Riot Games adds new maps to VALORANT to keep the game fresh and exciting. Each and every map VALORANT releases comes with a great backstory that ties it to the game’s universe. Apart from exciting lore, every new map also introduces something new.

As of now, VALORANT has released 10 unique maps in the game. Although it initially started with Bind, Haven, and Split, Riot Games kept adding new ones with every single season, except for Episode 4.

VALORANT’s last two maps, Lotus and Pearl, weren’t as welcomed by the community as Riot Games anticipated. So, for Sunset, VALORANT went with a pretty straightforward map layout with lots of angles and contact points that encourage gunfights while not limiting the strategic use of abilities.

Each VALORANT map has its own distinct design and uniqueness that heavily impacts what types of Agents will shine on a map. But, with so many Agent choices, it gets really confusing which Agents to pick. But don’t worry! We’ll make your life easier and tell you which Agents are best in Sunset Map.

Read More: Best VALORANT Agents for Lotus

Sunset Layout and Agent Choices

Riot Games introduced Sunset in the VALORANT 7.04 update. The map is located in Los Angeles, which is also the hometown of Gekko. It is also the second map in the USA and the seventh in the Omega Earth sequence.

Sunset has a pretty straightforward map layout without noticeable gimmicks. Apart from irreversible bomb doors similar to Ascent, there isn’t anything that stands out compared to some other maps in the rotation. Sunset’s map layout encourages a lot of gunfights for Duelists, especially in the middle part, which is a very important area to keep under control for any side.

The map also has tons of angles and chokepoints. Teams always need to watch their backs; otherwise, flanks may ruin any strategic plays in the equation. So, the Sentinels play a very important role in keeping the flow of the game going.

The A and B sites have a few entrances, all of which can be blocked by the Smokes from Controller Agents. Not to mention, it is impossible for any Agent to clear that many angles in Sunset. So having specific Initiators can change the tide of a game.

Best Agents for Sunset (A Complete Tier List)

To match Sunset’s layout and features, we’ll now list the best Agents that go hand in hand with the current meta. As there are 4 types of Agents in VALORANT, with each being equally important, we’ll categorize the tier list based on the Agents’ specific roles: Duelist, Controller, Sentinel, and Initiator.

The list will contain each Agent’s tier standing, from S to C. However, we’ll only discuss the S and A-tier Agents and explain to you why you should pick them over others. So, whether you’re playing solo or with a team, this list of the best Agents in Sunset will help you get the most victories.

Duelist

Raze

As Jett got heavily nerfed in the 7.04 patch, Raze remains the best Duelist alternative. Moreover, due to Sunset’s chokepoints and tight angles, there’ll be many Cypher and Deadlock players who’ll use their traps to prevent any push from both Defenders and Attackers. So, only Raze can hurdle over these traps using her Blast Packs, which no other Agent can do right now.

Even without considering her satchels, Raze’s Boom Bot and Paint Shell are useful in clearing corners. Paired with good Initiators’ abilities, moving forward as a team becomes so much easier.

Neon

Neon can engage and disengage from a fight quickly using her High Gear ability. Moreover, Sunset is a pretty small map, which makes it even better for Neon as a Duelist as she can use her mobility to fake, rotate, and keep them occupied.

Her Relay Bolt is a handy utility to bring out enemies from all the corners and angles that can be found all over Sunset. If she’s the one to get cornered, she can quickly get out using her Fast Lane walls. Also, don’t forget Neon’s Overdrive, which can turn the tide in an eco-round.

Phoenix

Phoenix’s favorite playgrounds are the maps with sharp angles and tight corners, just as found in Sunset. Phoenix is the only Duelist who can flash around the corner, clear an angle using Hot Hands, and enter the site using the Blaze wall.

Not to mention, if there are no healer characters like Sage or Skye in a team, Phoenix becomes an important pick in a map like Sunset.

Controller

Brimstone

Unlike some open maps, Sunset has many chokepoints and narrow entries, making it easier for Brimstone to shut them down using Sky Smoke. Not to mention, Brimstone’s Smokes last longer than any other Agent’s, which makes him a must-pick character in Sunset.

However, don’t forget his other abilities. Brimstone’s Incendiary is a brutal force in an after-plant situation. On the other hand, his Ultimate can wipe out a full team if they get into a corner.

Omen

Omen is also a great contender as the best Controller Agent in Sunset. All of Omen’s utilities are really useful on this map. Although Omen’s Smokes don’t last like Brimstone’s, they’re useful in their own way.

Also, because of Sunset’s specific map design, Omen is a crucial character if a team wants to have a dedicated lurker or flanker.

Sentinel

Killjoy

In Sunset, Killjoy is a must-have Agent. Her Turret can cover multiple angles at once, relieving her team of worries for a while. If she is pushed, she can deny them or even kill them with her Alarmbot and Nanoswarms on the Defenders’ side.

The Alarmbot and Nanoswarms are crucial on the attacking side too, preventing flanks. Her ultimate ability, Lockdown, is especially useful for attacking or retaking any site on Sunset.

Cypher

Cypher is a great alternative to Killjoy in Sunset. He can even be a better choice than Killjoy, depending on the playstyle. Cypher’s Trapwires are crucial in defending sites and preventing enemy flanks from happening.

Speaking of flanks, Cypher’s Spycam is a fantastic tool to have in Sunset. Having Cypher on your team builds fear in the enemy and reminds them not to make any stupid plays by flanking. Furthermore, if your team has only one Controller, Cypher’s Cyber Cages can be used as smokes, eliminating the need for a second Controller in a team.

