# VALORANT: what changed from 12 to 13

- Product: VALORANT (https://whatsnew.fyi/product/valorant)
- Vendor: Riot Games
- Range: patch notes entries numbered after 12.11 up to and including 13.05, stable releases only
- Entries below: 5 updates (newest first)
- Resolved: 12 is 12.11 and 13 is 13.05, the newest stable update of each major we track
- Carrying security changes: 1 · CVEs mentioned: 0 · Mentioning breaking changes: 0 · Removing or deprecating something: 2
- Page: https://whatsnew.fyi/product/valorant/compare/12...13

What's New is an index, not a publisher: every entry below links to the vendor's own release notes, which are the authoritative source. Entries are labelled where they are hand-curated sample data, pre-releases, or drawn from a secondary source such as a developer blog.

Reuse: the summaries, labels and curation here are © What's New. Quote freely with attribution and a link back; wholesale republication of the corpus is not permitted — terms: https://whatsnew.fyi/terms. The vendors' own release notes remain their publishers'.

## What changed (86 changes, grouped by kind)

### Added

#### 13.05 (2026-09-01)

- Pick'Ems have returned for Champions Shanghai starting September 10 with Group Stage predictions for points and rewards
- Option to select default bot count of 10, 5, or 1 in Range Practice Mode with a default of 5 bots

#### 13.02 (2026-07-28)

- Split, Corrode, and Lotus added to Retake map pool

#### 13.01 (2026-07-14)

- Rank manipulation detection and penalty system now active, including account suspensions, rank reversions, and ranked reward reversions
- Players will receive reporter and bystander feedback in game when a player in their matches is penalized for rank manipulation

#### 13.00 (2026-06-23)

- Summit map added to Competitive and Deathmatch queues
- Retake limited-time mode introduced as a 3v3 Spike mode with constant post-plant action
- Inbox feature added to the client for curated non-urgent notifications including gifting updates, Premier updates, RR refunds, reporter feedback, and Act introductions

### Changed

#### 13.05 (2026-09-01)

- Sound sprays now have adjusted sound attenuation so sounds are only audible when nearby to ensure effective team communication
- Agent Gear system will be revamped in Patch 13.06 so each piece of gear will be tied directly to how much you play the associated Agent

#### 13.04 (2026-08-18)

- Abyss is now in the Competitive and Deathmatch queues

#### 13.02 (2026-07-28)

- Phoenix Ultimate points increased from 6 to 7

#### 13.01 (2026-07-14)

- Iso's weapon equip speed after unequipping Double Tap is now instant
- Yoru's Gatecrash active beacon duration increased from 15 seconds to 20 seconds
- Yoru's Fakeout clones now hold Yoru's last equipped weapon instead of defaulting to his strongest weapon
- Outlaw recovery increased from 0.1 to 0.15 after first shot
- Outlaw spread increased from 0 to 2.25 after first shot
- Outlaw recoil increased from 0 to 4.0 after first shot

#### 13.00 (2026-06-23)

- Cypher Trapwire windup reduced from 0.9s to 0.7s
- Killjoy Turret rate of fire increased by 50%
- Killjoy Nanoswarm duration increased from 4s to 5s
- Killjoy Alarmbot movement speed increased by 50%
- Veto Interceptor reclaim cooldown reduced from 30s to 20s
- Veto Crosscut usable area increased from 24m to 30m
- Veto Crosscut arming time after placing reduced from 1.5s to 0.75s
- Sage Healing Orb self heal-over-time increased from 50 to 100
- Deadlock GravNet cooldown reduced from 60s to 50s
- Sova signature ability cooldown reduced from 60s to 50s
- Fade signature ability cooldown reduced from 60s to 50s
- Skye signature ability cooldown reduced from 60s to 50s
- Breach signature ability cooldown reduced from 60s to 50s
- KAY/O signature ability cooldown reduced from 60s to 50s
- Gekko ability cooldowns after reclaiming buddies reduced from 20s to 15s
- Omen Shrouded Step enemy audio updated for improved clarity
- Ranked Rating calculations adjusted to reduce the feeling of being stuck when consistently winning matches

