VALORANT Patch 8.11: Duelist Changes Overview

Judging by yesterday's instagram posts on the official Riot Games account, we know that RG is preparing to release one of the most significant updates of the year for VALORANT, targeting nearly every duelist agent. These adjustments are set to shake up the competitive scene and provide fresh dynamics to the gameplay. Here’s a detailed rundown of the anticipated changes for Patch 8.11.

Clove

• Pick-Me-Up (C):
  • Cost increased from 100 to 200 credits.
  • Duration reduced from 10 seconds to 8 seconds.
  • Activation time from assists reduced from 10 seconds to 6 seconds.
• Not Dead Yet:
  • Ultimate orb cost increased from 7 to 8.
  • Unequip delay increased from 0.7 seconds to 0.8 seconds.

Iso

• Double Tap (E):
  • Now grants a shield after a one-second animation during which Iso cannot use his weapon.
  • Shield activation plays a sound at the end of the animation.
  • Reduced to one charge instead of two.
  • Gains a charge back if Iso secures two kills.
  • Slowed less when the shield is broken and provides a damage indicator of the enemy who broke the shield.
  • Can be recast while active to refresh shield duration, especially after gaining a new charge.

Neon

• Fast Lane (C):
  • Dissipates from behind to minimize visual noise in combat.
  • Audio updated to travel as the wall fades away.
  • Duration reduced from 6 seconds to 4 seconds.
  • Dissolve duration increased from 1 second to 2 seconds.
• High Gear (E):
  • No longer has reduced strafe speed while sprinting.
  • Maximum sprint speed while moving sideways increased.
  • Full fuel regeneration reduced from 60 seconds to 20 seconds.
  • Slide now has two charges.
  • Removes all weapon movement error while sliding, increasing accuracy.
  • Second slide cost set at 150.
  • Equip out of slide changed from fast to instant.
  • There is a 0.2-second slide equip buffer after sliding.
• Relay Bolt (Q):
  • Now only has one charge.
  • Windup delay reduced from 1.1 seconds to 0.8 seconds.
  • Concuss duration increased from 3 seconds to 3.5 seconds.

Raze

• Blast Pack (Q):
  • No longer explodes for damage and knockback when opponents destroy them.
  • Horizontal velocity has been slowed.
  • Explosion audio updated with a larger audio radius.

Reyna

• Devour (Q):
  • Healing decreased from 100 to 50.
  • Full heal time reduced from 3 seconds to 2 seconds.
  • Armor overheal no longer decays.
• Dismiss (E):
  • Movement speed increased.
  • Duration reduced from 2 seconds to 1.5 seconds.
• Empress (X):
  • Only ends when Reyna is killed or the round ends.

Implications for Gameplay

These changes are designed to adjust the balance of duelist agents, potentially affecting both solo queue and professional play. Here's a quick summary of the potential impact:

• Clove's increased costs and reduced durations may require players to be more strategic with their abilities.
• Iso’s revamped Double Tap could make him more resilient but requires tactical use to maximize its benefits.
• Neon’s enhanced mobility and accuracy during her abilities make her more formidable in fast-paced combat.
• Raze’s changes might require players to rethink their use of Blast Packs for movement and engagement.
• Reyna’s adjustments focus on balancing her healing and movement abilities, encouraging more aggressive play styles with higher risk and reward.

Conclusion

As these changes are subject to further tweaks before going live, players should stay updated with official patch notes from Riot Games. The anticipated Patch 8.11 promises to redefine how duelists are played in VALORANT, offering both exciting new opportunities and challenges.