Chamber

Contrary to common belief, the Chamber is an excellent Agent at Sunset. Chamber’s limitations do not prevent him from making plays on this map due to its small size. Moreover, because Jett has now become Obsolete, the Chamber is the only Agent who can effectively use the Operator to get early picks.

Initiator

Fade

Fade is an excellent Initiator for maps like Sunset. Thanks to her Prowlers, you won’t have to be constantly aware of the corners on this map. After you chase your enemies down, your Duelist can take charge and clear the first few corners. Even if you’re playing alone, you can use Seize to prevent enemies from leaving that angle.

After clearing corners, pushing into the site or retaking it is also important. In that case, Fade’s Haunt will clear the path by either revealing the enemies or removing them from the vital spots in Sunset.

Skye

Fade and Skye are pretty similar in terms of playstyle, especially on the Sunset map. Skye’s Trailblazer can clear the deadly spots, while Guiding Light forces enemies out of the site. Moreover, if you’re playing a hard support role, Skye is a better option than Fade, as she can heal allies using Regrowth.

Breach

Breach is also a good choice in Sunset for players who want to annoy enemies while dealing a lot of damage without getting into gunfights. Breach’s abilities are all well-suited to clearing critical angles and opening paths for Duelists and support players in Sunset.

Read More: Best VALORANT Agents for Pearl

Final Verdict

Every Agent has unique and useful abilities in VALORANT. If utilized properly, any Agent can lead you to a foolproof win. However, some Agents are always preferred over others for particular maps. This Agent tier list on Lotus is based on the Agent’s abilities and how well they fit with the map’s layout and structure. So try them out, and see what works for you best in VALORANT’s latest Sunset map.

The post Best VALORANT Agents for Sunset in 2023: All Agents Ranked from Best to Worst appeared first on GameRiv.

While some VALORANT pros heavily favor the map, others criticize its ridiculous size. Influencers like Shroud saw the potential of this map and advised everyone to wait until Breeze was available for the pros to play in VCT.

Breeze developed into a map of retreat for many professional teams, as Shroud had predicted. Some teams started to pick Breeze to surprise their opponents. Carefully planned strategies are highly effective on this map. Due to its vast size, Breeze offers many options for strategic and well-thought-out plays.

With such freedoms given, choosing the right agent for the job is also critical. Popular metas are sometimes not effective in Breeze. In this guide, we will be making a tier list of the best Agents to pick in Breeze based on their abilities, tasks, and necessity. 

Read More: Best VALORANT Agents for Split

Best Agents for Breeze 

Riot Games introduced Breeze in Episode 2 Act 3. Since then, the map has gone through two big changes. The first big change happened in the 4.00 update, and the second big update was made to the game in the 7.04 patch. Due to the updates, the Agent meta in Breeze has also shifted quite a bit compared to the one from the initial release.

So, to match Breeze’s recent layout and features, we’ll now list the best Agents that go hand in hand with the current meta. As there are 4 types of Agents in VALORANT, with each being equally important, we’ll categorize the list based on the Agent’s specific roles: Duelist, Controller, Sentinel, and Initiator.

The list will contain each Agent’s tier standing, from S to C. However, we’ll only discuss the S and A-tier Agents and explain to you why you should pick them over others. So, whether you’re playing solo or with a team, this list of the best Agents will help you get the most victories on Breeze.

Duelist

Neon

Breeze is a huge map with open spaces, making Neon the best potential Duelist on the map. She can roam around the map and gather useful intel about enemies using her High Gear. Moreover, she can easily fake them by showing her presence in one place and then regrouping with her teammates.

Although her Relay Bolt isn’t that useful in Breeze, having the ability to stun enemies comes in handy in many 1v1 duels. Neon’s Fast Lane walls can help her and her teammates enter or retake any side.

Yoru

Breeze is likely the best map for Yoru. Even at the highest level of VALORANT competitive scene, a bunch of Yoru mains can be seen. Due to Breeze’s massive size, Yoru can use his Gatecrash to teleport to places where enemies don’t expect him.

Moreover, Yoru’s ultimate and flashes are useful in every scenario. His Fakeout clone is likely the worst ability to have. However, his other abilities make up for the lack of usefulness of his clones, making him a solid pick in Breeze.

Raze 

Raze is an overall good Duelist in VALORANT. Although Raze mostly shines on small maps with a lot of tight spaces, such as Split, Pearl, and Sunset, her overall utility is useful on any given map. Moreover, after Jett’s nerf, she remains the only viable Agent who can dodge Sentinels’ obstacles and enter the site, which makes her an essential pick.

Controller

Viper

In both defense and offense, Viper’s inventory offers plenty of options for any team. Her Toxic Screen is by far the most crucial ability required for any offensive plan. Viper’s post-plant potential also comes into play due to the number of effective lineups available on the map. Even though her Ultimate doesn’t cover many areas, it’s still able to make some differences in critical situations.

Harbor

If Viper wasn’t the meta, Harbor would likely be the best Controller Agent for Breeze. Harbor’s High Tide and Cascade can block out most angles in A, B, and mid, making it easier for the team to take control. The only problem is that the walls don’t stay up for long.

Besides the walls, Harbor has the Cove smoke, which helps a lot while planting or defusing the Spike. Not to mention, his one-of-a-kind ultimate makes staying at any site almost impossible.

Sentinel

Cypher

Breeze intervened to prevent the Moroccan agent’s ultimate demise when the experts began to select him as the sole Sentinel agent for the map. After multiple rounds of nerfs from Riot, Cypher’s abilities were severely damaged.