### Fixed

#### 13.05 (2026-09-01)

- Agent Ultimate voiceover no longer continues playing from an enemy's perspective after the Agent casting the Ultimate is killed
- Combat Report no longer incorrectly displays Enemies Blinded for certain abilities that don't apply Blind
- Smokes no longer block flashes after dissipating
- Smoke dissipation timing improved for Astra, Brimstone, Clove, Miks, and Omen to prevent blocking flashes and line-of-sight-dependent abilities while dissipating
- Chamber no longer causes performance drops the first time equipped, aimed, or fired Headhunter during a round
- Cypher's Trapwire debuff no longer persists indefinitely on a new target if the initial target is killed just before triggering
- Cypher's Cyber Cage no longer incorrectly blocks flashes, detection, and line-of-sight-dependent abilities
- Deadlock's GravNet no longer briefly displays unintended VFX on screen when cast
- Fade's Seize now displays its danger indicator to enemies in all locations on Lotus
- KAY/O's NULL/cmd no longer causes client-side framerate drops with each pulse
- Omen's Dark Cover no longer obscures a player's vision after the smoke has dissipated
- Sage's Healing Orb ability tooltips now display in the HUD when equipping the ability
- Waylay's Saturate now applies Hinder to players within its area of effect even when vision-blocking abilities are present
- Waylay's Refract no longer causes snapshots of dynamic map objects to remain visible after the ability ends
- Waylay's Saturate no longer applies Hinder to intangible Agents

#### 13.04 (2026-08-18)

- Fixed an issue where Cypher's Spycam minimap icon was rotated incorrectly
- Fixed an issue where Viper's Snake Bite equip animation appeared incorrectly from an enemy's point of view
- Fixed an issue where Deadlock's GravNet visual effects could disappear after a player disconnected and reconnected
- Fixed an issue where repeatedly switching between Clove's Meddle and Ruse could cause a player to freeze and disconnect
- Fixed a bug where the animation on all transforming melee weapons like Kuronami 2.0 and Nocturnum would not transform during their inspect

#### 13.02 (2026-07-28)

- Fixed Omen Shrouded Step's obstructed placement indicator missing
- Fixed KAY/O NULL/cmd's visual and death audio effects not playing when downed timer expired
- Fixed KAY/O NULL/cmd's death animation playing incorrectly after being revived
- Fixed Cypher Cyber Cage displaying incorrect visual effects when cast
- Fixed rare issue where Cypher disconnected while casting Neural Theft
- Fixed Gekko incorrect voiceover playing when Wingman planted the Spike
- Fixed Gekko Wingman unexpectedly dying while planting or defusing Spike under very low frame rate conditions
- Fixed Miks M Pulse ability icon and tooltip appearing in wrong place or missing on certain screens
- Fixed Reyna Dismiss icon remaining grayed out after eliminating an enemy
- Fixed Chamber Rendezvous failing to teleport Chamber back to anchor
- Fixed Waylay on Icebox where Lightspeed and Refract could allow clipping into B Tube walls
- Fixed Jett Tailwind and Updraft experiencing unintended delay after using Cloudburst
- Fixed Raze Boom Bot briefly traveling through solid geometry while locking onto airborne enemies
- Fixed Deadlock Annihilation incorrectly capturing Omen while using From the Shadows
- Fixed Vyse Razorvine becoming indestructible when deployed at same moment Vyse was suppressed
- Fixed Summit where Agent utility could be crushed by door when already closed
- Fixed Chamber Tour de Force missing haptic feedback when equipped and fired on console
- Fixed Yoru Fakeout missing aim assistance functionality on console

#### 13.01 (2026-07-14)

- Fixed an issue where Astra's ability cooldown timer could sometimes remain visible after the ability had already been used
- Fixed an issue where Clove could gain an extra charge of Ruse during the Buy Phase by purchasing and reselling ability charges
- Fixed an issue where Cyber Cage could incorrectly block line-of-sight interactions above the ability's visual effects
- Fixed an issue where Cyber Cage's trajectory indicator would not appear when throwing the ability into locations outside of Cypher's line of sight
- Fixed an issue where Cyber Cage would sometimes fail to play an audio cue when enemies entered through the lower portion of the cage
- Fixed an issue where certain Spycam voice lines would not play correctly during specific actions
- Fixed an issue where GravNet's third-person visual effects could disappear after a player disconnected and reconnected to the match
- Fixed an issue where Nearsight visual effects on some controllable creatures could persist after they had been destroyed by an enemy
- Fixed an issue where Double Tap could incorrectly prevent the first instance of fall damage
- Fixed an issue where Cloudburst could be activated during Updraft and Tailwind animations when multiple abilities were bound to the same key

### Removed

#### 13.04 (2026-08-18)

- Breeze is removed from the Competitive and Deathmatch queues

#### 13.02 (2026-07-28)

- AROS: Replication delayed and will not be released in this update

### Security

#### 13.05 (2026-09-01)

- Penalties introduced for detected usage of stream sniping and instalock tools with temporary game bans escalating to permanent with repeated usage

