Tejo Nerfed in Valorant 10.09

Valorant Patch 10.09 Nerfs Tejo and a New Meta

Valorant Patch 10.09 is here, and it’s targeting one of the game’s most dominant Initiators: Tejo. Alongside a small tweak to Breach, this update looks to disrupt the double-Initiator meta that’s dominated both Ranked and pro play. With heavy nerfs aimed at Tejo’s post-plant dominance, the patch might finally open up space for other agents to boost their impact and shift the competitive landscape.

Let’s break down everything in Valorant Patch 10.09—from the biggest winners and losers to how the changes will affect your climb in rank.

Tejo Nerfs: End of an Era?

Since his debut, Tejo has been a must-pick in almost every match. His Guided Salvo rockets, high utility, and ability to solo-carry rounds made him a central piece of team comps. Whether you were grinding Ranked or watching teams like G2 and DRX dominate in pro tournaments, Tejo was always in the mix—especially in double-Initiator setups with Breach.

Patch 10.09 dials back Tejo’s impact in several key areas:

• Guided Salvo is now non-rechargeable, with only one charge per round.
• Its range drops from 55m to 45m, reducing Tejo’s ability to stall from afar.
• Special Delivery’s cost drops from 300 to 200 credits, encouraging riskier, close-range plays.
• His ultimate, Armageddon, now requires 9 points instead of 8.
• Stealth Drone cost increases from 300 to 400 credits.

These changes aim to boost counterplay opportunities and reduce Tejo’s ability to dominate from a safe distance. According to Riot, the adjustments were made to address “unhealthy game states” where Tejo could repeatedly swing rounds with minimal sacrifice.

Breach Adjustments: More Room to React

Breach also receives a minor change that could affect how players approach his utility. His Fault Line stun now detonates in 1.2 seconds instead of 1, giving enemies a slightly better chance to dodge it.

While it’s a subtle tweak, it may be enough to shift some preference away from Breach and toward other Initiators—especially in coordinated play where every second counts.

What This Means for the Meta

The decline of the Tejo-Breach duo opens the door for other Initiators to rise. Sova is poised to benefit most from the shakeup. With a win rate hovering around 50% in high-level Ranked and a utility kit that remains consistently valuable, Sova could reclaim his spot as a top-tier pick.

Fade also stands to gain. With Tejo’s long-range post-plant pressure reduced, Fade’s synergy with aggressive team comps could help when it comes to boosting her presence in pro play, solo, and duo queue alike.

KAY/O, fresh off a buff in Patch 10.06, continues to grow in viability—especially in team setups focused on suppression and site control. Skye and Gekko still fly under the radar in pro play, but their win rates suggest they’re effective tools for climbing the rank ladder in the right hands.

Indirect Buffs for Sentinels and Controllers Double-Initiator metas often left Sentinels and Controllers struggling. Constant flash pressure and map-wide intel made it hard for agents like Killjoy, Cypher, and Omen to hold territory or stall pushes. With Tejo and Breach dialed back, these agents finally have breathing room to boost their value—especially in Ranked play, where coordination is less consistent.

System Updates: Gifting and Swiftplay

Patch 10.09 also brings quality-of-life improvements. Swiftplay mode now starts Killjoy, Breach, and Viper with 3 Ultimate points instead of 1, helping players access key ultimates during the shorter match length.

The daily gifting limit doubles from 5 to 10, just in time for the Give Back //V25 bundle releasing May 15. Every item in this bundle contributes to charity—even if gifted—giving players a meaningful way to show appreciation.

Patch 10.09 Winners & Losers

Winners:

• Sentinels and Controllers (indirect buffs via meta shift)
• Sova and Fade (increased viability)

Losers:

• Tejo (significant nerfs across all abilities)
• Breach (minor nerf to Fault Line)

Valorant Patch 10.09 could mark the beginning of a new era for team comps, so expect a meta shift that opens up new strategies—and new ways to improve your performance on the climb.

 

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