Behave yourselves, Valorant fans! A wave of new content is coming to the game with the release of Episode 8 Act 1. This will be the first Valorant episode released to the game since Jun. 2023, hence why the hype is so real.
With Valorant Episode 8: DEFIANCE being around the corner, it's the perfect moment to look at the upcoming changes. Here's everything you need to know about Valorant's Episode 8 Act 1 Patch Notes!
Read more: Valorant Episode 8 Act 1 Battle Pass: Date, price, skins, and more!
Agent Changes
Valorant's Episode 8 Act 1 has important tweaks for two agents: Deadlock and Killjoy.
Deadlock gets buffed
Deadlock fans will receive the upcoming update with open arms as Agent 23 is getting a massive buff.
Deadlock's Barrier Mesh has been buffed as the device's walls have been extended from six to ten meters. Moreover, her Sonic Sensors have also been buffed, as she will be able to recall them during the round. At the same time, their pickup distance has been increased from 12 to 27 meters.
Killjoy severely nerfed
Killjoy fans haven't been so lucky.
Killjoy's Turret will be nerfed in Episode 8 Act 1 as its radius of action has been decreased from 180 to 100 degrees.
Moreover, Valorant has added some map animations so it's easier to understand the Turret's radius of action.
For more information regarding both agent changes, check out our Killjoy and Deadlock changes article!
Map Changes
Agents aren't the only ones who will change heading to Episode 8 Act 1. Both Icebox and Lotus will experience some tweaks in the upcoming season.
Here's everything you need to know about the map changes in Valorant's Episode 8 Act 1!
Icebox
The Icebox changes are introduced to make the map more predictable while stopping players from exploiting certain angles.
First, the developers have added a second container to block the angle of sight that some attackers used from Spawn to B Tube.
B Green has been tweaked too, with the developers moving the container to make gunfights easier.
Meanwhile, a window has been added to the end of B Tube so attackers can see towards A Site and Defender Spawn. With this window, attackers will be able to put some pressure on the defenders.
Inside the B Tube, two boxes have been added next to the window, which will give the attackers some cover for inside B Tube gunfights.
Last but not least, the developers have decided to block one of the paths leading from Mid to B Site. This will reduce timings and create more predictable gunfights. At the same time, players can now silently drop off the boxes.
Lotus
Lotus has been an attacking-sided map, so the developers are introducing some changes to make it a bit easier for defenders to hold some sites.
More room has been given in A Main. At the same time, the developers have placed some boxes to make it easier for defenders to hold and take control of A Rubble. The boxes outside A Stairs are now bulletproof.
More room has also been added in the breakable door room. Now it will be easier to have gunfights with people in and outside the room.
A Hut has been modified, as it has been closed so it's easier to retake.
More room and boxes have been added in B.
The Spike plant zone has been modified in Bomb C so it's easier for defenders to retake it. At the same time, the attackers don't have as many options to plant the Spike.
More boxes have been added in C, so it's easier for defenders to hold the Bombsite.
At the same time, spinning doors have been modified. Now, their rotation time will take ten seconds to complete a full rotation. Previously, these doors needed eight seconds to complete the circle.
Outlaw Sniper
The Outlaw Sniper is the third sniper added to Valorant, after Marshal and Operator. This gun will be the strongest in the game. With two bullets per magazine, the Outlaw Sniper will deliver 140 and 119 of body and leg damage, respectively. This means that a single bullet from the Outlaw Sniper will kill you if you don't have any type of shield.
The Outlaw Sniper will cost 2,400 Credits, so take it or leave it!
Check out our Outlaw Sniper article for more information about Valorant's new weapon!
Game Modes Updates
Starting with Episode 8 Act 1, every game mode except for Team Deathmatch and Custom Games will follow the competitive map rotation.
The current competitive map rotation includes Icebox, Lotus, Sunset, Breeze, Ascent, Bind, and Split.
Valorant Kuronami Bundle
The Kuronami Bundle is coming to Valorant with Episode 8 Act 1! Players will be able to equip this cosmetic on the following weapons:
- Marshal
- Sheriff
- Spectre
- Vandal
- Knife (Melee)
The Kuronami Bundle also includes one of the coolest killing animations introduced to Valorant... ever. For more information about this cosmetic, check out our Kuronami Bundle article!
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