## Release notes

### 13.05 — VALORANT Patch Notes 13.05

- Date: 2026-09-01
- Version: 13.05
- Original notes: https://playvalorant.com/en-us/news/game-updates/valorant-patch-notes-13-05
- Permalink: https://whatsnew.fyi/product/valorant/releases/13.05
- Labels: Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox

- **added** — Pick'Ems have returned for Champions Shanghai starting September 10 with Group Stage predictions for points and rewards
- **added** — Option to select default bot count of 10, 5, or 1 in Range Practice Mode with a default of 5 bots
- **changed** — Sound sprays now have adjusted sound attenuation so sounds are only audible when nearby to ensure effective team communication
- **changed** — Agent Gear system will be revamped in Patch 13.06 so each piece of gear will be tied directly to how much you play the associated Agent
- **fixed** — Agent Ultimate voiceover no longer continues playing from an enemy's perspective after the Agent casting the Ultimate is killed
- **fixed** — Combat Report no longer incorrectly displays Enemies Blinded for certain abilities that don't apply Blind
- **fixed** — Smokes no longer block flashes after dissipating
- **fixed** — Smoke dissipation timing improved for Astra, Brimstone, Clove, Miks, and Omen to prevent blocking flashes and line-of-sight-dependent abilities while dissipating
- **fixed** — Chamber no longer causes performance drops the first time equipped, aimed, or fired Headhunter during a round
- **fixed** — Cypher's Trapwire debuff no longer persists indefinitely on a new target if the initial target is killed just before triggering
- **fixed** — Cypher's Cyber Cage no longer incorrectly blocks flashes, detection, and line-of-sight-dependent abilities
- **fixed** — Deadlock's GravNet no longer briefly displays unintended VFX on screen when cast
- **fixed** — Fade's Seize now displays its danger indicator to enemies in all locations on Lotus
- **fixed** — KAY/O's NULL/cmd no longer causes client-side framerate drops with each pulse
- **fixed** — Omen's Dark Cover no longer obscures a player's vision after the smoke has dissipated
- **fixed** — Sage's Healing Orb ability tooltips now display in the HUD when equipping the ability
- **fixed** — Waylay's Saturate now applies Hinder to players within its area of effect even when vision-blocking abilities are present
- **fixed** — Waylay's Refract no longer causes snapshots of dynamic map objects to remain visible after the ability ends
- **fixed** — Waylay's Saturate no longer applies Hinder to intangible Agents
- **security** — Penalties introduced for detected usage of stream sniping and instalock tools with temporary game bans escalating to permanent with repeated usage

TLDR; Pick’ Ems for Champs, penalties for stream sniping and instalock tools, and future changes to the Agent Gear system so make sure to grind it out and get all the items now!
Heyo, it’s Ash and we’ve got a small-ish patch for you with mostly bug fixes. We’re prepping for a pretty beefy next patch in 13.06 so more to come!
Let’s get it.
ALL PLATFORMSCOSMETICS UPDATES
- Sound Sprays
- Based on your feedback, we've adjusted the sound attenuation for all sound sprays so you'll only be able to hear the sounds if you're nearby to ensure teams can communicate effectively. This will be a standard for all future audio sprays.
ESPORTS FEATURES
- Pick’Ems have returned for Champions Shanghai! Starting on September 10, you will have access to the Group Stage in-client and on the web. Predict the advancing teams for points, earning extra points for correctly guessing the exact placement. You’ll also earn rewards just for participating. Get your picks in before Groups kickoff on September 24th!
PLAYER BEHAVIOR UPDATES
- We've started rolling out penalties if we detect usage of stream sniping and instalock tools. Players found using these tools will be subject to temporary game bans that will escalate to permanent with repeated usage.
PROGRESSION UPDATES
- Agent Gear
- Heads up, gamers! With the release of Patch 13.06 on September 22, we'll be revamping the Agent Gear system and the way you unlock items on that progression track. You will still keep the gear you've already earned, and you'll continue to use Kingdom Credits to unlock future gear. But after Patch 13.06, each piece of gear will be tied directly to how much you play the associated Agent. So if you're currently grinding for Agent Gear on any Agents you don't usually play, now's your chance to lock in and get those unlocks.
BUG FIXES
- Agent
- General
- Fixed an issue where Agent Ultimate voiceover could continue playing from an enemy's perspective after the Agent casting the Ultimate was killed.
- Fixed an issue where the Combat Report incorrectly displayed "Enemies Blinded" for certain abilities that don't apply Blind.
- Fixed an issue where smokes would block flashes after dissipating.
- We’ve better timed the dissipation for the smokes on Astra, Brimstone, Clove, Miks, and Omen to fix an issue where their smokes could continue blocking flashes and other line-of-sight-dependent abilities while the smoke was dissipating.
- Chamber
- Fixed an issue that could cause performance drops the first time Chamber equipped, aimed, or fired Headhunter during a round.
- Cypher
- Fixed an issue where Cypher's Trapwire debuff could persist indefinitely on a new target if the initial target was killed just before the Trapwire triggered.
- Fixed an issue where Cypher's Cyber Cage could incorrectly block flashes, detection, and other line-of-sight-dependent abilities.
- Deadlock
- Fixed an issue where casting Deadlock's GravNet could briefly display unintended VFX on screen.
- Fade
- Fixed an issue where Fade's Seize would not display its danger indicator to enemies in certain locations on Lotus.
- KAY/O
- Fixed an issue where KAY/O's NULL/cmd could cause client-side framerate drops with each pulse.
- Omen
- Fixed an issue where Omen’s Dark Cover could obscure a player’s vision after the smoke has dissipated.
- Sage
- Fixed an issue where Sage's Healing Orb ability tooltips could be missing from the HUD when equipping the ability.
- Waylay
- Fixed an issue where vision-blocking abilities could prevent Waylay's Saturate from applying Hinder to players within its area of effect.
- Fixed an issue where Waylay's Refract could cause snapshots of dynamic map objects to remain visible after the ability ended.
- Fixed an issue where Waylay's Saturate could apply Hinder to Agents while they were intangible.
PC ONLYGENERAL UPDATES
- Default Bot Count in Range Practice Mode
- An option for 10, 5, or 1 bot to spawn has been added in the Range practice mode.
- The default number of bots spawned is now 5.