However, things changed when the pros from both Europe and North America decided to take Cypher into the meta. The primary reason behind such changes is obviously his Spycam and Tripwire. His Spycam can reveal enemy locations, and his Tripwires are essential to stop any lurkers.

Killjoy 

Killjoy is currently the meta-sentinel Agent in VALORANT. Even the VALORANT 2023 Champions Agents’ pick-rate stats prove why she should be an S-Tier Agent. Although many may argue that Killjoy isn’t a very potent character for big maps like Breeze, the new rework opened up so many strategic plays for her.

Sage 

Sage’s role in Breeze is quite unique. Since Skye’s heal requires her to get close to her teammates, Sage can heal from longer distances. Additionally, Sage’s Barrier Orb is kind of necessary to stop early-round attacks. Lastly, Sage’s Resurrection ability cannot be overlooked, and it has more potential than it seems. 

Initiator

Skye 

As an Initiator Agent, Skye is a natural fit for Breeze. During the Stage 3 Challengers, teams from all major regions had Skye in their compositions. Undoubtedly, Skye has plenty to offer in Breeze. Apart from being an Initiator, she can also fill in as a Duelist when needed. Skye’s Guiding Light and Trailblazer are helpful for any team. Even her Seekers can track down enemies or reveal their directions from long range.

Sova

In the European scene, both Skye and Sova are highly favored by S-tier teams like Fnatic or Team Liquid. For lineup enthusiasts, playing Sova on Breeze is like a Blessing. Sova’s value during the post-plant scenario is huge, and his Owl Drone is an excellent alternative to Skye’s Trailblazer ability. Although, in Breeze, Hunter’s Fury is not really effective in most cases.

KAY/O

Similar to Skye, KAY/O can also step up as a Duelist when required. In contrast, KAY/O’s other abilities don’t provide much value for a team. Playing solo as KAY/O might be a good idea in low-elo matches, but it won’t make much sense in Immortal or higher lobbies. Unless you are absolutely sure about his abilities like FRAG/ment or ZERO/point, it’s best to avoid KAY/O.

Read More: Best VALORANT Agents for Bind

Choosing the right agent is important, but it’s most likely to come down to the individual skill levels of a player to get the most out of an Agent. If you are aiming to play as a Controller or Initiator, it’s best to practice some lineups before queueing up for your next ranked match. In comparison, playing Duelist in Breeze is easier since the responsibility is not that huge and choke points are relatively easy to bypass. However, playing Breeze will require patience and caution.

The post Best VALORANT Agents for Breeze in 2023: All Agents Ranked From Best to Worst appeared first on GameRiv.

VALORANT is a tactical shooter inspired by CS: GO and Overwatch. Riot Games tried its best to implement a mixture of ability-based gameplay and skilled shooting mechanisms into VALORANT. Thus, the Agents were introduced in this game.

Though people were skeptical about VALORANT’s success at first, it eventually made a strong standing in the FPS genre. The game gained constant popularity for its gameplay, Agent-based abilities, exciting lores, and beautiful visuals of the characters and maps.

All Agents and Maps in VALORANT have unique features and backstories. Currently, there are 22 released Agents and 10 total maps in the game. Among them, Sunset is the latest addition to the competitive map rotation.

Each map in VALORANT features distinctive designs and architecture. Naturally, some Agents are more suited for specific maps than others. This is why it is important to choose specific Agents to ensure the highest chance of winning on selected maps. The same goes for Pearl.

Read More: Best VALORANT Agents for Icebox

Best Agents For Pearl (A Complete Tier List)

Pearl was added to the VALORANT map pool in the 5.00 patch. It is the first map that is located on Omega Earth. It is also an underwater map situated in Lisbon, Portugal. Pearl has an interesting design with two sites and three lanes, following a traditional map layout.

So, to match Pearl’s layout and features, we’ll now list the best Agents that go hand in hand with the current meta. As there are 4 types of Agents in VALORANT, with each being equally important, we’ll categorize the list based on the Agent’s specific roles: Duelists, Controllers, Sentinels, and Initiators.

The list will contain each Agent’s tier standing, from S to C. However, we’ll only discuss the S and A-tier Agents and explain to you why you should pick them over others. So, whether you’re playing solo or with a team, this list of the best Agents will help you get the most victories on Pearl.

Duelist

Reyna

For an aggressive playstyle, Reyna is the most gruesome Agent there can be in Pearl. She can get ahead of everyone, get a kill, and instantly get back safely with her dismiss ability. Or, she can use her Devour and heal herself to full HP in seconds. Her Ultimate ability also comes second to none. Reyna can show her prowess to the utmost limit, where most of the fights take place scattered throughout the map.

Phoenix

Though Phoenix is not a popular Dualist among players, it is different for Pearl. There are a lot of angles and tight spaces on the map, which makes it necessary to have flashes that can blind enemies for easy escape. Phoenix’s Wall can also come in handy in many open spaces such as the A Site. Not to mention his healing abilities are instrumental in clutch situations.

Raze

Raze’s abilities go very well in the Pearl map. Her Boom Bot can clear out angles, making it easier for the team to enter as attackers. Though her Blast Pack is not so effective in Pearl, it can be handy in certain situations. Her Paint Shells and Showstoppers are strong enough to win you important rounds with ease.

Controller

Brimstone

As Viper was nerfed, Brimstone is the best Controller Agent right now in Pearl. Brimstone can separate any site with his smokes. His smokes can block specific angles precisely, leaving no room for error. On the other hand, Brim’s Incendiary can kill anyone hiding in specific corners. Not to mention, his Orbital Strike can havoc fear in enemies in after-plant situations.

