VALORANT 5-Year Anniversary Brings New Map, Smurf Prevention and VCT Overhaul
The big news of the day is VALORANT’s long-awaited replay system is finally coming in September – and we now have a patch number for it! However, many more changes and updates have also been announced in the latest Riot Games video to celebrate the game’s 5-year anniversary. Let’s quickly run through them all.
Power Creep, Ability Balance, Visual Update
Earlier this year, conversation started picking up on the visual clutter and ability layering concerns in VALORANT. The continuously improving skill of the player base in layering and combining agent abilities had reached a threshold in too many instances, where players may find themselves ‘checkmated’ in certain scenarios with no counterplay regardless of personal skill.
Riot Games has confirmed that part of the effort in 2025 is to address this issue – examining overall ability power levels and visual clarity. Already we have seen small adjustments carried out: minimap updates, Brimstone’s molly audio update, Raze’s explosion visuals, visual tells for health state on placeable utility such as Deadlock’s Barrier Mesh, and we can undoubtedly expect more in the coming months.
New Map Incoming
Patch 11.00 will bring with it VALORANT newest competitive map – straight live to competitive queue Day 1.
A common issue that has persisted with previous newly released maps is the playerbase’s frustrations with learning a map for the first time in competitive queue with their RR on the line. Riot’s new effort aims to combat it.
“We want to better support learning the map in the competitive environment right away.”
Losses on the newest released map for the first 2 weeks will see a reduction of RR losses by 50%. Victories will still grant 100% of your winnings, incentivizing a better learning environment that does not punish the playerbase as harshly.
Bye Bye Smurfs? VALORANT introduces 2FA
One of the ongoing efforts by Riot Games has been to clamp down on issues surrounding shared accounts, with the first being a new barrier – Multi-Factor Authentication. Most likely solutions will be either an application or SMS verification to ensure the owner of the account is the person logging into the account.
Furthermore, as part of the player behaviour improvement effort, greater visibility will be coming in-game to visually inform players of their behaviour standing.
A new status will display for each player, informing of their current behaviour status. Credit: Riot Games
Information will be provided on how each offense is linked to which penalizations. Credit: Riot GamesVALORANT Premier Receives a Little Love
As of Patch 11.00, Premier will bring Team Tags for all players who participate in Weekly Matches – so queue up and represent (we need better competition). Riot has also hinted at an extra special prize coming for those teams who do manage to win the Playoff Tournament.
VALORANT Esports Sees Improvements
First up, for the truest of fans, the Pick’Ems are returning in style, this time in-game itself. No longer will you need to access a website; you can just do it in between queues. Pick’Ems will be available for both Masters Toronto and Champions this year (and Riot has confirmed Pick’Ems will be available at all future Masters and Champions events). Check out the prizes available for good predictions, so lock in and prove you know your stuff!
Next up, Riot Games has confirmed the plan for larger changes to be implemented following the end of the first VCT partnership teams cycle next year in 2026, With the start of the 2027 VCT season, we’ll expect to see the following:
- Improved openness between Tier 1 and 2. Partnerships will still be a key component of the circuit. However, the goal is to provide more professional and community tournaments, providing more teams the opportunity to compete on bigger stages.
- Improved circuit flexibility. Riot’s aim with the circuit revamp is to allow access to a wider variety of competitions, formats, and event locations across the globe.
- Increased ecosystem moments. While Riot Games has affirmed their continued belief that the current count of global events remains appropriate, they are currently seeking to create more moments to bring the community together and celebrate everything that makes VALORANT special – especially looking at the regional levels to bring about this increased effort.
VALORANT's biggest moments are often highlights of the year for the community. Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot GamesVALORANT’s 5-year Anniversary Shaping Up as a Momentous Milestone
With the number of incredible announcements, anticipation continues to skyrocket for the coming months and years as Riot Games looks to set the foundation for VALORANT’s longevity and enduring popularity. From gameplay improvements all the way to the highest level of competitive play, there’s plenty to look forward to, so stay tuned!
Check out Strafe Esports for all the latest VALORANT news and our X account for the latest content and coverages. Also, stay tuned to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.
Featured Image Credit: Riot Games
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