_[Truncated at 4000 characters — full notes: https://playvalorant.com/en-us/news/game-updates/valorant-patch-notes-13-05]_

### 13.04 — VALORANT Patch Notes 13.04

- Date: 2026-08-18
- Version: 13.04
- Original notes: https://playvalorant.com/en-us/news/game-updates/valorant-patch-notes-13-04
- Permalink: https://whatsnew.fyi/product/valorant/releases/13.04
- Labels: Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox

- **changed** — Abyss is now in the Competitive and Deathmatch queues
- **removed** — Breeze is removed from the Competitive and Deathmatch queues
- **fixed** — Fixed an issue where Cypher's Spycam minimap icon was rotated incorrectly
- **fixed** — Fixed an issue where Viper's Snake Bite equip animation appeared incorrectly from an enemy's point of view
- **fixed** — Fixed an issue where Deadlock's GravNet visual effects could disappear after a player disconnected and reconnected
- **fixed** — Fixed an issue where repeatedly switching between Clove's Meddle and Ruse could cause a player to freeze and disconnect
- **fixed** — Fixed a bug where the animation on all transforming melee weapons like Kuronami 2.0 and Nocturnum would not transform during their inspect

TLDR; Goodbye Breeze and hello Abyss! There’s a new map rotation in our Competitive and Deathmatch queues, and we fixed some issues with Agent bugs and transforming melees like Kuronami 2.0 and Nocturnum.
Happy Patch Day, it’s Emily again! Act 5 is here, and with it a few fixes to keep your ranked grind consistent. Have y’all checked out the new skinline? You should really spam that flex…
While we’re starting Act 5 with some minor bug fixes and adjustments, keep an eye out for news coming in September. I sense a new Dev Update on the horizon, and some other game updates we are stoked to reveal! That’s all for now, GLHF!
ALL PLATFORMSMAP UPDATES
- Map Pool Updates
- ABYSS is IN the COMPETITIVE and DEATHMATCH queues.
- BREEZE is OUT of the COMPETITIVE and DEATHMATCH queues.
BUG FIXES
- Agent
- Fixed an issue where Cypher's Spycam minimap icon was rotated incorrectly.
- Fixed an issue where Viper's Snake Bite equip animation appeared incorrectly from an enemy's point of view.
- Fixed an issue where Deadlock's GravNet visual effects could disappear after a player disconnected and reconnected.
- Stability
- Fixed an issue where repeatedly switching between Clove's Meddle and Ruse could cause a player to freeze and disconnect.
PC ONLYPREMIER UPDATES
Welcome to Stage V26A5! Matches start on August 18.
- This Stage will run for five weeks of matches instead of the usual seven.
- Teams with a Premier Score of at least 450 qualify for Playoffs on September 20.
- In Contender and Invite, qualification is still based on your placement - check out the standings page for more info.
For Contender and Invite Division teams:
- Playoffs will be played across two days! The first round of Playoffs will be on September 19. Teams that advance from the first round return on September 20 for the finals.
BUG FIXES
- Cosmetics
- Fixed a bug where the animation on all transforming melee weapons (like Kuronami 2.0 and Nocturnum) would not transform during their inspect.