Viper

Although Viper was nerfed in the 5.12 patch, she is still one of the best Agents in the Pearl map. If placed correctly, Viper’s Toxic Screen can easily separate both A and B sites, letting your team push to any site freely. With precise lineups, her Poison Cloud and Snake Bite can block off any specific passage and bring out enemies from tight corners that are basically everywhere on Pearl.

Harbor

If you’re not picking Viper, Harbor can be the second-best alternative to Viper for the Pearl map. Harbor’s abilities are very well suited to attack A site. Even if you’re rushing B, Harbor can do wonders. However, he doesn’t help too much on the defender side, so he is currently in B tier.

Astra

Unlike Viper and Brimstone, Astra is a versatile Agent. She can place 4 Stars at a time that can be used to activate Gravity Well, Nova Pulse, or Nebula. She can even pick up a star and use it later in the round. However, it will take 25 seconds before you can place it again. Her abilities are very practical for both the Attacker and Defender sides on Pearl.

Sentinel

Cypher

Cypher is a powerful Agent in Pearl. There are countless angles on each side. It is physically almost impossible to hold every angle. But, with Cypher, you can cover multiple angles with his Spycam’s assistance. He can also stay carefree while his Trapwires and Cyber Cages are in action.

Sage

As of now, Sage is kind of irreplaceable in the Pearl meta. She is one of the two Agents who can heal her allies. Not to mention, only Sage can revive her allies from the dead. So, Sage is a must-pick if you have a team with no Phoenix, Reyna, or Skye. Even if you have these Agents, you can still use Sage to heal others. Also, Sage’s Wall can be very useful in A site on Pearl.

Killjoy

Like Cypher, Killjoy is also a very strong character in Pearl. With her Turret, she can cover a range of angles simultaneously, leaving her team worry-free for a while. If opponents decide to push her, she can deny or maybe kill them with her Alarmbot and Nanoswarms. Her Lockdown ultimate ability is especially useful for pushing in retaking any site on Pearl.

Initiator

Fade

Most players have figured out how to counter Fade by now. However, she is still a competent character, especially in Pearl. Because of Pearl’s tricky map layout, it is challenging to locate enemies on either side. So having a Fade in your team can save much of your trouble. Enemies will also have to be very cautious of hiding behind any corner if there’s a Fade in your team.

Sova

Sova’s abilities are unparalleled to others, mainly because a skilled Sova can assist his team in so many ways in Pearl. Pearl’s complex layout makes it more of a playground for Sova’s lineups. Also, he does not have to expose himself to assist his teammate, so he can stay alive at any cost, making him even better in Pearl.

KAY/O

KAY/O is a perfect Initiator in Pearl map. He can flash for his allies to take any site swiftly. There are a considerable number of windows and specific lineups where KAY/O can throw his Flash and Drive. As there are a lot of Cyphers and Killjoys in Pearl, KAY/O’s Ultimate and Zero/Point remain helpful.

Final Verdict

Every Agent has unique and useful abilities in VALORANT. If utilized properly, any Agent can lead you to a foolproof win. However, some Agents are always preferred over others for particular maps. This Agent tier list on Pearl is based on the Agent’s abilities and how well they fit with the map’s layout and structure. So try them out, and see what works for you best.

Read More: Best VALORANT Agents for Breeze

The post Best VALORANT Agents for Pearl in 2023: All Agents Ranked From Best to Worst appeared first on GameRiv.

Lotus is the latest addition to the Valorant Map pool, with its unique features being three spike sites, breakable connectors, and rotating doors. With wide open spaces and map verticality, Sova is an excellent agent for taking advantage of the map’s geometry.

Unlike most other Agents, Sova’s utilities are somewhat trickier to master. However, his abilities also open up so many opportunities to make crucial game-changing plays, which makes learning basic Sova lineups really important. This guide will cover all the basic lineups you need to know to start playing Sova in Lotus.

Read More: Best Sova Lineups for Every VALORANT Map: The One-stop Guide to Playing Sova Effectively

Sova Lotus playstyle

The most important part of Lotus is the main sites A and B, since they have wide open spaces and are also used for rotations and flanks. On the defending side, the Recon arrow or drone in the lobby areas can scope out enemies pushing or lurking. These abilities can also be used late in the round to determine enemy rotations.

On the attacking side, Sova can clear the way for site entries with his Owl Drone while allies follow behind. Sova can also scope out sites with his recon arrow. He can also stop spike defuses with cheeky post-plant Shock Dart lineups, along with his ultimate.

Lotus Recon Arrow Lineups

So let’s get started on the Recon Arrow lineups for Lotus for both attack and defense.

Attack: A Rubble God Recon Arrow

Starting things off for Lotus is this God arrow for A. It will land high on awkward map geometry, scoping out all of A Rubble and aggressive peeks. You can use this lineup and immediately push A with your drone leading the way for an efficient A execution.

Attack: B Site Recon Arrow

This is a recon arrow for scoping out the B Site. Thanks to the opening in the skylight of B site, you can use this lineup that lands in B site through the opening and perches itself on the ceiling, revealing the entirety of B site. It comes in from an awkward angle, so it will be more difficult to destroy for defenders. Ensure your allies instantly push B right after the barriers to make the most of this Recon arrow.

Attack: C Site fast Recon Arrow

This fast arrow is exactly what you need for those aggressive C pushes. It will scope out the C site and reveal all the common angles. Use this arrow immediately at the start of the round from the C lobby with your allies aggressively pushing into the site.

