Valorant 9.10 update patch notes: Huge Phoenix buff, Regen Shield, weapon changes & more

Riot Games has unveiled the Valorant 9.10 patch notes, highlighting exciting updates coming soon to the tactical FPS. Players can look forward to substantial changes to Agents like Phoenix, the introduction of the Regen Shield, and adjustments to weapons and gameplay mechanics aimed at enhancing the competitive experience.

Phoenix Reworked

The spotlight of this update shines on Phoenix, with Riot revisiting his abilities to boost his utility and make him more impactful in fights:

• Flame Healing: Phoenix can now heal over time by touching his own flames, with the effect persisting even after moving out of them.
• Curve Ball: This flash ability is now a signature skill, offering a free charge every round and the potential for bonus charges through kills.
• Blaze: The ability now allows Phoenix to cast his wall through obstacles, making it more versatile for team plays.

Other agents, including Cypher, Sage, Deadlock, Omen, and Clove, also receive updates to enhance balance and strategic play.

Regen Shield Brings New Defensive Strategy

A brand-new item, the Regen Shield, makes its debut in the game. Priced at 650 credits, it offers:

• Damage Absorption: Protects up to 25 HP before health damage begins.
• Regeneration Pool: Restores shield durability using a pool of 50 HP after absorbing damage.

This addition provides players with a new tactical option for surviving extended engagements.

Read the full 9.10 Patch notes here

Weapon Balancing and Improvements

Weapons receive significant tweaks in this patch to reward accuracy and penalize reckless movement:

• Phantom Buff: Adjusted damage falloff for better consistency—39 damage up to 20 meters and 35 damage beyond.
• Movement Penalties: Increased inaccuracy for moving while firing pistols, rifles, and machine guns, encouraging deliberate positioning. SMGs remain unchanged.
• Ammo Adjustments: The Frenzy now has 15 bullets, while the Ghost drops to 13 bullets.

In addition to those changes, there is a buff for the Phantom. This will see the rifle’s damage fall off change to just 39 damage between 0-20m and 35 damage in anything over 20m. The 31 damage for shots over 30m has been removed.

Agent Balance Changes

Cypher

Cypher’s information-gathering tools are adjusted to allow better counterplay:

• Trap Wire: A 0.5-second delay is introduced before revealing enemies.
• Neural Theft: The ultimate cost increases from 6 to 7 points.

Sage

Sage's utility sees improvements to strengthen her stall potential:

• Healing Orb: Self-healing increases to 50 HP over 5 seconds.
• Slowing Orb: Reduces dash speeds of enemies by 50%, adding value against mobile Duelists.

Deadlock

Her ultimate, Annihilation Cocoon, now guarantees elimination of captured enemies if the timer expires without intervention.

Omen

Omen’s smokes are reworked to prevent obstructive one-way placements, limiting them to walkable surfaces only.

Other Enhancements and Visual Updates

• Sunset Map: Global lighting adjustments improve visibility across the map.
• Smoke Cues: Smokes now include a visual indicator as they fade, aiding tactical decisions.
• Combat Report Delay: Utility stats are revealed only after the round ends, reducing unintended information advantages.

Also Read: How To Get Free VP in Valorant: Microsoft Rewards & Riot Art Submission Guide

While these patch notes tease the exciting changes ahead, players can expect the full rollout of Patch 9.10 soon. Stay tuned as these updates promise to redefine gameplay, enhance competitive balance, and expand strategic opportunities.