The competitive FPS from Riot Games is about to change dramatically. Valorant's Episode 3, Act 1 is dropping tomorrow. Before that, and thanks to Dexerto's early access, we can give you a preview of the most important changes coming to the game. But beware, because some of these changes are going to be wild.
To begin with, the new robotic agent called KAY/O is making its debut this new season. KAY/O can suppress, blind and cause explosive damage to enemies —you can read the full abilities description here. This character seems to be a pretty interesting addition thanks, primarily, to its Ultimate: the ability to suppress anyone who is near you can decide the outcome of the round pretty quickly. Also, it’s currently the only character that can be revived by players who aren’t Sage —as long as KAY/O used its Ultimate during that round.
Then, weapons and even agent's abilities are receiving price changes. Sure, this isn’t the first time that this has happened, but there is a drastic change of economic planning going on now. Most of the gear will be 100-200 credits cheaper, and now players will need to spend more credits for the abilities of their agents (you can see these changes in detail below). Deciding what to buy and even if you should buy anything each round will require a new mindset.
Regarding characters modifications, many will be nerfed, such as Jett whose abilities (Cloudburst, Updraft and Blade Storm) are now more expensive. Also, Breach and Skye are receiving an important nerf: their flashes have their price increased and the charges reduced. On the other hand, Killjoy didn't suffer any changes.
Below are the rest of the confirmed changes for every agent and weapon:
Astra
Astral Stars
- Decreased price from 200 >>> 150.
- Astra now only starts with one free star per round.
Breach
Aftershock
- Increased price from 100 >>> 200.
- Now deals three bursts of 60 damage, instead of one large burst.
Flashpoint
- Increased price from 200 >>> 250.
- Reduced charges from 3 >>> 2.
Brimstone
Incendiary
- Increased price from 200 >>> 250.
Cypher
Neural Theft
- Reduced points from 7 >>> 6.
Jett
Cloudburst
- Increased price from 100 >>> 200.
Updraft
- Increased price from 100 >>> 150.
Tailwind
- Tailwind no longer breaks Cypher tripwires.
Blade Storm
- Increased points from 6 >>> 7.
Omen
Shrouded Step
- Increased price from 100 >>> 150.
Paranoia
- Decreased price from 400 >>> 300.
Dark Cover
- Added 100 Creds cost, no free smoke.
- Smokes now regenerate after 40 seconds.
Phoenix
Curveball
- Increased price from 100 >>> 150.
Reyna
Leer
- Increased price from 200 >>> 250.
Raze
Boombot
- Increased price from 200 >>> 400.
Showstopper
- Increased points from 7 >>> 8.
Sage
Slow Orb
- Increased price from 100 >>> 200.
Resurrection
- Increased points from 7 >>> 8.
Skye
Trailblazer
- Decreased price from 250 >>> 200.
Guiding Light
- Increased price from 100 >>> 150.
- Decreased charges from 3 >>> 2.
- Now regenerates after 40 seconds.
Sova
Owl Drone
- Increased price from 300 >>> 400.
Shock Bolt
- Increased price from 100 >>> 150
Hunter’s Fury
- Increased points from 7 >>> 8
Viper
Snake Bite
- Increased price from 100 >>> 200.
Yoru
Blindside
- Increased price from 200 >>> 250.
Ares
- Decreased price from 1,600 >>> 1,500.
Bucky
- Decreased price from 900 >>> 850.
Bulldog
- Decreased price from 2,100 >>> 2,050.
Frenzy
- Decreased price from 500 >>> 450.
Guardian
- Decreased price from 2,400 >>> 2,250.
Judge
- Increased price from 1,600 >>> 1,850.
Marshal
- Decreased price from 1,000 >>> 950.
Operator
- Decreased price from 5,000 >>> 4,700.
Shorty
- Decreased price from 200 >>> 150.
Stinger
- Decreased price from 1,100 >>> 950.
The trailer shows the new Agent fighting in gameplay, revealing KAY/O's abilities before the robot arrives in VALORANT in Episode 3.
KAY/O will introduce a suppression mechanic to VALORANT, which will prevent players from using abilities and instead rely purely on their guns and accuracy. The new robot Agent also has a downed ability allowing allies to revive them, similar to what we see Battle Royale games.
