Valorant Patch 10.00: New Agent, Map Changes, and System Updates

Valorant Patch 10.00 has launched, marking the beginning of Episode 10 and introducing several significant changes.

Tejo: The New Agent

Patch 10.00 welcomes Tejo, the seventh Initiator agent. Tejo brings firepower and utility to support team strategies, offering a unique set of abilities that will change the gameplay dynamics.

• Special Delivery: Tejo can equip a sticky grenade that concusses nearby enemies upon explosion. The grenade can also be launched with a single bounce before sticking.
• Stealth Drone: Tejo can deploy a stealth drone that can be controlled directly. The drone triggers a pulse that suppresses and reveals nearby enemies when fired again.

Season 2025 Changes and Map Rotation

Valorant is shifting from an episodic format to a year-long season divided into six acts. This change provides a consistent and predictable schedule for players.

• Map Pool Updates: Fracture and Lotus are returning to the competitive and Deathmatch queues, while Ascent and Sunset have been temporarily removed.
• Rank Resets: A full-rank reset kicks off the season, with another reset scheduled for later in the year.

General Updates

Annual Seasons

The game is moving to annual seasons, replacing the episodic structure. Season 2025 will feature six acts, allowing for ongoing celebrations throughout the year.

Gameplay Improvements

• Explosion Gameplay Updates: Adjustments have been made to how ability effects themed as explosions function. This ensures more consistent damage output from agents like Raze, Sova, and Gekko.
• Brimstone Updates: Brimstone’s Stim Beacon now has a faster equip time after casting, improving its usability.

Auto Remake Improvements

• If a player goes AFK in the first round, an automatic remake vote will begin. Only a majority vote of the remaining players is needed to pass the remake, unlike the previous requirement of all remaining players voting yes.

Ping System Update

• A new cheat for Custom games allows players to see map pings worldwide, enhancing lineup practice and experimentation. This reverts the map pinging behavior to how it was before Patch 9.11.

Flex Cosmetics and Other Updates

• Flex Cosmetics: A new style of cosmetic items called Flex cosmetics has been introduced. Players will have a free Flex cosmetic named STAT-COM in their inventory, and a new one will be available in the Season 1 battle pass.
• Expressions Wheel: The spray wheel has been replaced with the Expressions Wheel, where players can equip their Flex cosmetics.

Bug Fixes

Several bug fixes have been implemented, including:

• Correcting issues with agent abilities displaying the wrong team color for observers.
• Fixing bugs related to Clove, Skye, Cypher, Viper, and Phoenix abilities.
• Optimizing the performance of Brimstone’s Sky Smoke dissipation effect.

Impact of Tejo on Team Strategies

Tejo’s introduction is expected to significantly impact team strategies, particularly in the Initiator role. With abilities like the sticky grenade and stealth drone, teams can now execute more complex and coordinated plays. The sticky grenade can be used to clear out areas or disorient enemies, while the stealth drone provides valuable intel and suppression capabilities.

Map Rotation and Competitive Play

The rotation of maps will keep the competitive scene fresh and challenging. The return of Fracture and Lotus, and the removal of Ascent and Sunset, will require teams to adapt their strategies and familiarize themselves with the new map pool. This change ensures that no single map becomes too dominant and encourages teams to be versatile.

Annual Seasons and Player Engagement

The shift to annual seasons with six acts is designed to maintain player engagement throughout the year. Each act will bring new content, events, and celebrations, keeping the game exciting and dynamic. This structure also allows for more consistent updates and a clearer roadmap for players, helping them plan and anticipate upcoming changes.

Community Feedback and Balance Changes

The community’s feedback will be crucial in balancing Tejo’s abilities and the overall gameplay changes. As players experiment with Tejo and the new map pool, Riot Games will likely gather feedback to make necessary adjustments to ensure the game remains balanced and enjoyable for all players. This iterative process is key to maintaining the game’s competitive integrity and player satisfaction.