Everything You Need To Know About Valorant In September 2023

Valorant, Riot Games’ popular tactical first-person shooter, is a game that never rests. With each passing month, new updates, features, and exciting content are introduced to keep players engaged and the gameplay fresh. As we dive into September 2023, let’s take a comprehensive look at everything you need to know about Valorant and what awaits you in this dynamic gaming universe.

1. Patch Notes 7.04: The Heart of Changes

Every new Act in Valorant brings a flurry of updates, changes, and additions, and Act 2 of Episode 7 is no exception. Patch 7.04 is the heartbeat of these modifications, featuring significant adjustments to agents, maps, and gameplay elements. Here are some key highlights:

Agent Updates

Patch 7.04 puts a strong emphasis on enhancing game state clarity. Riot Games aims to make interactions with enemy utility and abilities more understandable. Changes include:

• Reducing the frequency of large area-of-effect ultimates.
• Reducing the duration of active utility in the game world.
• Reducing the health points of shootable utility.

These changes aim to provide players with clearer decision-making opportunities and a better understanding of in-game situations. While many of these adjustments may appear subtle, together, they contribute to improved game balance and clarity.

Map Updates: Breeze and Sunset

Map rotation is a crucial aspect of Valorant’s gameplay experience. In September 2023, Breeze makes its return to the Competitive and Unrated map pool, introducing fresh dynamics to matches. Simultaneously, a brand-new map, “Sunset,” makes its debut. Sunset features three lanes and two sites, offering players a unique battleground to explore.

The “Sunset Only” queue is a limited-time opportunity for players to immerse themselves in this new map. Afterward, Sunset will be integrated into the Unrated map rotation and subsequently join the Competitive map rotation in Patch 7.05.

2. Agent Balancing and Updates

Agents are at the heart of Valorant’s diverse gameplay. To ensure a balanced and engaging experience, Riot Games frequently reviews and tweaks agents. In September 2023, several agents have undergone adjustments:

Breach: Breach’s abilities have seen some refinements:

• Aftershock (C): The number of ticks has been reduced from 3 to 2, while damage per tick has been increased from 60 to 80.
• Rolling Thunder (X): Ultimate points required have been increased from 8 to 9.

Brimstone: Brimstone’s Orbital Strike (X) now requires 8 ultimate points instead of 7.

Fade: Fade’s Prowler (C) has been tweaked to have a slightly longer time to re-equip a weapon after using the ability.

Gekko: Gekko’s Mosh Pit (C) now inflicts 10 damage per second before exploding. Additionally, the HP of Thrash (X) has been reduced from 100 to 80.

Killjoy: Killjoy’s Lockdown (X) now requires 9 ultimate points instead of 8.

Omen: Omen’s Paranoia (Q) no longer imparts movement velocity when casting.

Skye: Skye has been a prominent agent in recent meta gameplay. To bring her in line with other agents and introduce more weaknesses to her kit, several changes have been made:

• Guiding Light (E): Maximum duration while casting has been reduced from 2.5s to 2s.
• Trailblazer (Q): HP has been reduced from 100 to 80.
• Seekers (X): Ultimate points required have been increased from 7 to 8, and Seeker Health has been decreased from 150 to 120.

Sova: Sova’s Recon Bolt (E) now has a total number of scans reduced from 3 to 2.

Viper: Viper’s Viper’s Pit (X) now requires 9 ultimate points instead of 8.

Astra: Astra’s abilities have undergone substantial changes to balance her utility:

• Gravity Well (C): Startup time has increased from 0.6 to 1.25, and gravity time duration has decreased from 2.75 to 2.0.
• Nova Pulse (Q): Startup time has decreased from 1.25 to 1.0.
• Cosmic Divide (X): Audio is now blocked completely by the wall, rather than being muffled.

Jett: Jett’s agility and precision have made her a dominant presence in Valorant. To ensure a more balanced experience, several changes have been implemented:

• Tailwind (E): Dash window has been decreased from 12s to 7.5s, and activation windup increased from 0.75s to 1s.
• Cloudburst (C): Duration has been reduced from 4.5s to 2.5s, and time to re-equip a weapon takes slightly longer.
• Updraft (Q): The number of charges has been reduced from 2 to 1.
• Blade Storm (X): Ultimate points required have been increased from 7 to 8.

These changes aim to make Jett’s gameplay more deliberate and tactical while reducing her defensive capabilities and the ability to correct tactical mistakes quickly.

3. Valorant Premier League: A New Era of Competition

Valorant Premier League is an exciting addition to the competitive Valorant scene, offering players a new level of competition and the chance to showcase their skills on the big stage. Here are some key aspects of Valorant Premier:

Divisions and Tiers

Player performance in Valorant Premier is tracked and rewarded. Divisions are split into five tiers:

• Open
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Elite
• Contender

Players who participate in Premier Matches will receive Player Cards, Division Gun Buddies, and titles based on their performance.

Timeline

Valorant Premier League features a full competitive map pool spanning seven weeks. Each week focuses on one dedicated map, with a maximum of two matches on that map. The matches start on September 7 and run through October 21, leading up to the Playoffs on October 22.

Qualification

To qualify for the Valorant Premier Playoff Tournament, teams need to accumulate a Premier Score of at least 675. This qualification process adds an additional layer of competition and strategy to the Valorant Premier experience.

Connection to VCT

Valorant Premier is closely connected to the competitive Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) circuit. Players participating in Valorant Premier gain valuable experience and recognition, making it an essential step for those aspiring to play in Tier 2 VALORANT.

4. Player Behavior Updates

Valorant takes player behaviour seriously and is committed to creating a positive gaming environment. In September 2023, players can expect the following behaviour-related updates:

Reporting UI Improvements

The reporting system receives enhancements, improving readability with added icons and detailed text descriptions when hovering over icons. Post-game reports are categorized for better understanding and reported information is included to reduce false reporting.

5. What Lies Ahead

As Valorant continues to evolve and adapt, players can expect an engaging gaming experience throughout September 2023 and beyond. New content, agent balancing, map rotations, and the exciting Valorant Premier League offer a plethora of opportunities for players to enjoy the game and showcase their skills.

Whether you’re a seasoned Valorant veteran or just stepping into the world of tactical shooters, September 2023 promises to be an exciting chapter in Valorant’s ongoing journey. So, gear up, sharpen your skills, and get ready to immerse yourself in the action-packed world of Valorant!

Also Read: All Pro Players Who Got Retired In 2023 From DOTA 2 And Valorant