The Valorant fever is in! A series of exciting updates rush through in Valorant as Riot Games introduces game-changing features. Patch 9.08 to 9.10 packed up endless changes and modifications to level up the fun and thrill in this beloved FPS game. It includes Valorant Regen Shield along with significant agent reworks in the update. These will have you gushing and wondering about its gameplay impact. Moreover, it is certain to reshape the current meta in Valorant as it approaches a new competitive season for 2025.
Revolutionary Regen Shield System
The Valorant Regen Shield System is the highlight of the upcoming patch 9.10. The notable addition of this new armor type will bring in significant changes to how combat encounters play out. Opposite to the traditional light and heavy shield in the game, the new Regen Shield introduces a dynamic healing mechanic. With this, it will automatically restore the health points as players take in damage.
From the early footage of the Episode 9 Act 3 trailer, it revealed a three-tiered health system that suggests Regen Shield to provide additional HP. This means the shield system will expand by adding 50 HP on top of standard health and armor. Nevertheless, headshots remain lethal in game, but the body shots will be less punishing as an effect of the active Regen Shield.
Phoenix Gets Major Rework
Patch 9.10 will definitely be the icing on top of the updates starting from 9.08. This patch will bring in a comprehensive rework of the agent, Phoenix, to restore its competitive viability. This is great news for Phoenix main users and those who are seeking to try him out in plays. Here are the key changes included in Patch 9.10 for Phoenix:
- Blaze (Wall) can now penetrate solid objects, which enhances its site entry capabilities.
- Downgraded Hot Hands to a basic skill without including kill reset mechanics.
- Promoted Curveball as a signature ability that will regain charge after two kills.
Map Pool Rotation and New Team Deathmatch Map
On October 22, 2024, Riot Games began the series of updates with the launch on servers of patch 9.08. With this, there have been changes in the competitive map pool of Valorant that will shift things around the competition. Here are the updates on the competitive map pool to choose from in your upcoming matches:
- Returning Maps: Pearl and Split
- Removed Maps: Icebox and Lotus
- Current Rotation: Pearl, Split, Haven, Ascent, Sunset, and Bind
Moreover, it also introduces a new map for a team deathmatch experience. Riot Games added Glitch, which will serve as a new team deathmatch map. This map will be in a glitched competitive bot arena specifically crafted for 5v5 gameplay.
Meanwhile, the heavily favored by players and professional gamers alike map, Sunset, also received some changes with patch 9.08. Sunset is significantly affected by the multiple changes that took place in B site. These changes impact the defensive capabilities of Cypher through eliminating its critical tripwire location. With this, it insinuates that the current meta will lean in favor of Sentinel agents like Vyse. Here are fundamental changes to expect:
- Modifications to Boba.
- Adjustments to B main.
- Back-site alterations.
- Mid courtyard updates, including new crate placement.
Agent Balance Updates
Several agent adjustments also carved their way through the patch 9.08 update, particularly with Gekko. In the update, there were few nerfs that are included to make him balanced with fellow agents. Here are some of the agent adjustments you might want to know:
Gekko Nerfs:
- Reduced Dizzy’s active duration from 1.5s to 1s.
- Increased Thrash ultimate point requirement from 7 to 8.
- Decreased the ability globule duration from 20s to 15s.
- Increased reclaim cooldown 1s to 1.5s.
Minor Buffs:
- Added proper visual indicators for Yoru’s Fakeout clone when affected by enemy utility.
- It now lets Skye’s Trailblazer and Jett’s Tailwind break the Ascent tree window.
Conclusion
The remainder of the year is still exciting despite the end of the competitive season. Riot Games strives to improve the challenge and thrill in Valorant with its series of patch updates. Kicking off the first one on October 22, 2024, with patch 9.08 bringing competitive map pool changes. Further, this also introduces a new team deathmatch map for players to experience a different level of competitiveness. Meanwhile, Riot released Episode 9, Act III on October 23, 2024, and awaits the upcoming patch 9.10 on November 19, 2024.
Many players are anticipating how the new Regen Shield System will change the damage output and HP management. Certainly, it’ll create new waves of strategies and approaches to efficiently win battles.