### 13.02 — VALORANT Patch Notes 13.02

- Date: 2026-07-28
- Version: 13.02
- Original notes: https://playvalorant.com/en-us/news/game-updates/valorant-patch-notes-13-02
- Permalink: https://whatsnew.fyi/product/valorant/releases/13.02
- Labels: Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox

- **changed** — Phoenix Ultimate points increased from 6 to 7
- **added** — Split, Corrode, and Lotus added to Retake map pool
- **removed** — AROS: Replication delayed and will not be released in this update
- **fixed** — Fixed Omen Shrouded Step's obstructed placement indicator missing
- **fixed** — Fixed KAY/O NULL/cmd's visual and death audio effects not playing when downed timer expired
- **fixed** — Fixed KAY/O NULL/cmd's death animation playing incorrectly after being revived
- **fixed** — Fixed Cypher Cyber Cage displaying incorrect visual effects when cast
- **fixed** — Fixed rare issue where Cypher disconnected while casting Neural Theft
- **fixed** — Fixed Gekko incorrect voiceover playing when Wingman planted the Spike
- **fixed** — Fixed Gekko Wingman unexpectedly dying while planting or defusing Spike under very low frame rate conditions
- **fixed** — Fixed Miks M Pulse ability icon and tooltip appearing in wrong place or missing on certain screens
- **fixed** — Fixed Reyna Dismiss icon remaining grayed out after eliminating an enemy
- **fixed** — Fixed Chamber Rendezvous failing to teleport Chamber back to anchor
- **fixed** — Fixed Waylay on Icebox where Lightspeed and Refract could allow clipping into B Tube walls
- **fixed** — Fixed Jett Tailwind and Updraft experiencing unintended delay after using Cloudburst
- **fixed** — Fixed Raze Boom Bot briefly traveling through solid geometry while locking onto airborne enemies
- **fixed** — Fixed Deadlock Annihilation incorrectly capturing Omen while using From the Shadows
- **fixed** — Fixed Vyse Razorvine becoming indestructible when deployed at same moment Vyse was suppressed
- **fixed** — Fixed Summit where Agent utility could be crushed by door when already closed
- **fixed** — Fixed Chamber Tour de Force missing haptic feedback when equipped and fired on console
- **fixed** — Fixed Yoru Fakeout missing aim assistance functionality on console

Hey there, I’m Emily. I’ll be joining the Global Community team at Riot as an intern this summer, nice to meet you all! Hopefully y’all are staying cool with this summer heat, got a couple things for you to check out here :D
Here’s what’s happening in Patch 13.02:
- Phoenix adjustment to address frequent casting of Run it Back.
- We are delaying AROS: Replication, we’ll let you know when we have news to share.
- Split, Corrode, and Lotus added to Retakes!
- Some Agent bug fixes.
- A fix for some door/ability interactions on Summit.
GLHF and see you all on the server!
ALL PLATFORMSAGENTS UPDATES
- Phoenix
- Overall we are happy with the state of Phoenix's balance. This is a small touch to address the frequency with which he is able to cast his ultimate to be more in line with other characters.
- Ultimate points increased from 6 to 7.
MODES UPDATES
- RETAKE
- Split, Corrode, and Lotus are being added to the map pool for RETAKE.
- AROS: Replication
- All Random One Site: Replication will no longer be released in this update. We don’t take these decisions lightly as we know a lot of you were looking forward to this mode. We are still targeting a future release date and will let you know when we have more to share.
BUG FIXES
- Agents
- Omen
- Fixed an issue where the Shrouded Step's obstructed placement indicator is missing.
- KAY/O
- Fixed an issue where NULL/cmd’s visual and death audio effects would not play when his downed timer expired.
- Fixed an issue where NULL/cmd’s death animation played incorrectly after being revived.
- Cypher
- Fixed an issue where Cyber Cage displayed incorrect visual effects when cast.
- Fixed a rare issue where Cypher disconnected while casting Neural Theft.
- Gekko
- Fixed an issue where the incorrect voiceover could play when Wingman planted the Spike.
- Fixed an issue where Wingman could unexpectedly die while planting or defusing the Spike under very low frame rate conditions.
- Miks
- Fixed an issue where the M Pulse ability icon and tooltip could be in the wrong place or missing on certain screens.
- Reyna
- Fixed an issue where the Dismiss icon remained grayed out after eliminating an enemy.
- Chamber
- Fixed an issue where Rendezvous could fail to teleport Chamber back to his anchor.
- Waylay
- Fixed an issue on Icebox where Lightspeed and Refract could allow Waylay to clip into the walls of B Tube.
- Jett
- Fixed an issue where Tailwind and Updraft could experience an unintended delay after using Cloudburst.
- Raze
- Fixed an issue where Boom Bot could briefly travel through solid geometry while locking onto airborne enemies.
- Deadlock
- Fixed an issue where Annihilation could incorrectly capture Omen while he was using From the Shadows, resulting in unintended damage of 900100 damage.
- Vyse
- Fixed an issue where Razorvine could become indestructible if it was deployed at the same moment Vyse was suppressed.
- Maps
- Summit
- Fixed an issue where Agent utility could sometimes be crushed by the door when it was already closed.
PC ONLYBUG FIXES
- General
- Fixed a cosmetic issue where Packets Received/Sent Rate graphs showed incorrect values when the game is running at extremely high framerates.
CONSOLE ONLYBUG FIXES
- Agent
- Chamber
- Fixed an issue where Tour de Force missed haptic feedback when equipped and fired.
- Yoru
- Fixed an issue where Fakeout was missing aim assistance functionality.
- Waylay
- Fixed an issue where using Lightspeed and immediately equipping the Spike or a Flex item could grant unintended dash speed and distance.
- Gameplay Systems
- Fixed an issue in game modes with no abilities where selecting Agent Info from the Settings menu could close the menu instead of displaying ability information.

