Valorant's Premier mode, the tournament experience that aims to bridge amateur and professional play, is set to receive significant upgrades in Episode 8 Act 2, promising enhanced flexibility and competition for players.
Act 2 is set to release on March 5, so it won't be long before we see everything new Riot has cooked up for the mode. For the most part, they're quality-of-life changes to the mode that will make the experience more seamless and worthwhile.
On February 27, Riot updated the Premier page with brand-new information about tweaks they'll introduce with Episode 8 Act 2. So, let's recap them all.
Valorant Premier mode Episode 8 Act 2 changes
There are three significant changes coming to Valorant Premier. These are:
- Avoiding repeat matches: Teams in Premier mode will no longer face the same opponent twice within a stage, aiming to keep matchups fresh
- Join and play whenever you want: Act 2 allows players to form a Premier team at any stage, eliminating the prior restriction to start at the stage's beginning
- Instant division placement: Teams now receive instant division placement based on the top 5 players' MMR. Divisions range from Open to Contender, ensuring balanced competition at all skill levels
- Streamlined Premier experience: Instant division placement and playoff results contribute to a more seamless and enjoyable Premier mode. These changes aim to simplify the overall experience, making it less of a hassle for players to participate
If you're out of the loop, Valorant's Premier mode is a tournament format mode that mirrors the competitive rules of the VCT, incorporating professional play elements.
Ideally, it's a field for players who are perhaps trying to go pro or simply having fun while playing in a more regulated environment, acting as a direct connection between the wider player base and the professional scene.
Players assemble five-person teams and join divisions, engaging in a season comprised of weekly matches and tournaments. Successful teams from each stage qualify for playoff tournaments, vying for the title of Division Champion.