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New Map and New Duelist Mechanics: VALORANT Patch 8.11

VALORANT Patch 8.11 is finally here and brings a massive list of updates. Players can expect a new map, overall map pool changes, intense Duelist changes and plenty of game mode alterations and quality-of-life fixes. After major remodeling, Neon, Iso, Reyna, Raze and Clove's kits will be unrecognizable. In addition, the new map Abyss will receive a unique 5-v-5 game mode to familiarize players before arriving in Patch 9.0. Here's everything about Patch 8.11 and how it affects your favorite VALORANT Duelists.

VALORANT players can finally experience Abyss in a new 5-v-5 game mode. / Riot Games

Breeze and Split will exit the VALORANT map pool in patch 8.11. Haven and Abyss will replace them. Haven is a classic VALORANT map with three sites and long-range angles on A and C. Abyss is a brand-new VALORANT map. It is the first map in the game with no boundaries and features several dangerous parkour spots. Haven will immediately appear in VALORANT's competitive map pool, but Abyss will have a 5-v-5 game mode for players to become familiar with before its final introduction in upcoming Patch 9.0.

Maps leaving VALORANT in 8.11:

Maps arriving in VALORANT Patch 8.11:

Final Patch 8.11 Competitive and Premier Map Pool: ASCENT, BIND, ICEBOX, LOTUS, SUNSET, and HAVEN.

Console Beta Map Pool: ABYSS, ASCENT, BIND, and HAVEN.

New Abyss Game Mode

Neon will deliver serious damage when she slides on opponents in Patch 8.11. / Riot Games

Patch 8.11 aims to level the playing field between duelists so all can perform with even impact. Riot Games states in its patch notes that "this update is aimed to allow other Duelists to compete with Agents like Jett and Raze that excel at taking space for their team through sheer speed and mobility." The update provides major buffs to Iso and Neon, enhancing their space-taking abilities. Meanwhile, Reyna receives a balancing adjustment which decreases her Devour healing but provides overall improvements to her abilities. Finally, Raze receives a severe nerf impacting her satchel lineups and movement kit.

Clove is also receiving a severe nerf. After the agent's recent introduction, they have been an extremely common pick in competitive lobbies. Clove's performance has simple been too strong, so Riot Games is adjusting abilities so other controllers also have a chance to shine.

Iso

Double Tap (E)

Neon

Fast Lane (C)

High Gear (E)

Sprint

Slide

Relay Bolt (Q)

Reyna

Devour (Q)

Dismiss (E)

Empress (X)

Raze

Blast Pack (Q)

Clove

Pick-Me-Up (C)

Not Dead Yet (X)

VALORANT Console's Limited Beta is almost here. Riot Games is updating both Console and PC versions in Patch 8.11. / Riot Games

VALORANT Patch 8.11's main impact is its map addition and duelist changes, but Riot Games also prepared plenty of quality-of-life updates and refreshers for VALORANT's modes and UI. As VALORANT Console's limited beta release approaches (players can register here), Patch 8.11 provides plenty of information about VALORANT Console updates and mechanics.

Esports Features

Esports Hub

Gameplay System Updates

Radio Command Wheels

Console

Player Behavior

Social Systems Update

Premier Updates

Store Updates

Bug Fixes

Patch 8.11 is one of VALORANT's biggest updates yet. While the sheer number of changes is intimidating, the changes will bring a fresh experience for all players, especially Duelist mains! Enjoy the new Abyss mode and stay tuned for more VALORANT updates!

9 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Console VALORANT Is Here: What to Know

VALORANT's popularity has skyrocketed since its 2020 introduction, and so has its global reach. In the past year, Riot Games teased an upcoming mobile VALORANT version, expanded in-game access to China and even added a new Chinese VCT competitive region. The development company just announced its latest venture in VALORANT's evolution — a console-play version with a Limited Beta version arriving in just days. As console VALORANT's Limited Beta access fast approaches, here's what interested players need to know about registering for play, the official release date and more!

Console VALORANT will be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox series X/S. It will be available in several distinct regions: players can join the beta in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Europe and Japan. Riot Games will expand global gameplay options and add more regions as the console beta gains popularity.

Interested VALORANT players can apply to access the Limited Beta at this link. After applying to join the Limited Beta, players will receive an email if they have been accepted to participate. Accepted players can invite five friends to join them using a referral link. It is important to note that you will be ineligible to play the Limited Beta if your VALORANT account has been banned.

VALORANT console gameplay in action on Fracture. / Riot Games

The VALORANT console beta will arrive on June 14th, 2024. The beta's duration until console VALORANT's full release is currently unknown. It is also uncertain if the beta will shut before console VALORANT's full release arrives. Riot Games has stated "We’ll end it once we feel confident in where the game is at" and promises updates on their social media channels.

Access also depends on the previously mentioned email invitations and referral links. Riot Games will send these links "starting June 14 and continuing throughout the Limited Beta", most likely in waves to steadily increase the beta's player count. Don't panic if you can't access the Limited Beta immediately — players will probably have multiple chances to get involved. Players cannot pre-download the Limited Beta before it officially releases.

Firstly, to answer everybody's burning question — there will be no cross-platform play between console VALORANT and PC VALORANT. The two systems have vastly different controls, so it likely would not be easy to effectively even out aim and precision across the platforms. Riot Games states "We believe strongly in competitive integrity, and this is the best way for us to keep the experience fair and consistent for players on both console and PC."

In addition, Riot Games has confirmed that players will use the same account to access PC and console VALORANT versions. All skins and agents purchased will be available on both platforms, and new purchases will carry over. Players who access the Limited Beta will receive a special player card for their account! Progression will transfer between accounts for events like the Battlepass. Any progress made during the Limited Beta will remain after the beta closes. More information is available on Riot Games' in-depth VALORANT console FAQ page.

VALORANT players can experience the game they know and love on a new platform in just a few days. While controls and UI will differ, VALORANT's competitive spirit will keep console play familiar and exciting. Keep an eye on your inbox for Limited Beta invitations and stay tuned for more updates as VALORANT's console Limited Beta releases!