Valorant Smoke Visual And Audio Changes in 7.08: All You Need To Know

Riot Games have once again shown a new update, sending shockwaves through the gaming community. While gamers are no strangers to patches and changes, one thing remains constant – Riot Games continually strives to enhance the gaming experience for all its players. The latest update in Valorant, however, has set professional players abuzz, sparking discussions and debates within the community. Check the specifics of the changes and gauge the reactions of professional Valorant players.

Valorant Smoke Visual and Audio Changes in 7.08

According to the ValorLeaks X (formerly known as Valorant Leaks) Twitter account, the 7.08 update of Valorant introduces a quality of life (QoL) change that centers on smokes. This particular modification targets the duration and timing of smokes for certain agents, including Brimstone, Astra, and Omen. 

During the final 1.5 seconds of a smoke’s lifespan, players will now encounter both an auditory cue and a sparkling visual effect within the smoke cloud. This adjustment has been implemented to help players, especially newer ones or those who prefer minimal in-game communication, determine the precise moment when a smoke dissipates. This strategic tweak aims to aid in adapting to the presence of both friendly and enemy smokes, promoting clarity in gameplay.

Professional Players’ Reactions

Despite Riot Games’ well-intentioned QoL enhancement, not all professional Valorant players are in agreement. The introduction of these changes has led to a division in the community, with some players welcoming the updates while others expressing concerns about their implications.

EG Boostio, the champion of Valorant 2023, expressed his dissent by labelling the change as “bad.” He went on to say, “People need to learn the game to this level at least.” This response came in reaction to G2 JoshRT’s support of the changes. 

JoshRT posited that these adjustments would enhance new players’ understanding of the game’s mechanics, thereby making lower-rank matches more enjoyable. This division of opinion demonstrates the complexities involved in modifying the game’s mechanics and the desire to strike a balance between accessibility and skill.

Another notable professional player, Žygimantas “nukkye” Chmieliauskas, who represents the Giants team, shared his perspective on the changes. In a tweet, he suggested, “Let’s lower the skill gap even more for the people that play just a few games a month. Also, I have a suggestion: let’s give aimbot for people who play only a few games so they can maintain their rank and continue enjoying the game. #VamosRiot.” Nukkye’s take on the matter underlines the concern that some have expressed – that these changes could shift the game towards an aim-centric focus.

Balancing Act: Riot’s Response

Riot Games’ approach to these concerns remains to be seen. The changes in Valorant’s smokes have undoubtedly ignited a spirited debate within the gaming community, and while it’s clear that Riot Games’ intentions are to make the game more inclusive and comprehensible for new players, it’s also evident that the changes may disrupt the equilibrium for players who have invested significant time in mastering the game’s intricacies.

The future of Valorant hinges on Riot Games’ ability to navigate these waters and provide an environment that accommodates both newcomers and seasoned players. The outcome of this endeavor is eagerly awaited by the Valorant community.

What’s Your Take on Valorant’s Smoke Changes

What’s your perspective on these modifications to the smoke mechanics in Valorant? Do you consider these changes to be a step in the right direction, facilitating a more welcoming gaming experience for all? Or do you concur with the concerns raised by professional players, who are apprehensive about the shift towards a more aim-centric style of play? The community’s diverse array of voices adds depth to the ongoing discussion about the ever-evolving landscape of Valorant. As you ponder these changes, it’s worth exploring Riot Games’ October Night Market in Valorant, an additional facet of engagement for fans of this dynamic and competitive first-person shooter.