New Agent Changes
Valorant has released their new Act for Episode 9, bringing with it exciting changes for some of the game’s popular agents to enhance balance in matches. Here’s a rundown of the agent updates in Act 3:
Gekko
Gekko has undergone adjustments to his abilities in Episode 9 Act 3. Changes include a reduction in the time allowed to pick up Gekko’s Globules from 20 seconds to 15 seconds. Additionally, the time needed to reclaim his Globules has been increased from 1 second to 1.5 seconds.
Furthermore, Gekko’s signature ability Dizzy will now only remain active for 1 second after being thrown, instead of 1.5 seconds. The game has also improved Dizzy’s targeting algorithm for better reliability, and players affected by the goop flash will now find their minimap blinded.
Other changes to Gekko include an expanded concuss area for Wingman from 45 degrees to 65 degrees. When Wingman transforms into a Globule after planting Spike, a unique visual effect has been introduced. Lastly, Thrash’s Ultimate Points have been increased from 7 to 8.
Yoru
Yoru will also see notable changes to his Fakeout clone. Various abilities that previously did not affect the clone will now have an impact, making it harder to distinguish between the clone and the real Yoru. Some abilities that now affect Yoru’s Fakeout clone include blind abilities like Vyse’s Arc Rose and Gekko’s Dizzy, as well as Cypher’s Neural Theft revealing the clone’s location.
Jett and Skye
On the map Ascent, Jett’s Tailwind and Skye’s Trailblazer abilities will now be able to break through windows and continue their movement to the other side without stopping.
New Map Updates
New Glitch Map in Team Deathmatch
A new map called Glitch will be introduced to the Team Deathmatch rotation, offering a glitched-out version of the Maxbot arena. This map will be exclusive to the Team Deathmatch game mode.
New Map Rotations
In the new Act, changes will be made to the Map Rotation for the Competitive Queue. Icebox and Lotus will be removed from rotation, while Pearl and Split will make their return.
New Sunset Map Update
Sunset’s B site has been reworked to improve defensibility, with changes made to various areas including B Main, B Main Exterior, B Site, B Site Back, B Boba, and Mid Courtyard. These adjustments aim to make it easier for retakers to access the site while maintaining a balanced playing field for attackers post-plant.
New Battle Pass and New Bundle
With the new Act, a fresh Battle Pass has been introduced, offering players the chance to unlock various rewards such as gun skins, player cards, buddies, and sprays. The Premium Battle Pass can be unlocked for 1,000 Valorant Points and includes enticing skins like:
Torque Collection
- Torque Melee (Tier 50)
- Vandal (Tier 40)
- Operator (Tier 25)
- Spectre (Tier 20)
- Classic (Tier 1)
Bulletbox Collection
- Bulldog (Tier 10)
- Guardian (Tier 35)
- Bucky (Tier 16)
- Frenzy (Tier 5)
Nanobreak Collection
- Phantom (Tier 45)
- Odin (Tier 30)
- Judge (Tier 15)
- Sheriff (Free Chapter 10 Reward)
A new Premium Skin collection, Doombringer, will also debut at the start of the Act, featuring a fiery and metallic gears aesthetic similar to previous exclusive collections. The Doombringer Collection will showcase weapons like Battleaxe, Phantom, Odin, Judge, and Sheriff, each with unique upgrades and variants in Red, Blue, and Green.
Episode 9 Act 3 is now live, offering players a host of new changes and rewards to explore. Stay tuned for the release of the Doombringer Collection on October 24 in the Americas and October 25 in Asia-Pacific, Oceania, and EMEA.