### 13.01 — VALORANT Patch Notes 13.01

- Date: 2026-07-14
- Version: 13.01
- Original notes: https://playvalorant.com/en-us/news/game-updates/valorant-patch-notes-13-01
- Permalink: https://whatsnew.fyi/product/valorant/releases/13.01
- Labels: Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox

- **changed** — Iso's weapon equip speed after unequipping Double Tap is now instant
- **changed** — Yoru's Gatecrash active beacon duration increased from 15 seconds to 20 seconds
- **changed** — Yoru's Fakeout clones now hold Yoru's last equipped weapon instead of defaulting to his strongest weapon
- **changed** — Outlaw recovery increased from 0.1 to 0.15 after first shot
- **changed** — Outlaw spread increased from 0 to 2.25 after first shot
- **changed** — Outlaw recoil increased from 0 to 4.0 after first shot
- **added** — Rank manipulation detection and penalty system now active, including account suspensions, rank reversions, and ranked reward reversions
- **added** — Players will receive reporter and bystander feedback in game when a player in their matches is penalized for rank manipulation
- **fixed** — Fixed an issue where Astra's ability cooldown timer could sometimes remain visible after the ability had already been used
- **fixed** — Fixed an issue where Clove could gain an extra charge of Ruse during the Buy Phase by purchasing and reselling ability charges
- **fixed** — Fixed an issue where Cyber Cage could incorrectly block line-of-sight interactions above the ability's visual effects
- **fixed** — Fixed an issue where Cyber Cage's trajectory indicator would not appear when throwing the ability into locations outside of Cypher's line of sight
- **fixed** — Fixed an issue where Cyber Cage would sometimes fail to play an audio cue when enemies entered through the lower portion of the cage
- **fixed** — Fixed an issue where certain Spycam voice lines would not play correctly during specific actions
- **fixed** — Fixed an issue where GravNet's third-person visual effects could disappear after a player disconnected and reconnected to the match
- **fixed** — Fixed an issue where Nearsight visual effects on some controllable creatures could persist after they had been destroyed by an enemy
- **fixed** — Fixed an issue where Double Tap could incorrectly prevent the first instance of fall damage
- **fixed** — Fixed an issue where Cloudburst could be activated during Updraft and Tailwind animations when multiple abilities were bound to the same key

