What to expect from VALORANT Patch 8.11

What to expect from VALORANT Patch 8.11

Ganesh Jadhav

11 May, 2024, 15:08

|

Last updated: 9 Apr, 2025, 23:48

Later today, VALORANT Patch 8.11 goes live, introducing an all-new map, map pool changes, multiple agent changes, a new bundle and more.

Let’s overview some of these exciting new changes coming to the game.

Abyss: the New Map

One of the biggest changes coming to VALORANT with Patch 8.11 is the new map. The tenth map to be added to the game; Abyss is a completely new take on the classic three lane maps.

The map features a lot of verticality, and is the first map you can fall off of. With the new gimmicks, the map is also very basic, with the both sites having the ability to be anchored by a single defender.

Additionally, the map layout, orb position and the barriers encourages a very action heavy, control-centric, confrontational approach where both sides have to stay on their toes to come out on top.

There will be a ‘Abyss’ map queue for the first two week before the map enters the matchmaking queue.

We will do a quick guide on how to play the map and the agents one should play when the map officially releases.

Map pool changes

As the tradition dictates, a new map comes with map pool changes. With 8.11, Haven will return to the map pool along with the new map.

The two incoming maps will replace Breeze and Split in the competitive map pool. Additionally, the map pool restrictions on other modes (except Competitive and Premier)  will be removed.

Players can now enjoy Unrated, Deathmatch, Spike Rush and Swift Play modes on all 11 maps.

Agent Changes

With the upcoming patch, Neon, Iso, Reyna, Raze and Clove will undergo several updates focused on balancing them. These changes are part of a bigger string of updates coming to VALORANT.

The changes are an attempt to balance out the agent pick rates all-around, ensuring one agent isn’t more viable than other.

We have covered the agent changes in detail earlier. You can read about them here.

New VALORANT Bundle - Aemondir

With Patch 8.11, the new bundle Aemondir will be released. The cost of bundle is expected to be 8700 VP and it features the following weapon skins:

  • Vandal
  • Sheriff
  • Bulldog
  • Bucky
  • Melee

All the weapon skins will be available in four variants and have two upgradeable levels. The skins will be released along with Patch 8.11.

When will the VALORANT patch 8.11 release?

The VALORANT patch will be playable today at 10:00 AM PT. Please refer to local patch times for the updates.

Stay tuned on Strafe for more VALORANT. 

Featured Image Credits: Riot Games

Read More: VALORANT Console Limited Beta releases next week

Latest news

G2 Esports and One Piece Collaborate to Create New Limited-Edition Drop

G2 Esports and One Piece Collaborate to Create New Limited-Edition Drop

Esports giant G2 is making another move into the anime fashion space, this time partnering with one of the most beloved franchises in the world. In collaboration with One Piece, G2 has announced a new limited-edition streetwear drop available as of today (June 25).
18m
Martin Arévalo-Östberg

Challenger Teams Enter the Fray in VCT EMEA Stage 2

As the glow from VCT Masters London begins to fade and the triumph of Leviatán incredible run firmly seats itself in history, we look towards the second half of 2026.  The conclusion of the second VALORANT Masters event of the year marks the start of the sharp incline, a final dash for the finish line — Champions Shanghai. Only 16 teams will earn the privilege of basking under the brightest spotlight the VCT has to offer, and there’s very little time left. Let’s have a look at what to expect come VCT EMEA Stage 2.
22m
Foo Zen-Wen

Riot Games' Vanguard Anti-Cheat Now Launches On-Demand: How to Enable It

VALORANT and League of Legends players can now use the Vanguard anti-cheat on demand. Here's how, along with the pre-check requirements.
14h
Adarsh J. Kumar

"At least give us one opportunity" - Coach Fury on the State of South African Valorant

Six years on from the game’s launch, VALORANT continues to grow and inspire new generations of players with its dizzying heights — selling a dream that one day, just maybe, they could stand at the pinnacle of the game’s competitive scene and do the same for another. But for a country like South Africa (ZA), the VALORANT dream is a pipe dream.
22h
Foo Zen-Wen

Esports Nations Cup 2026 VALORANT Rosters: All Rumored and Confirmed National Teams

The Esports Nations Cup 2026 could be the most competitive international VALORANT event of the year. Set for November 8–15 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the tournament will bring together 32 national teams vying for glory on the global stage. With the national rankings cut-off not arriving until June 21, 2026, rosters are still taking shape, but plenty of names have already started surfacing across regions. Here's everything we know about confirmed and rumored lineups heading into the tournament.
24 Jun
Kaustavmani Choudhury

VALORANT Patch 13.00 Full Breakdown: Sentinel Buffs, New Map Summit, Retake Mode & More

VALORANT's V26 Act 4 kicks off with Patch 13.00—one of the most content-rich updates in recent memory. From sweeping Sentinel buffs and Initiator cooldown reductions to a brand-new map and limited-time mode, here's everything you need to know.
23 Jun
Kaustavmani Choudhury

Leviatán Are Crowned Champions of VALORANT Masters London

In what may go down as one of the greatest grand finals in VALORANT esports history, Leviatán completed a storybook lower bracket run to claim the Masters London trophy, defeating Paper Rex 3-2 in a pulsating five-map thriller. The young Latin American squad have made history in more ways than one, and the esports world is taking notice.
21 Jun
Kaustavmani Choudhury

Comments (0)

Log in to comment on this match