January 07, 2024

Valorant Episode 8 Introduces the Outlaw Sniper and a New Map Rotation

Welcome to the lowdown on Valorant’s 8.0 update! It’s time to take a look at what Riot has in store for us in Valorant Episode 8. Let’s take a look at all the map rotations and tweaks for Agents like Killjoy and Deadlock. Here are the important details from the Valorant 8.0 patch notes.

Valorant Outlaw

Valorant Patch 8.0 Updates

First of all, the Gun Buddy Carousel is getting a visual boost. Now it has a more organized appearance, with all your Gun Buddies neatly arranged alphabetically. Secondly, get ready for a bang, as the Outlaw, a brand-new sniper rifle, is making its grand debut in this update. Lastly, auditory enhancement alert! Valorant is now in sync with third-party spatialization software for headphones, so you can finally immerse yourself in 7.1 Dolby Surround Valorant gameplay and forget any other video games even exist!

Agent Updates

Both Deadlock and Killjoy are in for some adjustments to start off 2024 on the right foot.

For Deadlock, building on the GravNet (C) tweaks from 7.10, Riot is reworking Sonic Sensor (Q) and Barrier Mesh (E). Sonic Sensors are now recallable, with an extended pickup range and quicker concuss activation. Additionally, you’ll now hear a symphony of audio when Deadlock and her allies hover in Sonic Sensor's influence zone. Meanwhile, Barrier Mesh (E) gets an upgrade, stretching its wall length to 10m for more strategic use.

Killjoy's Turret (E) was a bit of an overachiever, overshadowing its recon peers. Riot is dialing back its vision cone from 180 to 100 degrees, pushing Killjoy to make more precise decisions. To aid your visual understanding, Killjoy's minimap now showcases the Turret's vision cone.

Map Changes and Rotation

Doors have undergone a tech makeover, boosting interactions both with fellow players and Agent abilities.

In Icebox, brace yourself for shifts in Mid, B Green, and B Orange. The goal? Adding strategic value to Mid for both attackers and defenders while simplifying paths to B Site. Several tweaks, like added obstacles, removed routes, and adjusted sightlines, aim to make engagements more predictable and enjoyable.

Valorant Patch 8.0

Lotus, on the other hand, was tipping the scales in favor of attackers. Adjustments across the map introduce more options, empowering defenders to hold sites more effectively. From expanding A Main to revamping B and C Sites, defenders now have additional tools at their disposal.

Rotating doors are now more considerate, taking a leisurely 10 seconds to complete a spin. This offers more breathing room for fights and utility use.

Game Mode and Premier Updates

Team Deathmatch undergoes a Sheriff readjustment, promoting weapon diversity in Stage 2.

A new Team Captain role has been created in the Premier realm, providing a strategic boost to team management without usurping the Team Owner's throne. Standings, divisions, and playoff qualifications received a facelift for a more intuitive and accessible experience.

The EMEA Zone revamp aligns with the VCT Challengers League Path to Promotion, opening new avenues for competitive gameplay.

When does Valorant Episode 8 begin?

Valorant Episode 8 is starting, bringing a ton of new content to Riot's FPS universe and introducing the Outlaw Sniper.

And that, dear Agents, is the Valorant Episode 8 patch decoded. Keep your sights locked on the game, and for more details, explore our extensive Valorant content and stay tuned for more!

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