Valorant Patch 12.00 – New Weapon, Agent Changes & Maps

The latest Valorant update, patch 12.00, introduces a host of exciting changes aimed at revitalizing gameplay and balancing the competitive landscape. Among the highlights are a new weapon, the Bandit, and comprehensive agent overhauls, alongside significant map adjustments and a reshuffled map pool.

Agent adjustments focus on several key characters including Breach, Brimstone, Tejo, and Harbor, with Haven and Corrode also receiving targeted tweaks. Breeze, a map making its return, has been extensively reworked to streamline angles, tighten spaces, and improve rotation efficiency, promising a fresh experience for players. Notably, Breeze will benefit from a special event: during the first two weeks of competitive play, its match loss penalties are halved, encouraging more engagement.

The update enhances gameplay mechanics across multiple modes, introducing a new limited-time mode called "Random Agents," where players are assigned different agents each round without duplication on the same team. This mode features a single active site per round, with barriers that block off parts of the map, and provides full ability charges without economy restrictions, with abilities recharging dynamically during rounds. Ultimate orbs are scattered across the map, allowing players to gain significant ultimate charge through captures and kills, adding a strategic layer to engagements.

Map pool changes see Breeze re-entering the competitive and deathmatch queues, while Sunset is temporarily removed from these modes, altering the rotation and strategic options. Other map tweaks include adding breakable elements to prevent early wall-hack kills in Haven and adjusting wall materials in Corrode.

Multiple bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements are included, such as the addition of replays for custom games, and updates to the hidden MMR system to enhance match quality and consistency. On the behavioral front, a new "behavior standing" feature now displays penalties on the social panel, along with the introduction of the Riot Games Community Pact—an updated code of conduct that players are prompted to review and reaffirm periodically.

Overall, Valorant’s patch 12.00 aims to shake up the meta, introduce innovative gameplay modes, and foster a more positive community environment, all while balancing the core experience with new content and map adjustments.

The latest Valorant update brings a variety of weapon, agent, map, and client enhancements aimed at enriching gameplay and fixing persistent bugs.

A notable addition is the introduction of the Bandit, a versatile sidearm positioned between the Ghost and Sheriff in terms of cost and power. Priced at 600 credits, this weapon offers players a budget-friendly option with 8 bullets per magazine and a reload time of 1.5 seconds, making it ideal for those prioritizing precision and utility without sacrificing firepower. Unlike other sidearms, the Bandit does not support attachments but provides medium wall penetration, adding strategic value to engagements.

In terms of map adjustments, developers addressed unintended wall penetrations across key locations, including areas on Haven and Bind, enhancing map integrity and fair play. These corrections prevent players from exploiting map geometry, ensuring a more balanced competitive environment.

The update also refines agent mechanics and visual cues. For example, Astra’s nebula created by Dissipate now displays an icon on the minimap, improving situational awareness. Several bug fixes target ability and animation issues across multiple agents: Cypher’s trapwire no longer produces sound after barrier removal; Deadlock’s Annihilation no longer phases through parts of Breeze; and Gekko’s Wingman ceases chasing players after teleportation, addressing inconsistencies that could disrupt gameplay flow.

Quality of life improvements extend to the client interface. The home screen has been redesigned for better navigation, and the lobby/queue select screens now feature updated layouts with vibrant art and clearer descriptions. The social panel has been overhauled, including a new tab for managing friend requests, streamlining social interactions.

The competitive scene receives a refresh with the launch of Stage v26a1, starting January 14. Teams that did not finish in the top 16 in the previous stage may face demotion, with provisions for team owners to adjust zones before matches commence.

Lastly, several bug fixes improve stability and usability: the queue timer now accurately reflects connection status, and players can cancel queues after reconnecting. The “choose a mode” prompt has been corrected to “choose a queue,” and even after party disbandment, players can start new matches seamlessly.

For a detailed history of prior updates and bug patches, players are encouraged to consult previous Valorant patch notes.

What is Valorant and Valorant Points?

Valorant Points are the main premium currency in Valorant, allowing players to unlock exclusive cosmetic items like weapon skins, gun buddies, and the Battle Pass to customize their gameplay experience.

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