Valorant Update 8.0: Map Changes, Killjoy Nerfs, Deadlock Buffs, And First New Weapon

Get ready, Valorant enthusiasts! 2024 kicks off with a bang as Riot Games drops the highly-anticipated 8.0 update, promising a fresh gaming experience. Beyond just launching a new episode, this update introduces significant alterations to maps and tweaks to beloved Agents like Killjoy and Deadlock. Let’s dive into the Valorant update 8.0 patch notes to explore the exhilarating changes awaiting players.

General Updates

In a bid to enhance your gaming journey, the Gun Buddy Carousel has undergone a revamp, now organizing buddies alphabetically for seamless navigation. Brace yourselves because the spotlight of this update is on the Outlaw sniper rifle, making its grand entrance. And that’s not all – Valorant now supports third-party spatialization software for headphones, elevating the auditory dimensions of the game.

Agent Updates

Deadlock

Building on the momentum from the 7.10 GravNet changes, Deadlock receives adjustments aimed at amplifying her unique abilities. Sonic Sensor (Q) becomes more reliable, with a reduced windup time and the ability to be recalled and redeployed within the same round.

Sonic Sensor (Q)

• Now recallable in a round
• Pickup distance increased: 12m >>> 27m
• Time to concuss once triggered decreased: 1.0s >>> 0.5s
• Enemies’ time to destroy Sonic Sensor decreased: 0.65s >>> 0.5s
• Sonic Sensor audio audible to Deadlock and allies in its area of effect.

Barrier Mesh (E)

• Max length increased: 6m >>> 10m

Killjoy

Killjoy faces adjustments to her Turret (E) to balance its dominance. A reduction in vision radius challenges players to make strategic choices, while visual updates aid in quick comprehension of the Turret’s new capabilities.

Turret (E)

• Vision radius reduced: 180 degrees >>> 100 degrees
• Representation of Turret’s vision cone on Killjoy’s minimap during placement
• Visual effects and animations updated to reflect Turret’s new vision radius

Map Updates

Icebox

The return of Icebox brings subtle yet impactful changes to Mid, B Green, and B Orange. Adjustments aim to add value to Mid control for both teams, simplifying the path to B Site through B Orange and B Green.

Attacker Side Spawn

• Addition of a storage container to block line of sight from Attacker Spawn to B Tube.

B Green

• Container in B Green moved to ease combat dynamics.

B Tube Exterior

• Addition of a window towards the end overlooking Mid, A Site, and Defender Spawn.

B Tube Interior

• Addition of two boxes stacked flush to the wall.

Lotus

Defenders on Lotus receive reprieve with updates designed to balance the battlefield, offering more options and quality-of-life improvements.

A Main

• Increased room and added boxes for Defenders to contest A Rubble control.

A Hut

• Closure for better site readability, addition of a cubby for defender options.

B Site

• More room and boxes for defensibility near the choke on site.

C Site

• Adjustments to Spike plant zone and stairs in C Bend for diverse plant locations.

Rotating Doors

• Time to complete rotation increased: 8s >>> 10s

Mode Updates

Team Deathmatch

Sheriff’s dominance in the Stage 2 weapon ecosystem prompts a recalibration, replacing Heavy Shield with Light Shield in the Sheriff loadout to encourage diversity in weapon choices.

Premier Updates

Team Captain Role

A new management role, Team Captain, is introduced, allowing assistance in team management without the power to disband the team.

Standings

View standings in other divisions and for previous Stages of Premier with added dropdown menus on the Standings Tab.

Divisions

Know your seeded division before your first match.

Playoff Qualification

• The threshold to qualify for this Stage returns to the standard 675 Premier Score.
• EMEA Zone Updates
• Zones are revamped to support the VCT Challengers League Path to Promotion in EMEA.

Final Thoughts

Valorant’s 8.0 update unfolds a thrilling chapter in gaming. With revamped maps, enhanced agents, and the introduction of the Outlaw sniper, Riot Games continues to deliver on its commitment to keeping Valorant fresh and engaging. Embrace the changes, refine your strategies, and may your victories in Episode 8 Act 1 be legendary!

For more Valorant insights, stay tuned.