Valorant 1.0 patch notes released ahead of launch

TL;DR

  • Valorant 1.0 launches June 2 with Reyna as the 11th agent and Ascent as the fourth map
  • Major agent balance changes include Sage nerfs, Jett/Phoenix buffs, and complete Omen rework
  • Performance optimizations target combat framerate drops and add new audio visualization features
  • Competitive mode delayed to allow learning period, similar to closed beta approach
  • Comprehensive bug fixes and quality of life improvements enhance overall gameplay experience

Riot Games has delivered on their promise, publishing comprehensive patch notes just before Valorant’s official global release. The tactical shooter maintains its scheduled June 2 debut despite community concerns during the testing phase.

Launch preparations include substantial content additions alongside crucial performance refinements. The development team emphasized their commitment to ongoing optimization beyond this initial release.

The most significant additions feature Reyna as the eleventh agent joining the roster, described as originating from Mexico with vampire-inspired mechanics. The fourth competitive map, Ascent, introduces new strategic possibilities with its Italian setting and open mid-area design.

Key improvements address agent balancing for competitive readiness and resolve framerate instability during firefights. Map pool improvements include restructuring Split’s problematic mid chokepoint to improve gameplay flow.

VALORANT is almost here! Here are a few highlights from Patch Notes 1.0. Read all about it here: https://t.co/0uC2MoG3B8 pic.twitter.com/BB3FUceGLh

— VALORANT (@PlayVALORANT) June 1, 2020

Valorant 1.0 patch notes released ahead of June 2 launch

Agent updates

Sage receives significant adjustments in the launch patch, continuing her nerf trajectory as an S-tier operative. Developers identified her Healing Orb usage frequency as excessive per engagement cycle, extending the cooldown period substantially. Barrier Orb modifications reduce both structural integrity and active duration while adding minimap visibility for teammate awareness.

“Earlier Barrier Orb adjustments provided better counterplay during initial rounds but maintained excessive round impact. We intend to preserve the wall’s stalling capability while demanding more strategic timing decisions,” the development team clarified.

Raze experiences damage radius reduction on her Blast Pack ability, decreasing the maximum effective area significantly.

Jett’s underwhelming closed beta performance prompted substantial enhancements. Cloud Burst duration receives a major extension, significantly increasing her team utility and smoke-based playmaking potential.

“Jett possesses unique value in trade denial situations but lacked sufficient team contribution. Extended smoke duration provides enhanced setup time for coordinated plays,” developers stated.

Her Tailwind capability now automatically disables Cypher’s Trapwires after brief detection. This liberation from positional constraints enables more aggressive space creation attempts despite inherent risks.

Phoenix gains substantial buffs with Blaze duration extension and improved damage/healing mechanics. The adjustments create less predictable play patterns while standardizing damage-over-time systems across abilities.

“These DoT/HoT model updates align with recent systemic changes. We’ve balanced damage/healing values to maintain parity between abilities while preventing role confusion,” developers explained.

Quality of life enhancement for Phoenix’s ultimate automatically reloads all weapons upon respawn.

Omen undergoes comprehensive kit revisions with Paranoia receiving equipment priority over quickcast alongside hit detection improvements. Dark Cover introduces phased world visibility for precise smoke placement with toggle functionality.

“We aimed to provide Omen with enhanced smoke precision, particularly involving vertical gameplay. The toggle system maintains support for established close-range smoke techniques,” developers noted.

Control schemes for Dark Cover receive complete overhaul with intuitive distance adjustment mechanics. While requiring adaptation, the new system offers superior usability especially for newcomers.

Shrouded Step now displays teleport destination indicators even when vision is obstructed. This visual feedback system improves spatial awareness for strategic positioning.

Ultimate cancellation capability adds tactical flexibility, allowing Omen to abort risky teleportations at ultimate point cost. This change reduces the extreme punishment previously associated with ultimate usage while encouraging creative applications.

Sound visualization changes

Advanced Valorant competitors quickly recognized audio awareness importance during testing. The launch update expands sound visualization systems, displaying additional agent-generated audio distances via minimap indicators.

“We’re providing players with clearer understanding of their audio footprint and enemy detection ranges,” developers commented.

Map changes

Ascent’s Italian setting confirmation introduces expansive mid-area combat zones. The central region serves as ability interaction space for controlling additional route access.

Split’s mid chokepoint redesign addresses defender advantage issues. The restructured space offers alternative pathways to circumvent defensive stall tactics.

Competitive mode

Ranked matchmaking remains unavailable at launch, mirroring the closed beta approach. This decision allows stabilization priority and provides learning periods for new participants.

Based on testing feedback, competitive features will activate several patches post-launch. The phased approach ensures system refinement before competitive implementation.

Valorant performance updates in 1.0

“Our team concentrated extensively on performance optimization in this release. Primary focus addresses combat framerate instability that some users experienced. Less complex scenarios may not demonstrate equivalent performance gains, but we remain committed to ongoing improvements,” developers outlined.

Combat performance receives multiple optimizations targeting framerate dip causes. These refinements ensure smoother gameplay during intensive firefight situations.

Quality of life enhancements eliminate ultimate point farming through non-enemy eliminations. The adjustment removes exploitative optimization strategies around ability point accumulation.

Communication restriction systems implement 72-hour limitations for repeat violators. These measures maintain community standards and gameplay experience quality.

Substantial bug resolution includes Sova’s arrow bounce consistency and Cypher’s spycam directional visibility.

Review the complete patch documentation for additional details.

Action Checklist

  • Test all agent changes in custom games to understand new cooldowns and abilities
  • Practice Ascent map routes and mid control strategies
  • Adjust graphics settings to optimize for combat performance improvements
  • Master Omen’s new smoke placement system and ultimate cancellation timing

No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » Valorant 1.0 patch notes released ahead of launch Complete breakdown of Valorant's 1.0 launch patch with agent balance changes, new content, and performance improvements