Riot Games has launched Valorant Patch 8.05, introducing impactful changes that reshape competitive play. This update enhances agent balance, improves map flow, and upgrades gameplay systems. Whether you’re a seasoned player or returning after a break, this patch offers several reasons to dive back in.
Agent Updates
Riot adjusted several agents to refine balance and encourage more diverse team compositions in ranked and casual matches alike.
Omen
- Riot slightly reduced Paranoia’s range, making early aggressive plays riskier.
- The From the Shadows ultimate now requires 7 points instead of 6, increasing the strategic weight of each use.
Sage
- The Healing Orb now restores 70 HP instead of 60, providing more value during combat.
- However, the Barrier Orb’s wall has slightly less health, encouraging attackers to break through with coordinated fire.
Raze
- Developers reduced the Blast Pack’s damage radius, but shortened its activation delay, improving mobility potential.
- Additionally, they updated visual cues for the Showstopper, helping opponents respond more effectively.
These adjustments aim to balance power across agents while reinforcing their core identities.
Map Changes
Riot introduced changes to Lotus and Sunset, focusing on player feedback regarding tactical flow and visibility.
Lotus
- The A-site now features additional cover near the default plant zone, allowing for safer post-plant positions.
- Designers widened the B-link path to minimize bottlenecks and support smoother rotations.
Sunset
- Lighting improvements across key choke points now offer better visibility in fast-paced duels.
- Moreover, minor collision issues in garage and spawn areas have been fixed, ensuring cleaner movement.
These map updates help create fairer, more fluid engagements for all skill levels.
Gameplay Improvements
Patch 8.05 goes beyond agents and maps, introducing helpful system upgrades and interface changes.
- Riot refined footstep audio, especially in maps with multiple elevation layers, to help players locate opponents more precisely.
- Custom match settings can now be saved and reused, streamlining private matches and scrims.
- The ranked post-match screen displays clearer insights into MMR and rank progress, giving players better feedback after each game.
As a result, these changes improve clarity and customization without disrupting gameplay.
Bug Fixes
Alongside new features, the patch addresses several long-standing issues:
- Killjoy’s turret no longer targets eliminated players.
- Performance drops during intense ability usage have been resolved.
- Character models no longer clip through surfaces on Bind and Haven.
- Inconsistent spike-plant audio on multiple maps has been corrected.
These fixes contribute to a smoother and more stable experience.
Developer Insights
“Patch 8.05 reflects our continued commitment to fair, tactical gameplay. We’re improving what’s working and fine-tuning the rest—always guided by player feedback.”
– The Valorant Development Team
How to Update
To install Patch 8.05:
- Open the Riot Client.
- Allow the game to update automatically before launching.
- Note: The update file size is approximately 1.4 GB, depending on your setup.
Final Thoughts
Valorant Patch 8.05 marks a thoughtful evolution of gameplay, with clear attention to balance and competitive integrity. Through agent reworks, map improvements, and quality-of-life enhancements, Riot encourages players to adapt and grow with the game. Now is the perfect time to explore the new changes and develop fresh strategies.
Stay with Gamedod for more Valorant coverage, including upcoming patch notes, gameplay tips, and esports news.
