Valorant Patch 8.01 introduces Skye nerfs, Iso buff and Breeze changes

Releasing today, the upcoming Valorant Patch 8.01 is set to introduce a meta-altering change to Skye. Additionally, there will be changes to Iso, Raze and Breeze. Let’s delve into these changes.

Valorant Patch 8.01 Notes introducing massive Skye nerfs (credits: Riot Games)

Is Skye nerfed to ground?

During the latter half of the last year, Skye became one of the most picked agents in Valorant. The versatility of the abilities and especially the Guiding Light (E) has been one of major reasons for the agent’s domination.

These upcoming changes are “to push more intentional use of Guiding Light”. The changes are as follows.

Guiding Light (E)

• Guiding Light no longer regenerates charges during a round.
• Guiding Light now automatically activates the flash at the end of its lifetime.

Seekers (X)

• When a Seeker gets close to its target, the target player will now get a yellow directional warning indicator.

The changes only allow two flashes for Skye without a recharge. The change massively affects how the agent will be utilized in each composition.

Especially without rechargeable flashes, Skye can be slotted out for KAY/O as a one on one replacement. Additionally, automatic activation removes the option of fake flash (if you dared to with just two of them).

The change especially impacts the first round, with no cost decrease, Skye the second flash becomes a necessity. The change doesn’t necessarily impact casuals as much as it’d impact the professional meta.

It won’t be a surprise if professional teams move away from Skye and the pick rate drops drastically.

Iso Buffs

The ISO buffs will improve the effectiveness of the agent.  The patch significantly buffs the Double Tap (E) ability. The shield orb stays for longer, the shield itself stays for longer. The shield is also visibly smaller. The Contingency (C) will cost less.

Double Tap (E)

• Shootable orb duration increased 2 >>> 3 seconds
• Initial buff and shield duration increased 15 >>> 20
• Shield width reduced 120 >>> 100

Contingency (C)

• Cost reduced 250 >>> 200

The buffs won’t necessarily impact the agent’s pick rate. The current meta still heavily favors agents that can dive-in, but ISO buffs might influence people to pick the agent and play around it.

Raze, Breeze and other changes

The Raze changes don't necessarily impact much as it is more of a QoL update. Breeze on the other hand adds an offensive layer to Breeze.

The updated Breeze completely removed the A halls which will see its return with Patch 8.01.

The return of A Halls will reintroduce lurking and attacking avenues in the map. The previously heavily defense sided A Site will become more balanced.

There are multiple miscellaneous changes made to the game. You can read the complete patch notes here.

Featured Image Credits: Riot Games

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