VALORANT recently posted a video titled VALORANT Dev Updates. Within the video, the development team discussed specific topics concerning the game. A majority of the video was focused on the upcoming map pool, the agent changes, and the replay system. In the current state of VALORANT, many players have shied away from playing duelists because they are not viable. In this article, look at the upcoming buffs and nerfs in Patch 8.11 of VALORANT and the impact of said changes.
Which VALORANT Duelists are getting nerfed in Patch 8.11?
Image Credit: Riot Games
In the VALORANT Dev Updates, one of the major topics the developers discussed was game health and agent viability in the game on the competitive scene. The developers noticed a drastic reduction in the use of duelist agents in both professional play and on the competitive ladder. Regarding the stats during VCT Pacific Stage One, Jett and Raze had high pick rates (59% and 41%), respectively. The other five duelists had a collective pick rate of just 13%.
“As you all keep playing the game, your aim, creativity, and teamwork keep improving,” said Dan Hardison, Game Designer on Agent and Live Balance. “For example, Jett from the Open Beta would be an absolute terror if she was unleashed in VALORANT in 2024. Back then, she was widely considered underpowered.”
Due to such an imbalance in the game’s duelist agent picks, there will be a nerf to Raze. In particular, there will be a change in her satchel mobility in VALORANT. Within the various VCT leagues, we have seen some incredible double satchel moments by players like Jinggg. It must be stated that VALORANT update 8.11 will be going live after the completion of VCT Master Shanghai.
3 VALORANT Duelists Will Be Receiving Buffs
Image Credit: Riot Games
Coleman Palm, Product Manager of Gameplay, stated the following behind the reason for the upcoming buffs and nerfs in VALORANT update 8.11:
“The live games team’s top priority for 2024 has been to increase intra-role diversity across the roster. Looking at each role and ensuring more Agents are viable in each one.”
The agents who are slated to get buffs in the upcoming 8.11 update are Neon, Iso, and Reyna. Concerning Iso, the buffs will be focused on his ability Paradigm. This is the forward-moving wall that blocks abilities as well as bullets. Concerning Neon, the ability will be focused on her signature slide ability. Reyna is known for being exceptionally strong in rank, and she isn’t in coordinated team play. So, we could expect the buff to be concerning Reyna’s Leer.
The duelist changes weren’t the only thing announced in the current development video by Riot Games. The company also provided an update on the anticipated VALORANT Replay System.
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