VALORANT introduces Viper and Cypher nerfs in Patch 8.08

It is time for a new act and with the Patch 8.08, VALORANT introduces Episode 8 Act III with a new bundle and agent balancing updates.

Unfortunately, the Patch Notes wasn't as exciting for the Viper mains as the notes introduced major nerfs to the seemingly ubiquitous agent.

The notes also introduce significant Cypher nerfs but they aren’t as heavy as the Viper nerfs.

Let’s look into the changes and how they will likely impact the game.

Audio Cue for Cypher Spycam

The nerfs for the agent are to reduce his stalling power. According to the patch notes, the former updates have “pushed his stalling power further than we’d like for an Agent that specializes in global information”

The patch notes for the nerfs are as follows:

• Trapwire (C)

  • Re-arm time increased 1 >>> 2s
  • Slow on Trapwire reduced 2 >>> 1.25s

• Spycam (E)

  • Enemies now hear looping audio when they are actively being watched by Cypher from within the Spycam (E).

The updates do not necessarily affect Cypher’s ability to control the area, but reduces his ability to ‘stall’ the incoming onslaught of enemy agents.

Additionally, Spycams’ efficiency is not slightly reduced, helping the opponents counter the Spycam effectively.

The nerfs do not impact Cypher’s pick rate as much. It does impact the agent but the agent is still at a much better place.

Viper nerfed to the ground

The biggest balancing update of the patch is to Viper. With her kit, Viper has become a ubiquitous agent that works on almost all the maps.

Along with Raze, Viper has been dominating the meta. The update aims to “solidify clear weaknesses that Viper has compared to her peers while still maintaining her unique identity as a Controller / Sentinel hybrid.”

The patch notes for the nerfs are as follows:

• Toxic Screen (E) and Poison Cloud (Q)

  • Max uptime on each individual smoke source reduced 15 >>> 13.5 >>> 12s
  • Minimum fuel needed to activate smoke increased 20% >>> 30%
  • Cooldown on re-activating smokes after putting them down reduced 8 >>> 5.5 >>> 5s

• Poison Cloud (Q)

  • Can now only be picked back up during the Buy Phase

• Snake Bite (C)

  • Charges reduced 2 >>> 1

  • Price increased 200 >>> 300

  • Duration increased 5.5 >>> 6.5s

With the nerfs, VALORANT has reduced Viper’s ability to control multiple sites at once. It also increases emphasis on fuel management.

The harshest nerf is to the Snake Bite. With the reduced number of charges, and increased price, the ability is nowhere close to its previous strength.

Snake Bite now has to be used more effectively. The update once again reduces the stalling time of the agent.

The Poison Cloud changes make her more of an anchor now than a flexible agent. Players have to commit to utilizing the ability. The nerfs will definitely affect the agent's pick rate in casual settings.

For VALORANT esports, the Viper rates might dwindle, but the agent still stays as a solid site anchor. The changes will definitely reduce her pick rate on a lot of maps. The nerf might change the meta, but the agent is still a solid anchor.

The update is live now! The update also brings the Mystbloom bundle and changes to Premier.

 Featured Image Credits: Riot Games

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