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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!

10 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

All About Abyss: VALORANT’s New Map

VALORANT's new map Abyss is finally here, and it is like nothing players have seen before. Riot Games capped off VCT 2024: Masters Shanghai's conclusion with Abyss' reveal and an exhilarating video trailer so the VALORANT community can get familiar with the map pool's latest addition. Abyss will have agents defying death, navigating precarious platforms and constantly checking corners — let's explore everything that makes the map special, how it will affect VALORANT gameplay and what agents will play it best.

Abyss is set in a remote area near Iceland. It features blocky brown architecture with plentiful greenery. The map provides ample long-range angles and has two sites connected by two narrow mid-map corridors. Most importantly, Abyss is the first VALORANT map with no boundaries. Players can (and probably will) fall off the map at a moment's notice — so don't be surprised if you end up having flashbacks to Counter-Strike's infamous Vertigo or similarly tricky Overwatch maps like Ilios and Oasis.

A particularly terrifying area requires players to jump across a chasm and grab a rope to cross to the other side. Another platform on A-site forces players to carefully strafe on a narrow bridge with fear of falling into the death trap below. A-site also features a Heaven area, while B-Site has an elevated catwalk.

Abyss' blocky mini-map demonstrating its long angles. / Riot Games

If the enemy team has agents with movement potential or even players with basic parkour skills, you can expect Abyss to become flank central. Its long-range angles and elevated platforms will serve sniper users well — Operators, Outlaws and Marshals will be powerful. The vandal will probably be Abyss' gun of choice instead of the Phantom. In addition, lurks will be crucial to reclear and preserve space constantly. On a more lighthearted note, you should also be prepared for your lower-elo teammates to comically miss their rope jumps and fall to their deaths — keep that clipping software ready!

Raze, Neon and Jett will thrive as duelists with unique movement abilities that let them dance around Abyss' boundaries. Raze's satchels can help her accomplish impressive maneuvers or alternately send enemies careening off-map to their deaths, and Neon's speed boost means she can jump longer distances. Meanwhile, Jett's updraft, dash and passive glide will allow her access to difficult areas of the map and devious off-angles.

It will be difficult to smoke the entire map since Abyss focuses on long-range gunfights and wide-open angles. Controller agents with larger, more effective smokes that cover more map space will be optimal. Omen will have a field day when using his Paranoia down Abyss' long corridors, and can easily lurk and teleport across the map. In addition, Viper's walls may come in handy for covering multiple choke points and securing post-plant sites.

Finally, information and map control on Abyss will be crucial with so much flank and lurk potential. Killjoy will probably be the strongest Sentinel to secure space with Cypher trailing close behind, but Deadlock and Sage's walls will likely fail to make a practical impact. Initiators with wide-range info abilities like Sova, Fade and Skye will be best. This map will definitely be viable for an all-duelist comp, and agressive, risky plays will be rewarded.

As Abyss cycles into competitive play, the VALORANT community will develop new and exciting strategies to outwit opponents. Be careful on that rope jump, practice your b-hops and stay tuned for more VALORANT and Abyss 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!

6 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

VALORANT Patch 8.11 Brings Big Agent Changes

VALORANT Patch 8.11 is focused on balancing agents, meaning some big agent changes that will impact gameplay. The full patch notes are not out yet, but here is what you need to know about the upcoming agent changes coming to Riot's FPS.

Iso is receiving strictly buffs this patch because he’s underperforming across all skill brackets. Leaning into increasing Iso’s signature ability output is intended to make Iso more reliable at challenging contested spaces and winning opening duels by granting his shield immediately after channeling the ability. Iso’s buff will also remain active and orbs will still spawn should he lose his shield and secure a kill during Double Tap’s uptime. Shooting the orbs will refresh the duration of the buff and the shield.

Double Tap (E)

We want to sharpen Neon as an Agent who excels at taking mobile fights directly to her opponents by buffing the unique value she brings to the table. We’ve made her slide more effective at sliding directly into opponents by making it more combat-ready, and by removing all weapon movement error when sliding as well as a few other changes. The updates to her Fast Lane (C) are intended to make fights around her wall dropping feel more intuitive for Neon’s allies while reducing the visual noise it creates in game.

Sharpening her Relay Bolt (Q) to be a more premium and reliable one-charge ability is intended to allow Neon to have more success when she does decide to commit to a fight with her slide, as well as make some room for the second slide charge.

Fast Lane (C)

High Gear (E)

Relay Bolt (Q)

Reyna is receiving both buffs and nerfs this patch to reshape the power of her kit. The goal of the changes is to reduce the level of dominance she can achieve in Ranked, especially at low and mid ranks when outperforming her enemies, while pushing some of her value in coordinated settings:

Healing has proven very strong statistically in Ranked with higher impact at low and mid ranks. This change should reduce her ability to snowball round-over-round in these settings.

Removing the time restrictions on her Devour (Q) and Empress (X) should allow you more flexibility to play at your team’s pace and increase the baseline value of both in coordinated play where rounds play out slower.

Dismiss (E) has been re-tuned to provide a greater movement speed boost, but has a shorter duration. This should reward decisive and skillful Reyna players by unlocking faster and more powerful combat repositioning.

We’ll be tracking how these updates affect Reyna across all the different skill levels and settings of play.

Devour (Q)

Dismiss (E)

Empress (X)

As we’ve seen you get better and better at Raze’s satchel mobility, we’ve found that her total speed and movement potential can undermine the tactical loop. These changes are intended to allow you to more reasonably counterplay Raze, whether through your own utility or gunplay. While we still want to maintain the sandbox movement fantasy of Raze’s satchels, she should not be as surprising when not supported by allied utility.

Blast Pack (Q)

While we’re excited with how Clove has been immediately relevant in Ranked and how much you’re enjoying playing them, their performance in ranked play is stronger than we’d like. We’re trimming some extraneous power from their selfish, Duelist-oriented outputs while preserving the Controller-leaning power in their kit.