Hey, it’s Ashley! Hope everyone has been enjoying their summer and spending some time outside. It’s the season of sport so if you’re watching the World Cup, who are you rooting for?
Here’s the breakdown for Patch 13.01:
- Iso buff to weapon equip speed after unequipping Double Tap
- Yoru buff with an increase in duration of Gatecrash
- Outlaw adjustment to allow for more expression and control
- We can better detect rank manipulation and will begin issuing penalties for confirmed users. If you know you do this, count your days.
- Loads of bug fixes
ALL PLATFORMSAGENTS UPDATES
- Iso
- Double Tap
- The speed of equipping your weapon after unequipping Double Tap is now instant.
- Yoru
- Gatecrash
- Active Beacon Duration increased from 15s >>> 20s
- Fakeout
- To further satisfy his deception fantasy, clones from Fakeout will now hold Yoru's last equipped weapon, instead of defaulting to his strongest weapon.
PLAYER BEHAVIOR UPDATES
- Rank Manipulation Penalties
- We’ve rolled out new tools to better detect rank manipulation in VALORANT, building on systems we successfully introduced in League of Legends last year. Combined with the data we’ve gathered since adding the Rank Manipulation category in-game late last year, we will begin issuing penalties for confirmed rank manipulation.
- Penalties may include account suspensions, rank reversions, and ranked reward reversions.
- As part of this, players will begin to receive reporter and bystander feedback in game when a player in their matches is penalized for rank manipulation.
- Our goal is to protect ranked integrity and make sure competitive progress reflects fair play. For more detail on what counts as rank manipulation and how we’re approaching enforcement, check out [this Play Fair article.](https://playvalorant.com/en-us/news/announcements/playing-fair-anti-boosting-and-other-smurfing-countermeasures)
WEAPONS UPDATES
Outlaw has been performing strongly and we still want it to feel powerful with its back-to-back shots, but allow for some expression and some control to warrant that power.
- Outlaw
- Recovery from 0.1 >>> 0.15 after first shot
- Spread from 0 >>> 2.25 after first shot
- Recoil from 0 >>> 4.0 after first shot
BUG FIXES
- Agents
- Astra
- Fixed an issue where Astra's ability cooldown timer could sometimes remain visible after the ability had already been used.
- Clove
- Fixed an issue where Clove could gain an extra charge of Ruse during the Buy Phase by purchasing and reselling ability charges.
- Cypher
- Fixed an issue where Cyber Cage could incorrectly block line-of-sight interactions above the ability's visual effects.
- Fixed an issue where Cyber Cage's trajectory indicator would not appear when throwing the ability into locations outside of Cypher's line of sight.
- Fixed an issue where Cyber Cage would sometimes fail to play an audio cue when enemies entered through the lower portion of the cage.
- Fixed an issue where certain Spycam voice lines would not play correctly during specific actions.
- Deadlock
- Fixed an issue where GravNet's third-person visual effects could disappear after a player disconnected and reconnected to the match.
- Gekko
- Fixed an issue where Nearsight visual effects on some controllable creatures could persist after they had been destroyed by an enemy.
- Iso
- Fixed an issue where Double Tap could incorrectly prevent the first instance of fall damage.
- Jett
- Fixed an issue where Cloudburst could be activated during Updraft and Tailwind animations when multiple abilities were bound to the same key.
- Fixed an inconsistency where Jett could not pick up the Spike or weapons during Tailwind.
- KAY/O
- Fixed an issue where FLASH/drive was missing part of its visual effects.
- Fixed an issue that could cause an animation skip when equipping FLASH/drive.
- Killjoy
- Fixed an issue on Split where Killjoy's Alarmbot could interact with players through certain wooden covers.
- Miks
- Fixed an issue where Miks could gain an extra charge of

_[Truncated at 4000 characters — full notes: https://playvalorant.com/en-us/news/game-updates/valorant-patch-notes-13-01]_

### 13.00 — VALORANT Patch Notes 13.00

- Date: 2026-06-23
- Version: 13.00
- Original notes: https://playvalorant.com/en-us/news/game-updates/valorant-patch-notes-13-00
- Permalink: https://whatsnew.fyi/product/valorant/releases/13.00
- Labels: Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox

- **changed** — Cypher Trapwire windup reduced from 0.9s to 0.7s
- **changed** — Killjoy Turret rate of fire increased by 50%
- **changed** — Killjoy Nanoswarm duration increased from 4s to 5s
- **changed** — Killjoy Alarmbot movement speed increased by 50%
- **changed** — Veto Interceptor reclaim cooldown reduced from 30s to 20s
- **changed** — Veto Crosscut usable area increased from 24m to 30m
- **changed** — Veto Crosscut arming time after placing reduced from 1.5s to 0.75s
- **changed** — Sage Healing Orb self heal-over-time increased from 50 to 100
- **changed** — Deadlock GravNet cooldown reduced from 60s to 50s
- **changed** — Sova signature ability cooldown reduced from 60s to 50s
- **changed** — Fade signature ability cooldown reduced from 60s to 50s
- **changed** — Skye signature ability cooldown reduced from 60s to 50s
- **changed** — Breach signature ability cooldown reduced from 60s to 50s
- **changed** — KAY/O signature ability cooldown reduced from 60s to 50s
- **changed** — Gekko ability cooldowns after reclaiming buddies reduced from 20s to 15s
- **changed** — Omen Shrouded Step enemy audio updated for improved clarity
- **changed** — Ranked Rating calculations adjusted to reduce the feeling of being stuck when consistently winning matches
- **added** — Summit map added to Competitive and Deathmatch queues
- **added** — Retake limited-time mode introduced as a 3v3 Spike mode with constant post-plant action
- **added** — Inbox feature added to the client for curated non-urgent notifications including gifting updates, Premier updates, RR refunds, reporter feedback, and Act introductions