Defense: A Lobby Recon Arrow

This arrow will help against enemies aggressively pushing A. It can be fired from A site and aid your team in defending A lobby. The recon arrow will scope out enemies positioned at Rubble and can immediately alert you if attackers are rushing A, allowing you to call in a rotation. This recon can also get you some cheeky wall bangs and smoke kills.

Defense: B Lobby Recon Arrow

You are better suited to play A or C as a Sova player. If you’re playing C and need to support B, you can use this Recon arrow lineup to reveal B lobby from C. At the start of the round, from the C entrance, you can use this simple lineup to reveal enemies pushing B. It travels over the map’s geometry and lands high up on a root, making it hard to destroy.

Defense: C Lobby God Recon Arrow

Typically in Lotus, a popular attacker strategy is rushing C. You might also have an ally Jett or Reyna taking an aggressive peek from C. You can instantly scout out the C lobby with this recon after the spawn barrier drops. This arrow bounces off the arch, lands on the roof above, and reveals all of the C lobby.

Split Shock Dart Lineups

So let’s start with what you’ve been eagerly waiting for the post-plant double shock darts. These big-brain lineups will be your go-to for clutching those intense rounds and getting some epic clips as well.

Attack: A Default double-shock dart

This double shock dart lineup can be handy when the spike is planted in A default. After planting, head back to the rubble to use this lineup. Be careful of enemy pushes.

Attack: B Default post plant double Shock Dart

After planting in B default, head straight back out to the B lobby for this double shock dart lineup. This will take you quite far from the spike, so you can use this if there isn’t much time left on the spike or if you have your ult ready. Also, keep an eye out for enemies pushing out of A or C.

Attack: C Default post-plant Shock Dart

This shock dart lineup can be used from the C lobby after planting in C default. This is a bit tricky as it employs two starting positions for each shock dart with a 4-second delay in between shots for them to land simultaneously.

So now that you’re equipped with all the knowledge regarding Sova’s lineups for Lotus, try them out and practice them in Custom matches before heading out into a competitive match.

Read More: Best Cypher Setups for Every VALORANT Map (Defense and Attack)

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Riot Games has teased us with massive agent-related changes with this patch 7.04. The new patch introduces Episode 7, Act 2. Patch 7.04 not only introduces players to a major overhaul of some of the most popular agent abilities but also adds a new map to the current map pool to spice up the current meta.

In terms of agent changes, Jett, Chamber, Astra, Breach, Skye, and Fade are getting nerfs. The most notable change is being done to Jett to make her more balanced compared to other duelist agents as she is still one of the most popular agents in the game despite having multiple nerfs in the past.

Read More: VALORANT Imperium Skin Bundle: First Look, Price, Release Date, & More

A new map called Sunset will join the current map pool alongside a revamped Breeze. Also, the long-awaited player behavioral update will be live with patch 7.04.

VALORANT Patch 7.04

AGENT UPDATES

VALORANT asks you to make tough decisions when interacting with enemy utility—shooting, dodging, and timing your moment to take a decisive action. We want everyone to come away from rounds feeling like they had the possibility of making a better play if only they were a little faster or smarter. The team has noticed that when faced with multiple pieces of utility or some of larger scale ultimates, your avenues for counterplay can sometimes be overloaded, leading you to feel unsure of what’s happening or what you could do differently next time.

While Patch 7.04 includes changes to over half of the roster, the changes are sharply focused on increasing game state clarity by making the following adjustments:

• Reducing the frequency of large area of effect of ultimates
• Reducing the amount of time utility is active in the world
• Reducing the HP of shootable utility
• We also believe the Ultimate cost updates below better align large area, high-impact ults with the pressure they place on the enemy, creating both a better pacing of the round-defining abilities and a clearer choice competition between high and low cost ults.

Though many of these changes are subtle, We hope all together they improve gamestate clarity and the sense that you have even more opportunities for your skill to shine through. 

BREACH

BRIMSTONE

FADE

GEKKO

KILLJOY

OMEN

SKYE

Skye has become a keystone of the current meta through her blend of recon and space taking utility. While we like that she can potentially unlock new comps through this combo, we think she has lacked clear weaknesses compared to her peers given the wide range of value she brings. These changes reduce the distance in which Guiding Light can provide info. Changes also helps reduce the amount of time enemies need to worry about her flash when she flies it a great distance without activating it. We’ve also reduced the health of Trailblazer and Seekers to make them slightly easier for enemies to deal with, Skye’s ultimate cost will increase to better reflect the high level of baseline value it provides.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on these updates to see if they push the choice competition between Skye and her peers into a healthy place, or if further updates are needed in either direction.

SOVA

VIPER

ASTRA

We’ve noticed a large power disparity between Astra’s Gravity Well and Nova Pulse. Our goal is to create clearer use cases for both abilities: Gravity Well will be Astra’s tool for controlling space, and Nova Pulse for quickly affecting an area. At the same time, we hope to reduce some of the oppressive and long duration pressure Astra’s stars produce by providing enemies a chance to push past activated Gravity Well during its windup period if they act quickly.

We’re updating Cosmic Divide to help clarify the overall game state by eliminating uncertainty around whether you or your enemies are close enough to the wall to be heard. We also think this gives Astra’s wall a clearer power profile for her and her allies to play around.

JETT

Since the last time we released changes to Jett, she has continued to be a mainstay of both competitive and professional play. We like that the dash changes in 4.08 pushed her to be more deliberate and tactical, but still feel that Jett is often given more reliable power windows and generous tuning than other Duelists and Agents in general.

Our goal with these changes is further sharpening Jett as the aggressive, high precision Duelist by increasing the intentionality of her ability usage and power windows. We want to maintain her unique ability to break through chokes and dash onto site, while reducing her defensive power-holding angles and her ability to reactively undo tactical mistakes with her array of quickly cast abilities.

