Valorant devs planning new deathmatch mode, talk pistols-only

The recently introduced Escalation mode represents just the beginning of Riot Games’ expansion of Valorant’s gameplay variety beyond traditional competitive formats.

During a recent developer AMA session, Riot revealed ambitious plans to transform Valorant’s deathmatch experience. Currently, the tactical shooter primarily centers around its competitive defusal mode, with deathmatch serving as a pre-match warm-up tool. Dedicated players typically join deathmatch servers before competitive matches to refine their aiming skills and muscle memory. However, the development team recognizes the need to establish a dedicated, permanent deathmatch format that would significantly broaden the game’s appeal to casual audiences seeking less intense gameplay sessions.

In their comprehensive Reddit AMA discussion, the Valorant creators addressed numerous questions about Escalation and the future of game modes. The team confirmed that multiple custom game variations are undergoing internal testing for potential release in upcoming episodes. While various casual-oriented modes are already in development, the team appears to be finalizing substantial improvements to the core deathmatch experience that could fundamentally change how players approach practice sessions.

Can you use agent abilities in Valorant deathmatch?

Valorant’s current deathmatch configuration is exclusively designed for pure aiming practice. Players cannot select specific agents or employ any character abilities during these sessions. This restrictive approach may undergo significant changes in forthcoming game updates based on developer statements.

Developer Darkhorse4Life clarified that the existing practice mode primarily serves as a pre-game warm-up tool. However, with upcoming patches, participants might gain opportunities to experiment with agent abilities and alternative game mechanics within deathmatch environments.

“Our long-term vision involves dividing this mode into two distinct variations. One would emphasize competitive elements potentially incorporating novel game mechanics, while another would remain permanently accessible specifically for warm-up and practice purposes,” the developer explained during the session.

The development team identified several critical shortcomings in the current deathmatch implementation. For instance, the warm-up mode prohibits players from joining matches already in progress—a technical limitation that currently prevents comprehensive deathmatch improvements. Once developers implement effective solutions, players should anticipate a completely redesigned practice mode experience.

Will Valorant get a new game mode?

Valorant’s recent launch of Escalation mode has been met with enthusiastic player reception. Observant developers indicated that similar experimental prototypes are advancing through development pipelines.

Show your skill with every weapon in the new Escalation game mode, playable tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Odv6PA6rNQ

— VALORANT (@PlayVALORANT) February 16, 2021

Future game formats featuring shorter session durations, specialized pistol competitions, and three-versus-three configurations may debut in coming episodes, as RiotPwnieride disclosed. However, modes requiring larger than five-player lobbies will likely require additional development time. The developers confirmed that expanded team sizes are planned, but current technical constraints limit teams to five participants per side.

“Seven-versus-seven configurations would introduce technical complications: assembling seven-player teams presents greater matchmaking challenges than five-player formations. We remained uncertain about queue health for this format, concerned about potentially extended waiting periods for seven-player teams in Escalation mode,” tehleach elaborated during the discussion.

Valorant’s existing game modes provide limited engagement for casual players seeking brief entertainment sessions. Introducing novel formats like 3v3 skirmishes, ability-centric matches, and pistol-exclusive modes would introduce refreshing variety appealing to both dedicated competitive players and casual participants alike.

Based on developer responses, innovative features remain a priority discussion topic within Valorant development teams. While new modes continue development, distinctive variations might arrive in deathmatch formats sooner than initially projected.

Advanced players should develop structured warm-up routines that transition effectively into competitive matches. Common mistakes include spending excessive time in deathmatch without specific improvement goals, neglecting movement practice while focusing solely on aiming, and failing to simulate actual match conditions during practice sessions. For optimal results, dedicate 10-15 minutes to focused deathmatch practice before competitive sessions, concentrating on crosshair placement and peeking techniques rather than pure frag hunting.

When new modes launch, prioritize understanding their unique mechanics before diving into competitive play. The upcoming ability-focused deathmatch variations will require completely different strategic approaches compared to current aim-only formats. Players transitioning from other tactical shooters should review our Class Guide to better understand character-based gameplay fundamentals that may become relevant in future Valorant modes.

As Riot expands Valorant’s casual offerings, maintaining fundamental skills becomes increasingly important. Reference our Complete Guide for comprehensive gameplay improvement strategies that apply across multiple game formats.

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