Summary
- Riot Games confirmed that Harbor will get a major rework in VALORANT Patch 11.10, expected in late 2025.
- The update plans to revamp Harbor’s abilities while keeping his hybrid Controller–Initiator identity intact, adding new skills and better utility.
- Patch 11.10 will also include other balance changes to refresh gameplay and prepare VALORANT for the 2026 season.
Riot Games has confirmed that Valorant’s Harbor will receive a major rework later this year. The announcement was made during VALORANT Champions 2025 in Paris, exciting fans awaiting changes to the underperforming Controller. According to Riot, the update will arrive with Patch 11.10, expected toward the end of the year.
Harbor’s Rework: What Players Can Expect
Harbor’s current skills uses water-based walls and smokes, but players feel his abilities lack strong impact compared to other agents. His utility slows both enemies and teammates, reducing effectiveness in fast-paced rounds. As a result, Harbor struggles to match other Controllers in higher-level gameplay.
The goal, according to Ryan Cousart, is to rework Harbor without losing his identity as an Initiator–Controller hybrid. To make this happen, Riot will “shuffle around” his abilities and introduce new ones to modernize Harbor’s playstyle.
With this change, the updates will make players think differently about how Harbor will control space and support his team. Also, fans expect his rework to expand beyond smokes, adding tools that influence fights and apply more pressure.
Why Harbor Needs a Rework
Harbor has struggled to find success in both casual and professional VALORANT matches. His pick rate ranks among the lowest across all competitive tiers. During the VCT 2025 Americas kickoff, no professional team selected him for play.
Because of this, many players consider Harbor one of the weakest agents in the game. One issue is his limited flexibility, while other Controllers like Omen or Astra have better crowd control and mobility.
Furthermore, Harbor’s abilities often expose his position, giving enemies the advantage during engagements. Therefore, Riot Games’ decision to rework Harbor reflects its commitment to keeping every agent balanced and competitive.
Riot’s Approach to Balance
Riot Games regularly releases small patches throughout the year to balance VALORANT gameplay. However, large updates like the Patch 11.10 will introduce more impactful changes that reshape the meta.
Senior Product Manager Tiffy Tsay stated these updates “set the foundation for next year” to keep the game fresh. In addition, the Harbor rework will likely be part of a broader update to expand gameplay options. As a result, these adjustments help maintain balance, prevent stagnation, and give players fresh approaches to competition.
Moreover, it shows Riot’s ongoing focus on character balance, ensuring each role, including Controllers, feels rewarding and essential.
Possible Kit Changes
Although Riot Games has not shared full details, players are already speculating about Harbor’s possible rework in VALORANT Patch 11.10. Some players believe Riot may introduce new utilities like a stun, silence, or pull effect to improve his combat flexibility.
Meanwhile, others think Riot could adjust ability costs or cooldowns to make them easier to use in extended rounds. Additionally, his ultimate might become more flexible and less punishing for teammates during coordinated plays.
For instance, it may target only enemies or require less energy for faster activation. Overall, these changes will make Harbor feel more rewarding, competitive, and impactful to play in VALORANT.
When to Expect Patch 11.10
While Riot has not confirmed the release date, Patch 11.10 will likely arrive around mid-to-late November or early December. This schedule matches Riot’s usual pattern of releasing major VALORANT updates before each new competitive season begins.
Once released, Harbor mains and Controller players can finally test his reworked kit and explore new playstyles. On top of that, this Harbor rework could influence professional teams, forcing them to adjust strategies for the 2026 season.
If successful, Harbor may evolve from a weak agent into a flexible and dependable pick across multiple maps.
What This Means for VALORANT
Riot Games’ decision to rework Harbor shows its long-term commitment to balance and player satisfaction in the game. Unlike before, Harbor could soon become a dependable Controller with more strategic potential and team value.
Additionally, this rework might encourage new players to try Controller agents, strengthening team coordination across ranked and competitive matches. Beyond that, it proves that Riot Games still supports older agents and keeps the game evolving.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming Valorant’s Harbor rework highlights a defining moment for the game’s evolving gameplay and agent balance. By reimagining Harbor’s abilities and updating his role, Riot Games intends to revive his place in the meta. The redefined Harbor ready to make waves in VALORANT once again.
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