Sup, gamers!
We’re back with a big one for the start of V26 Act 4. So let’s jump right into it!
TL;DR:
- Our Sentinel buffs are here! (Cypher, Killjoy, Veto, Sage, and Deadlock)
- We’re reducing Signature Ability cooldowns for Initiators! (Sova, Fade, Skye, Breach, and KAY/O)
- Our newest map Summit is now in the Competitive Map Rotation.
- We’re adjusting our Ranked Rating (RR) calculations!
- We’re making adjustments to improve consistency of player ranks in your Competitive lobbies.
- We’re tuning the Bandit to make it more viable outside of pistol rounds.
- Our newest limited-time mode Retake is now in the queue menu!
- Omen Shrouded Step audio is changing for gameplay clarity.
- Lots of small updates to Agent voice lines!
- We’ve added our first version of Inbox for cataloging some of your in-client notifications.
- Plus, a bunch of bug fixes.
There’s a lot more detail from the Devs below! So be sure to check out the full notes for more context on all the changes.
Good luck on your Act 4 grind!
ALL PLATFORMSAGENTS UPDATES
Sentinels serve an important role in the VALORANT tactical loop by punishing attackers who ignore macro strategy and instead opt for repeated, low information 5-player site hits. We believe VALORANT is best when strategy is mixed. These changes are aimed at improving overall Sentinel power so they can better serve their purpose in keeping disrespectful attackers honest, as well as improve their kill potential when anchoring sites alone.
- Cypher
- Trapwire
- Reduced windup from .9s to .7s.
- Killjoy
- Turret
- Rate of fire increased by 50%
- Nanoswarm
- Duration increased from 4s to 5s.
- Alarmbot
- Movement speed increased by 50%.
- Veto
- Interceptor
- Reclaim cooldown reduced from 30s to 20s.
- Crosscut
- Usable area increased from 24m to 30m.
- Arming time after placing was reduced from 1.5s to .75s.
- Sage
- Healing Orb
- Self Heal-Over-Time has increased from 50 to 100.
- Deadlock
- GravNet
- Cooldown reduced from 60s to 50s.
While we’ve appreciated that gunplay is playing a bigger role in VALORANT rounds since Patch 11.08, we feel there is room to give Initiators more strategic agency by playing around their cooldowns in late-round scenarios. These changes aim to strike a balance between the old cooldowns and the changes from Patch 11.08 late last year.
- Initiator Cooldowns
- The signature ability cooldown of Sova, Fade, Skye, Breach, KAY/0 have been reduced from 60s to 50s.
- Gekko’s ability cooldowns after reclaiming his buddies has been reduced from 20s to 15s.
While the gameplay and thematic elements of Omen’s Shrouded Step generally align with our design intention, cases where Omen teleports past or behind enemies during chaotic VALORANT rounds undetected because they simply could not parse the audio violates our gameplay clarity standards. This change is small, but should make Omen’s more obvious casts of this ability easier to hear.
- Omen
- Shrouded Step
- We’ve updated enemy Omen Shrouded Step audio with the goal of improving clarity in situations where you are within range of the ability but are unable to hear it.
- Agent VO Updates
- We're making small updates to various Agents voice lines and critical gameplay audio tells in order to reduce audio clutter and standardize Agent ability VO across our roster.
- New Sage and Viper voice lines interactions for the new map, Summit.
- New conversation lines between Miks & Gekko, and Jett & Phoenix.
- We’re also using this opportunity to remove a handful of lines that no longer meet our quality standards as they relate to agent behavior. The affected Agents are Killjoy, Jett, Reyna, Skye, Astra, Clove, Chamber, Neon, Deadlock, Vyse, Breach, Viper, Omen, Sova, Yoru, Fade, Iso, Tejo and Harbor.
CLIENT UPDATES
- Inbox is now live in the VALORANT client, giving you one place to revisit curated, non-urgent notifications. You can see which messages are new or read, delete individual items to keep things tidy, and expect more notifications over time

_[Truncated at 4000 characters — full notes: https://playvalorant.com/en-us/news/game-updates/valorant-patch-notes-13-00]_