TL;DR
- Agent abilities see widespread price increases, requiring new economic management strategies
- Weapon prices mostly decrease except Judge shotgun, creating new budget options
- Ultimate point requirements shift significantly for multiple agents
- New agent KAY/O introduces balanced ability pricing structure
- Economic changes will fundamentally alter round-by-round decision making
Valorant’s Episode 3 Act 1 introduces transformative economic adjustments that will reshape competitive play. The arrival of new agent KAY/O coincides with comprehensive pricing revisions affecting nearly every character’s toolkit. These modifications target ability cost structures and weapon economics to create more strategic depth in resource allocation.
Although Riot Games hasn’t published official documentation yet, community testing reveals detailed economic alterations scheduled for June 22 implementation. Players should anticipate official patch notes preceding the update’s deployment, providing final confirmation of these anticipated changes.
The economic restructuring addresses fundamental balance issues observed in professional and ranked play. By adjusting ability costs and weapon pricing simultaneously, developers aim to create more meaningful economic decisions each round.
Agent Ability Price Changes in Episode 3 Act 1
Every Valorant agent operates with a carefully balanced ability kit comprising purchased skills and ultimate capabilities. Most abilities require credits during buy phases, forcing tactical decisions between offensive firepower and supportive utility. Signature abilities that regenerate or require specific conditions also undergo modifications, ensuring comprehensive economic recalibration.
The extensive alterations detailed below will significantly impact agent selection and round strategy. Understanding these economic shifts becomes crucial for maintaining competitive advantage.
Astra
Astral form (X) 200 > 150
Starting stars 2 > 1
Jett
Cloudburst (C) 100 > 200
Updraft (Q) 100 > 150
Blade Storm (X) 6 > 7 points
Breach
Aftershock (C) 100 > 200
- 1 Explosion > 3
Flashpoint (Q) 200 > 250
- Charges 3 > 2
Brimstone
Incendiary (Q) 200 > 250
Cypher
Neutral theft (X) 7 > 6 points
KAY/O
Frag (C) 200
Flash (Q) 250
Zero point (E) Free
Null/CMD (X) 7 points
Killjoy
No price changes
Omen
Shrouded step (C) 100 > 150
Paranoia (Q) 400 > 300
Dark cover (E):
- Free > 100
- 30 > 40 second cooldown
Phoenix
Curveball (Q) 200 > 250
Raze
Boom bot (C) 200 > 400.
Showstopper (X) 7 > 8.
Reyna
Leer (C) 200 > 250
Sage
Slow orb (Q) 100 > 200
Resurrection (X) 7 > 8
Skye
Trailblazer (Q) 200 > 250
Guiding Light (E):
- 3 charges > 2
- 100 > 250
- 40 second regeneration
Sova
Owl drone (C) 300 > 400
Shock bolt (Q) 100 > 150
Hunter’s Fury (X) 7 > 8
Viper
Snake bite (C) 100 > 200
Yoru
Blindside (Q) 200 > 250
Weapon Price Changes Coming in Episode 3 Act 1
Valorant’s weapon pricing philosophy reflects each firearm’s combat effectiveness and situational utility. The Operator sniper rifle maintains its premium position as the most expensive weapon, capable of eliminating fully-armored opponents with single well-placed shots. Episode 3 Act 1 introduces widespread price adjustments aimed at weapon diversity and economic balance.
Most firearms receive cost reductions, creating new budget options for eco rounds. However, the Judge shotgun represents the notable exception, receiving significant price increases to address its dominant close-quarters performance.
Sidearms
Shorty 200 > 150
Frenzy 500 > 450
SMGs
Stinger 1100 > 950
Shotguns
Bucky 900 > 850
Judge 1600 > 1850
Rifles
Bulldog 2100 > 2050
Guardian 2400 > 2250
Sniper rifles
Marshal 1000 > 950
Operator 5000 > 4700
Machine guns
Ares 1600 > 1550
The comprehensive economic changes demand strategic adaptation across multiple gameplay dimensions. Players must reconsider their weapon selection strategies and ability usage patterns. The increased costs for popular abilities like Jett’s Cloudburst and Raze’s Boom Bot will reduce spam usage while encouraging more deliberate deployment.
Ultimate point requirement adjustments for agents like Jett, Raze, Sage, and Sova will alter ultimate economy management. Teams may need to adjust their agent composition to balance economic pressures across roles.
Common adaptation mistakes include over-investing in abilities during pistol rounds and underestimating the impact of cooldown increases. Advanced players should focus on ability efficiency and timing rather than sheer volume of usage.
The new economic landscape creates opportunities for strategic innovation. Players who master economic management will gain significant competitive advantages in ranked and professional play.
Action Checklist
- Review all agent ability price changes and identify your main agents’ new economic requirements
- Practice new buy patterns in custom games, focusing on ability-weapon balance
- Analyze weapon price changes and identify new budget options for eco rounds
- Develop round-specific economic strategies accounting for ultimate point requirements
- Create team composition strategies that balance economic pressures across different agent roles
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Tons of agent ability & weapon price changes coming to Valorant Complete guide to Valorant Episode 3 Act 1 economy changes with strategic insights and adaptation tips