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Valorant Patch 12.03 is live from Riot Games, featuring a new limited-time mode as well as agent balance changes, competitive updates and esports integrations.
Valorant's major new feature is Skirmish 2v2 mode, which pits players against each other in ability-less rounds that focus purely on gunplay.
Other highlights from the patch include changes to Gekko, audio improvements, more regions adopting MFA requirements and the return of Pick’Ems leading into Masters.
New Limited-Time Mode: Skirmish 2v2
Mode Overview
- 2v2 matchmaking queue
- Solo queue or queue with a partner
- First team to 10 rounds wins
- Compact Skirmish maps (A, B and C)
- Map selected randomly each match
Gameplay Rules
- Abilities disabled
- Full weapon access every round (no economy system)
- No agent select
All abilities are disabled in Skirmish mode. This includes Golden Tokens. Players will receive full weapon access every round. Skirmishes do not have an agent select.
Balancing 2 teams against eachother without heroes or an economy accelerates the pace of round and focuses purely on aiming skills, positioning and teamwork. The quicker game length also rewards players to play the mode multiple matches at once.
Gekko Changes
Player feedback from Patch 11.08 through to the current patch has shown that Gekko has been underperforming compared to other initiators. Patch 12.03 brings Gekko’s abilities in line with other agents, whilst also granting him a little more flexibility. Includes:
- Increase Globules reclaim timer from 15 seconds to 20 seconds.
- Made Mosh Pit reclaimable.
Viper will also receive additional voice lines, including new quotes with Omen and Vyse.
Competitive Updates
Sharing flagged accounts and all Ascendant+ players in APAC region will be required to turn on Riot Mobile multi-factor authentication (MFA) to queue for Competitive.
Players will still be able to queue for all other game modes.This is part of Riot’s continued efforts to enhance account security and promote competitive integrity in the lead up to regional finals and Champion vs. Champion.
Esports Updates
Masters Santiago
Pick’emsPick’ems will be making their return for Masters Santiago beginning February 19 (PT). Players will be able to enter their guesses either in-client or through a web form.
Players will guess which teams will make it out of the eight team Swiss Stage, with extra points awarded if you guess the perfect 2–0 team. Exclusive in-game titles and prizes will be unlocked based on performance.
Patch 12.03 will also see VCT Player Stats be added to teams pages within the Esports Hub.
General Fixes
- Fixed an issue where pressing ESC in the Battlepass would cause UI elements to disappear or reappear instead of going back a screen.
- Fixed an issue where the background is missing on the accessories store.
- Fixed incorrect labeling of Reaver Bandit as limited edition.
PC Only Updates
The layouts for both the Event Pass and Battlepass have been updated to include new graphics and smoother navigation. Both can be navigated through with the mouse or arrow keys.
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