We believe these changes align Jett’s overall power level and place in the Tactical Cycle with our other Agents, while maintaining Jett’s unique role and fantasy on the VALORANT roster. To help explain our thought process, we’ve provided context on how each change aims to support these goals, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on how these changes land at all levels of play. 

MAP UPDATES

MAP ROTATION

• Breeze will be rotating back into the Competitive and Unrated map pool.
• Please note that Fracture and Pearl have been rotated out of the Competitive and Unrated map rotation.

NEW MAP: SUNSET

• Sunset, our newest map, features three lanes and two sites.
• Please note that the Sunset only queue will only be playable in Swiftplay mode for one week and then goes into the Competitive and Unrated map rotation in Patch 7.05.

BREEZE

Breeze’s scale and size are core to the map’s design but we wanted to address rotation times by simplifying where threats could be to make retaking less dangerous. This set of changes aims to add more tradeoffs to A and B site slams that utilize post-plant utility to secure the round while adding more incentive for Attackers to control Mid to exert pressure throughout the map.

ADJUSTED MID PILLAR

We closed off one side of Mid Pillar and tightened up Mid Cubby. As a result, Mid should be more comfortable to rotate through with more predictable threats.

Mid Pillar

• One side has been closed off and boxes have been added.

Mid Cubby

• One side of the pillar has been closed off.

ADJUSTED B SITE

We’ve adjusted B Site to make enemy positioning more predictable. This should make retake scenarios more manageable.

B Site

• Boxes have been added and parts of the wall around B Site have been removed and added.

B Back

• Boxes have been added and the stairs have been removed and walled off.

BLOCKED OFF A HALL

Halls required a lot of attention from Defenders often forcing them to spread thin. By blocking it off we hope this allows Defenders to better focus on where threats will come from while allowing both teams to invest more resources across the rest of the map.

A Hall

• Part of the hall has been walled off with a fence.

ADJUSTED MID DOORS

We expect there to be more fights in Mid and around Doors so we’ve adjusted this area to be more spacious and added a new stack of boxes as additional cover.

Mid Wood Doors

• Boxes have been added and door has been opened fully.

CLOSED A CAVE AND ADJUSTED A SHOP

Cave added a lot of pressure to post plant situations and the split approach to A made it difficult for Defenders to confidently contest the space. These changes aim to make the main approach to A feel more neutral and less strong for post-plant.

A Cave

• Interior has been widened and boxes have been added.

A Shop

• Entrance and interior have been widened.

ADJUSTED A PYRAMIDS AND ADDED SIGNAGE FOR CALLOUTS

We added a small platform at the bottom of each pyramid to make utility a bit easier to land around them. Also, we added signage to help differentiate callouts for the two pyramids.

A Site

• Pyramids have been made taller.

PLAYER BEHAVIOR UPDATES

REPORT UI IMPROVEMENTS

• We’ve increased readability by adding icons and showing detailed text descriptions when hovering over each of the newly added icons.
• We categorized the list of post-game reports into groups to help break down decision making from high level category to subcategories.
• We’ve added reportee info in order to reduce false reporting.

PREMIER UPDATES

PREMIER HAS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED!

• If you played in Premier’s Ignition Stage, your team and match history will carry over.
• Enrollment runs until September 7. The exact time for the end of Enrollment varies by Zone—make sure to check the schedule in the client for more information so you don’t miss it.
• Weekly matches will feature the full competitive map pool across seven weeks. Each week will still have one dedicated map and a maximum of two matches on said map. Matches start on September 7 and run through October 21, with Playoffs on October 22.
• Earn a Premier Score of at least 675 to qualify and to have a chance to be crowned one of the best teams in your Division.
• Performance will now be tracked from Stage to Stage. You will receive a Division crest at the end of each Stage.
• Divisions will be split into five tiers: Open, Intermediate, Advanced, Elite, and Contender.
• Check out our FAQ for all the details, and good luck on your games!

BUG FIXES

AGENT

• Fixed an issue where Sage’s Barrier Orb (C) can break when being placed in between doors such as C Garage on Haven.

GAMEPLAY SYSTEMS

• Fixed a bug where being killed on Fracture’s ziplines would make your Agent’s body appear in Spawn.

PLAYER BEHAVIOR

• Fixed a bug where pushing the play button on your keyboard caused voice to transmit despite having different keybinds set or none at all.

PREMIER

• If a match goes into overtime and results in sudden death, the end of game timeline now displays the sudden death round correctly.

KNOWN ISSUES

PREMIER

• Overtime Priority vote sometimes triggers two times in a row for a team

Read More: VALORANT Episode 7 Act 2 Battle Pass Skins Have Been Revealed

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VALORANT is an exciting and popular online game loved by players worldwide. It combines tactical gameplay with precise shooting, making it a thrilling experience for both newcomers and seasoned FPS veterans. In VALORANT, you choose from a diverse roster of characters, each with unique abilities, and engage in strategic battles to outwit your opponents.

One of the captivating features of VALORANT is its diverse game modes. Whether you are a casual player or a competitive adrenaline junkie, VALORANT has a game mode for everyone. Despite this, players lacked something that would take their competitive experience to a higher level.

Fortunately, Riot Games filled that tiny gap that limited players’ ability to reach the highest level of VALORANT with the announcement of Premier. Earlier, Riot Games released Premier’s Global and Ignition beta phases, and players wholeheartedly welcomed it. So, after a little bit of fine-tuning, Riot Games officially launched Premier without delaying further.

