Omen and Brimstone are finally getting buffed in patch 4.04

Valorant’s controller role experiences a dramatic transformation in patch 4.04 as Riot Games addresses long-standing balance issues. The update delivers substantial improvements to Omen and Brimstone while recalibrating the power of Astra and Viper, creating new strategic depth for competitive play.

Omen previously dominated the early Valorant meta but fell from favor after consecutive nerfs. His decline paved the way for Astra’s rise as the premier controller choice. These latest changes aim to restore balance across the controller lineup, giving players more viable options depending on map selection and team composition.

What are the new Omen and Brimstone buffs?

Omen’s signature Dark Cover ability receives crucial improvements that address previous weaknesses. The smoke projectile velocity nearly triples from 2800 to 6400, dramatically reducing deployment time and improving reactive play potential.

The smoke reload cooldown decreases by 10 seconds, enabling more frequent utility usage throughout rounds. However, this enhanced capability comes with increased cost—Dark Cover now requires 150 credits instead of 100, adding strategic economic considerations to ability purchases.

Shrouded Step teleport becomes significantly more accessible with a 50 credit price reduction and decreased activation delay. These changes transform Omen from a niche pick into a versatile controller capable of adapting to various economic situations while maintaining consistent smoke coverage.

Advanced players should note that the faster smoke deployment allows for last-second site blocks and retake scenarios where timing was previously problematic. The improved teleport enables more aggressive flanking opportunities while maintaining defensive flexibility.

Astra’s dominance receives significant checks through multiple nerfs that impact her high-level utility. The celestial controller now accesses only four stars per round instead of five, reducing her overall map control potential and forcing more deliberate ability usage decisions.

Cooldown increases affect Gravity Well, Nova Pulse, and Nebula abilities, creating windows of vulnerability that opponents can exploit. The increased Nebula smoke size provides partial compensation, offering wider area denial but with reduced frequency.

Viper’s resource management undergoes fundamental changes with 50% faster fuel drain when both Toxic Screen and Poison Cloud operate simultaneously. This adjustment penalizes overly defensive setups while rewarding strategic ability cycling and fuel conservation techniques.

These coordinated adjustments create space for Omen and Brimstone to reclaim relevance, particularly on maps where their unique strengths align with site geometry and attack/defense requirements.

Brimstone buffed, Viper nerfed in patch 4.04

Brimstone’s smoke system receives comprehensive enhancements that address long-standing community feedback. The increased smoke height prevents common peek spots and jump throws from bypassing coverage, while extended duration provides more consistent area denial throughout rounds.

The Stim Beacon transformation represents one of patch 4.04’s most innovative changes. Beyond the rapid-fire functionality, the new 15% movement speed boost creates unprecedented entry potential and site execution options previously unavailable to Brimstone players.

This dual-effect Stim Beacon now serves as both an offensive tool for executes and a defensive asset for retake scenarios. The speed boost enables faster rotations and unexpected aggressive plays that can catch opponents off-guard.

Strategic applications include combining Stim Beacon with executes on Bind’s teleporters or creating unexpected fast pushes through Ascent’s mid control areas.

Mastering the updated controller meta requires understanding both ability mechanics and strategic timing. Omen players should practice smoke lineups that leverage the increased projectile speed for last-second blocks and one-way smoke opportunities that were previously inconsistent.

Common mistakes include over-investing in abilities during eco rounds or misjudging smoke deployment timing. Advanced optimization involves coordinating Omen’s cheaper teleport with team executes to create unpredictable angles and pressure points.

Brimstone optimization focuses on Stim Beacon placement timing and smoke duration management. The speed boost should be deployed during critical moments rather than as standard procedure, preserving the element of surprise.

For comprehensive agent strategies beyond controllers, our Class Guide provides detailed breakdowns of optimal ability usage across all roles.

Economic management becomes crucial with Omen’s increased smoke cost. Players should develop credit allocation strategies that ensure smoke availability during full buy rounds while maintaining weapon purchase capability.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Omen and Brimstone are finally getting buffed in patch 4.04 Valorant patch 4.04 brings major controller meta shifts with Omen buffs, Brimstone improvements, and Viper adjustments