: If you struggle with whispers, you can message through the Riot Client’s social panel, join a party, or re-add friends.
What do you think about the latest Valorant update? Are you as excited as we are about the Bandit and the Replay system? Let us know in the comments below!