Read More: VALORANT Premier First Stage: Schedule, Format, Rewards and More

What is VALORANT Premier

Premier stands as a high-stakes competitive game mode within VALORANT, geared towards those seeking to test their skills at an elevated level. In 2022, Riot Games unveiled a dedicated competitive mode tailored for devoted players aiming to make their mark in VALORANT esports.

Premier mode follows a league system, where players opt for more demanding challenges than in the standard ranked mode. Riot Games initiated two beta phases for Premier, strategically assessing its potential. The mode is officially launching with overwhelmingly positive responses. And of course! Some improvements were made.

VALORANT Premier All New Changes Explained

• WEEKLY FORMAT: Premier Stage 1 matches will last 7 weeks, as opposed to 4 to 5 weeks in the Global Beta and Ignition Premier phases. But each week will still have one dedicated map and a maximum of two matches. This means Premier will now feature all 7 maps from the Competitive map pool.
• PLAYOFF TOURNAMENT: Teams will now need a Premier score of 675 to qualify for the Playoffs. Previously, it was based on position in the Standings. This adds a performance threshold for teams aiming to advance to the playoff stage.
• CAREER TRACKING: This is an exclusive addition to VALORANT Premier. With the Career tracking system, Riot Games will track players’ performances in every stage. Additionally, Participants will receive a Division crest at the end of each Stage, recognizing their achievements.
• NEW DIVISIONS: In Premier Beta, the Divisions were numbered, however, with the Premier Launch Stage, the Divisions will move into a level-based system. A new beginner-level contender has been added to the Launch Stage.
  
  After creating a team, all team players will be allocated to different divisions based on their total MMR rating. There are 5 Division levels, with sub-divisions in between them. Here are all the Divisions from highest to lowest:
  • Contender
  • Elite 1-5
  • Advanced 1-5
  • Intermediate 1-5
  • Open 1-5
• NEW REWARDS: Players participating in just one Premier match will receive a Player Card. If a team manages to win in the Playoffs, they will be rewarded with a Division Gun Buddy and an exclusive title. These rewards add an incentive for active participation and successful performance.

Read More: How to Get VALORANT Premier Open Beta Rewards

In conclusion, VALORANT Premier brings about a series of impactful changes that enhance the game’s competitive landscape. The shift to a weekly format, spanning seven weeks and featuring the complete competitive map pool, promises dynamic and varied gameplay. The introduction of a Playoff qualification threshold of 675 Premier Score adds an element of challenge, pushing teams to perform at their best consistently.

The post VALORANT Premier All New Changes Explained appeared first on GameRiv.

VALORANT started its journey with three unique maps in the beta version. Since then, Riot Games has introduced new maps to the game to create diversity in the playstyle while making the game more fun for the players. A new map always brings a fresh perspective and gives an opportunity to come up with new team comps and meta.

VALORANT features a variety of maps that serve as battlegrounds for its intense matches. Currently, there are a total of 9 maps available for gameplay, with the latest addition being Lotus, featured in the 6.00 update. Each map has its own layout and challenges for players to overcome.

Players have been waiting for a new map for a while now, and Riot Games has finally confirmed the tenth addition to the map pool, named Sunset. Since the Episode 7 Act 2 update is right around the corner, players expect to try out the map as soon as possible.

Read More: When Will VALORANT Episode 7 Act 1 End?

Sunset Map Release Date

According to the official trailer and the patch notes from Riot Games, The Sunset map will be released on August 29, 2023, with the Episode 7 Act 2 update. As we have seen in previous map updates like Lotus and Pearl, a new map usually takes around a week to be added to the Competitive map pool after the Initial release.

However, if Riot Games follows its previous trend, the map will be available to play in Custom, Spike Rush, Swiftplay, and Unrated as soon as Episode 7 Act 2 goes live. After players get used to the map, it should be available in the competitive map pool.

Riot Games does this because if the map has some major bugs or issues, it might ruin the Competitive experience for the players. After thoroughly testing the map for a week, they will add the new map to the Competitive map pool with some minor adjustments and fixes if necessary.

Read More: VALORANT’s Newest Map “Sunset” Has Been Revealed

The post VALORANT’s New Map Sunset Release Date appeared first on GameRiv.

The first Act of VALORANT Episode 7 will go offline very soon. Although the Act did not add anything extraordinary to the game, it did introduce TDM and Deadlock to keep the Act going. Furthermore, due to VALORANT Champions 2023, Riot Games has stopped adding new content at a later stage of the Act.

Fortunately, Riot Games intends to make several changes to VALORANT in Episode 7 Act 2. To begin, 11 Agents will be exposed to buffs and nerfs with a potential influence on the competitive meta.

Not to mention the addition of Sunset, a new map set in Gekko’s hometown of Los Angeles. Besides the new map, Breeze will also return to VALORANT’s competitive map pool, replacing Fracture and Pearl for further rework.

Players are understandably excited about the impending changes and eager to try out the new Act as soon as possible. Don’t be concerned! We, too, are eager to get into Act 2 as soon as possible. So, let’s see when VALORANT Episode 7 Act 1 concludes.

Read More: VALORANT Premier First Stage: Schedule, Format, Rewards and More

Episode 7 Act 1 Ending Time

With Episode 7 Act 1 ending, every player’s rank will be reset again, and players have to start fresh in the upcoming Episode. Moreover, the competitive queue may or may not end before the actual Act. So, if you want to grind to a higher rank, now is the time.

However, you can still play Custom Games, TDM, Swiftplay, Unrated, Swiftplay, Spike Rush, and other game modes until Episode 7 Act 1 ends. This Act will end at the same time in different regions.

