Leaks say major Brimstone buffs coming in Valorant Episode 2

TL;DR

  • Brimstone receives three major buffs: extended smoke duration, cheaper incendiary, and instant stim beacon deployment
  • Sky Smokes now last 19.25 seconds with increased coverage area for better site control
  • Economic advantage with 33% incendiary price reduction enables better weapon purchases
  • Stim beacon instant equip allows faster combat engagement alongside duelists
  • Potential to challenge Omen’s controller dominance and revitalize Brimstone’s pick rate

Brimstone from Valorant

Valorant’s expanding agent roster has gradually marginalized original controllers like Brimstone, but leaked Episode 2 patch notes indicate significant attention coming to the veteran agent. Riot Games appears committed to revitalizing underutilized characters through strategic ability enhancements that address core gameplay weaknesses.

Early access to Episode 2 content reveals comprehensive improvements targeting Brimstone’s most criticized limitations. These changes transform his economic efficiency and combat effectiveness, potentially elevating him from bottom-tier to competitive viability.

The upcoming adjustments represent the most substantial changes Brimstone has received since Valorant’s launch. For players struggling with controller selection, our Class Guide provides essential framework for understanding role specialization in tactical shooters.

Episode 2’s comprehensive Brimstone overhaul delivers both economic and tactical advantages. His Sky Smokes receive a duration extension to 19.25 seconds with expanded coverage radius, fundamentally improving site executes and post-plant scenarios.

The incendiary ability price reduction from 300 to 200 credits creates substantial economic flexibility. This 33% cost decrease enables Brimstone players to purchase superior weaponry while maintaining full utility, a critical advantage in eco and force-buy rounds.

Stim beacon deployment mechanics undergo crucial optimization—instant equip upon ability key press eliminates previous deployment delays that often cost crucial duels. This change allows Brimstone to actively support pushes rather than remaining purely defensive.

Advanced players should note that optimal smoke placement now covers approximately 15% more area, enabling single smokes to block multiple sightlines. Understanding ability synergies is crucial—our Weapons Unlock guide demonstrates similar principle applications for loadout optimization.

Brimstone’s extended period as Valorant’s least-picked agent stems from fundamental kit limitations compared to versatile alternatives. The leaked enhancements directly address these competitive disadvantages through improved utility and economy.

Controllers typically operate with tactical positioning requirements, while most players gravitate toward aggressive duelists for frag potential. Newer agents like Skye and Killjoy introduced multi-role flexibility that further marginalized specialized controllers.

Despite possessing three sky smokes and area denial capabilities, Brimstone remained an unpopular choice across all skill levels. Competitive teams consistently preferred Omen for flexible smoke deployment or Jett for aggressive playmaking potential.

Common mistake: Players frequently misuse Brimstone’s stim beacon by deploying it too early or in ineffective positions. Optimal usage involves timing deployment during site executes to maximize team firepower during critical engagements.

  • Viper still rarely played after buffs, but is she still bad?

Viper shares Brimstone’s position among least-selected agents, with Omen being the exception that dominates controller pick rates. However, Episode 2’s meta impact extends beyond individual agent changes to broader role evolution.

The revitalized Brimstone kit enables previously impossible strategic approaches. His enhanced smokes now provide sufficient duration to execute complex site takes with multiple smoke layers, while the economic improvements allow more consistent full buys.

Strategic optimization tip: Coordinate stim beacon usage with duelist entry timing to maximize entry frag potential. The instant equip allows Brimstone to contribute directly to site penetration rather than remaining in supportive roles.

Advanced players should master smoke placement patterns that exploit the increased coverage area. Proper execution can single-handedly shut down defender rotations and isolate engagements.

Time investment: Mastering updated Brimstone abilities requires approximately 5-7 hours of dedicated practice to optimize new timings and placements.

For comprehensive tactical framework development, our Complete Guide offers foundational principles applicable across multiple FPS titles.

Episode 2’s meta evolution will likely extend beyond these specific ability adjustments. The changes to Omen and Brimstone’s kits represent Riot’s ongoing commitment to meta diversity and role balance.

Action Checklist

  • Practice new smoke placements utilizing 19.25 second duration and expanded coverage
  • Master economic management with reduced incendiary cost for optimal buy rounds
  • Develop stim beacon timing for coordinated site executes with duelists
  • Analyze opponent controller preferences to counter-pick effectively

No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » Leaks say major Brimstone buffs coming in Valorant Episode 2 Major Brimstone buffs in Valorant Episode 2 transform the controller meta with enhanced abilities and affordability