VALORANT Patch 9.08 Release: Agent Changes, New Map, and Competitive Pool Update

Get ready, VALORANT fans! The End grows closer for Episode 9, but it's on the way in Act III starting on October 23, 2024. But before all that, there's one more treat in Act II and that's the last bite: Patch 9.08. This patch gets things knocked around with agent changes, map updates, and a new competitive pool. Here's the scoop! .

Patch 9.08 Release Date

Mark that date, because VALORANT Patch 9.08 is on its way to you on October 22, 2024. Remember that the formal release will be staggered across regions. It usually hits around these hours:

VALORANT Patch Release Timeline

Stage 1 (Americas): 14:00-18:00 UTC
Stage 2 (APAC): 21:00-23:00 UTC
Stage 3 (EMEA): 02:00-05:00 UTC
Agent Nerfs in VALORANT Patch 9.08

 

 

Gekko Takes the Brunt

Gekko has been getting quite ridiculous in the new patch, but here is a little nerf to tone him down a bit. Details:

• Dizzy: Active time will now be 1s instead of 1.5s
• Wingman: Concuss angle widened to 65° from 45°
• Thrash: Points for the ultimate are now 8 from 7
• Globules: Reduced duration from 20s to 15s; reclaimed cooldown has been made longer from 1s to 1.5s
• But Wingman is given a little bit of buff despite those nerfs while Gekko's utility gets a drastic downgrading.

 

Patch 9.08 Agent Buffs

Yoru Gets a Boost
 

Yoru's Fakeout clone is leveling up! Now, it will show visual indicators when hit by enemy utilities, which makes it harder for others to identify the Fakeout with the real Yoru himself.

Skye and Jett Shine

Sky and Jett will also get some love, as their moves will break the windows of the Ascent tree. This is based on analogous changes that were seen in Patch 9.06.
New Map Changes in Patch 9.08

New Team Deathmatch Map: Glitch

Hey, Glitch. This is Team Deathmatch's latest addition. It resides in a wacky, competitive bot arena meant for 5v5 gameplay.

 

Sunset Revamp

Sunset facelift, particularly for the B site. This will bring big effects on Boba and B main and back-site areas, including taking away one of the most important unbreakable trip wire spots from Cypher's defenses. And as tiny changes, Sunset's mid courtyard will be tweaked to add some extra excitement to it!

Patch 9.08 Competitive Map Pool

Out with the old, in with the new! Competitive play is getting a new look with new maps-in and old ones out. Icebox and Lotus are no longer options, while Pearl and Split return. Here is your patch 9.08 map pool.

• Pearl
• Split
• Haven
• Ascent
• Sunset
• Bind

Additional Changes in Patch 9.08

The rest of the update brings in a few other good quality-of-life changes:

• Premier: Any team which contains five eligible Contenders players will get a slot in the Contenders division, and teams which fall from their promotion zones will get demoted.
• Sniper Skin Updates: Many sniper skins including Araxys, Valiant Hero, Reaver, and Gothic have got some fresh cosmetic update.

So, for a detailed rundown of all the changes, be sure to check out the official VALORANT patch notes!

And now with so many exciting updates, here's how Patch 9.08 will shake things up just in time for Act III of Episode 9. Whether it's Agent tweaks, new maps, or just grinding out that win, you won't have to wait long! Happy gaming!