According to Riot Games’ official announcement, Episode 6 Act 3 will end on August 29, 2023. The new Act will go live on the same day, bringing more exciting content into the game.

Read More: VALORANT Episode 7 Act 2 Battle Pass Skins Have Been Revealed

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Riot Games stepped into the world of FPS with their VALORANT in 2020. The game has since become one of the biggest live-service titles worldwide. With game modes like Unrated, Competitive, Spike Rush, Team Deathmatch, and Escalation, players have remained hooked on the game.

Out of all the game modes in VALORANT, the most played is Competitive. In competitive play, players are placed in different ranks based on their MMR or RR. However, there is a rank cap in VALORANT where players cannot go above the highest rank of Radiant.

The rank cap makes the grind for high-ranked players stale, as they are stuck in the same matchmaking position every act. Taking this into account, Riot Games announced their vision of another competitive game mode in 2022, which is now called Premier. If you’re eager to learn more about Premier, rest assured as we dive into what the game mode brings.

Read More: VALORANT Imperium Skin Bundle: First Look, Price, Release Date, & More

What is Premier?

Premier is a competitive game mode focusing on a higher skill cap. In 2022, Riot Games revealed its vision of a dedicated competitive game mode for young players looking to venture into the esports scene.

For easier comparison, the game mode is like CSGO’s FACEit matchmaking, where players queue up for higher-ranked challenges than in the normal ranked game mode. However, the highest-rated players get a direct gateway to the challengers.

Riot Games previously released two Premier beta phases to test its potential. After enormous positive feedback, Riot Games finally released it after making some subtle but necessary changes.

New Premier Division

In Premier Beta, the Divisions were numbered, however, with the Premier Launch Stage, the Divisions will move into a level-based system. A new beginner-level contender has been added to the Launch Stage.

After creating a team, all team players will be allocated to different divisions based on their total MMR rating. There are 5 Division levels, with sub-divisions in between them. Here are all the Divisions from highest to lowest:

• Contender
• Elite 1-5
• Advanced 1-5
• Intermediate 1-5
• Open 1-5

How to Enroll

When a new Stage starts, the Team Owner will have to enroll their team for that Stage. During the enrollment process, the Team Owner will select a Zone. Within the Zone, the team will be recommended the top 2 pods (for example, Central vs. Texas) based on the lowest average latency of the Team Owner.

The Premier Hub and Team Tab both show your team’s enrollment status. Players who miss the enrollment period cannot play in the Premier for that window.

Premier Rewards

The rewards for participating and winning the Playoff tournament will be distributed the day after the Stage ends. Concurrent rewards include:

• A unique Gun Buddy and Title for winning.
• A Player Card for playing at least one match.

Players must play at least two weekly matches or one tournament match with a team to earn a Crest. The Crest will be available at the start of the new Stage.

When will the Next Premier Stage Start?

The Next Premier Stage will start on October 23, 2023, with the start of Episode 7, Act 3. The Stage will last another 2 months, ending on December 23, 2023. All Division Ratings will reset with each Stage.

Read More: VALORANT Episode 7 Act 2 Battle Pass Skins Have Been Revealed

The post VALORANT Premier Stage 1: Schedule, Format, Rewards and More appeared first on GameRiv.

VALORANT Episode 7 Act 2 will go live on August 29, 2023. As VALORANT Champions is over, Riot Games will make many meta-changing adjustments to the Agents. Not only that, but some QoL and balance changes are in the works that have yet to be revealed

The upcoming changes will also include the introduction of Sunset, VALORANT’s newest map set in Los Angeles, California. Besides the new map, VALORANT is bringing Breeze back with some major adjustments.

Sunset and the reworked Breeze will replace Fracture and Pearl in the competitive map rotation. With so many changes coming to the game, the VALORANT servers will be overflowing as soon as Episode 7 Act 2 goes live.

Also, don’t forget that Riot Games introduces a new Battle Pass with every new Act. So, Episode 7 Act 2 will not be any different. Although VALORANT only reveals them when a new Act goes live, we got our first look at VALORANT Episode 7 Act 2 Battle Pass skins and some of the cosmetic items.

Read More: VALORANT’s Newest Map “Sunset” Has Been Revealed

Episode 7 Act 2 Battle Pass Skins First Look

ValorLeaks has revealed a sneak peek of the upcoming Battle Pass, which will be available with the release of Episode 7 Act 2. Unlike previously, the new Battle Pass will include three unique skin Collections alongside a standalone Phantom skin.

The Premium skin collection is called Transition and will feature pink and blue neon-themed skins with a futuristic design. This bundle will also include a melee skin similar to a Gut knife.

The Deluxe and Select Edition Battle Pass: Sticker Pop and Retro LA Collections, on the other hand, may not please players because they aren’t anything special when compared to previous Battle Pass skins.

Here are all the skins and cosmetic items from Episode 7 Act 2 Battle Pass:

Transition Collection

• Vandal
• Shorty
• Stinger
• Bulldog
• Knife

RDVR Collection

Retro LA Collection

• Classic
• Bucky
• Guardian

Sticker Pop Collection

• Ghost
• Mashal
• Spectre
• Odin

Playercards

Read More: VALORANT Imperium Skin Bundle: First Look, Price, Release Date, & More

More information and pictures of Episode 7 Act 2 Battle Pass will be revealed soon. So, keep checking the article for up-to-date information on VALORANT’s latest Battle Pass.

The post VALORANT Episode 7 Act 2 Battle Pass Skins Have Been Revealed appeared first on GameRiv.