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Everything new coming with Valorant Episode 8 Act I

Everything new coming with Valorant Episode 8 Act I

Valorant
6 Jan
Andre Guaraldo

Get ready, Valorant fans! Riot Games is rolling out the much-anticipated patch 8.0, promising a slew of tweaks and additions to spice up your tactical shooter experience.

In this latest episode, expect some Agent adjustments, map renovations, and a bunch of other cool stuff. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty details of what's changing and why you should be excited about the fresh twists coming your way in the Valorant Episode 8 Act I.

Agent updates - Deadlock and Killjoy heavily impacted in Valorant Patch 8.0

In Episode 8, Riot Games has strategically addressed the performance of two Sentinels - Deadlock and Killjoy, marking significant changes in the Valorant Patch 8.0.

Deadlock receives substantial buffs, emphasizing her unique abilities, Sonic Sensor (Q) and Barrier Mesh (E). Sonic Sensor's recallability in-round, increased pickup distance, and faster concuss timing make Deadlock a more formidable force. Barrier Mesh now boasts an increased maximum wall length from 6m to 10m.

Killjoy, on the other hand, experiences slight nerfs aimed at balancing her defensive recon tool, the Turret (E), reflecting the nuanced adjustments in the Valorant Patch 8.0. The vision cone is reduced from 180 to 100 degrees, encouraging Killjoy players to make more deliberate choices regarding map coverage.

Visual enhancements, including a minimap representation and updated animations, aid in quickly grasping the Turret's new vision radius.

Map updates - Icebox back to rotation, Lotus changed everywhere

Icebox, Lotus, and other maps undergo significant alterations in the Valorant Patch 8.0 to enhance gameplay dynamics. Icebox receives targeted tweaks in Mid, B Green, and B Orange, fostering more predictable battles and strategic choices.

Lotus, too, undergoes adjustments in A Main, A Link, A Site, B Site, C Site, and C Bend, granting defenders additional holding options. A universal shift affects rotating doors, now taking 10 seconds to complete their rotation instead of 8, subtly altering the tempo of engagements.

These nuanced changes across maps aim to enhance strategic depth, urging players to adapt and discover fresh dimensions in the evolving Valorant battlefield.

Gameplay systems - Covering all in-game aspects in the Valorant Patch 8.0

Valorant is also committed to enhancing player experience extends to its support for third-party spatialization software for headphones in the Valorant Patch 8.0. This new feature allows players to enjoy virtual surround sound, differentiating sounds based on their direction - an undoubtedly crucial aspect in tactical shooters.

The video below provides a step-by-step guide on how players can opt-in and customize their audio settings for an immersive experience, including the comprehensive changes introduced in the Valorant Patch 8.0.

Game modes and Premier updates

Team Deathmatch witnesses adjustments as the Sheriff loadout shifts from Heavy Shields to Light Shields in the Valorant 8.0 Patch, also promoting diversity in weapon choices.

All game modes, excluding Team Deathmatch and Custom games, also adhere to the Competitive map rotation.

Additionally, the Premier system introduces a new Team Captain role, enhancing team management without the ability to delete or kick the Team Owner. Standings visibility across divisions, division seeding previews, and playoff qualification thresholds are also part of the comprehensive Premier updates brought about by this new patch.

In summary, Valorant's Episode 8 Act I emerges as a transformative chapter in the game's evolution, addressing agent imbalances, refining maps, and introducing immersive audio enhancements through the Valorant 8.0 Patch.

The commitment to constant balance adjustments undoubtedly ensures a dynamic and engaging experience for players, reinforcing Valorant's position as a premier tactical shooter in the gaming landscape. As players eagerly anticipate the January 2024 release, the Valorant Patch 8.0 undoubtedly promises to redefine the competitive landscape of Valorant, marking a significant milestone in the game's ongoing journey.

Feature image credits: Riot Games

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