VALORANT Episode 9 Act III: New Features, Skins, and Competitive Updates
VALORANT’s Episode 9 Act III is here, with a big range of updates that will take your gaming sessions to the next level. The new Act dropped on October 23, 2024, and includes a new Battle Pass, a competitive rank reset, and a bunch of other content. In this post, we’ll break down all the key features to look out for, including new skins, competitive changes, and even a brand-new Team Deathmatch map.
Episode 9 Act III Battle Pass Breakdown
The new Battle Pass for Episode 9 Act III is packed with cosmetic goodies, offering players a chance to boost their collection with three unique skin lines, sprays, gun buddies, and more. Here’s a look at the standout features:
Torque Collection
The Torque line introduces a gritty yet colorful theme to the Vandal, Operator, Spectre, and Classic weapons. It also comes with a stylish melee knife, with four distinct color variants to choose from.
Bulletbox Collection
Sporting a street art vibe, the Bulletbox skins are available for the Bulldog, Bucky, Guardian, and Frenzy. The black, pink, green, and purple designs are edgy and give your weapons a graffiti-inspired look.
Nanobreak Collection
If you prefer a more futuristic style, the Nanobreak skins for the Phantom, Sheriff, Odin, and Judge bring electric blue and orange highlights to an otherwise classic black design.
The Battle Pass also includes a range of other cosmetics, such as 13 unique Player Cards, sprays, and gun buddies. Notable items include a candy corn gun buddy, a pumpkin spray, and Player Cards featuring Reyna and Fade in Halloween-themed outfits. This is the perfect way to get into the spooky season while leveling up your VALORANT experience.
Rank Reset and New Features
As with every new VALORANT Act, Episode 9 Act III came with a competitive rank reset. Players will need to play one placement match to regain their rank. Depending on your performance, there might be a slight adjustment to your rank, so this is your chance to boost your standing with solid gameplay right from the start.
There’s also a brand-new armor type to look forward to: Regen Shields. These shields have two 25-health charges that regenerate after a player avoids damage for a certain period or secures a kill. These new shields should add an interesting strategic element to matches, allowing for more dynamic gameplay. Agent Changes: Buffs and NerfsSeveral VALORANT agents are getting updates in Episode 9 Act III, and some of these changes could significantly impact the way you play. Here’s a quick rundown of the main buffs and nerfs: |
Phoenix
- Phoenix is receiving a substantial buff, making him a more viable choice for aggressive play styles. His Curveball flashes now recharge after two kills, and his Blaze wall can be thrown through obstacles.
Yoru
- Yoru is also getting a small boost, which should help players make the most of his tricky playstyle.
Gekko
- On the flip side, Gekko is facing some nerfs, with abilities like Thrash and Dizzy being toned down to balance the gameplay.
New TDM Map: Glitch
For players who enjoy Team Deathmatch, the new map Glitch is already available! Inspired by a malfunctioning bot arena, this map is designed to help you sharpen your aim and practice dueling skills. Whether you're preparing for competitive matches or just want to have some fun, Glitch is a great way to boost your in-game performance.
Changes to the Map Pool
Episode 9 Act III also introduces some major shifts in the competitive map pool. Both Lotus and Icebox are being rotated out, while Split and Pearl are re-entering the pool. Here's the updated list of maps available in competitive play:
- Abyss
- Ascent
- Bind
- Haven
- Pearl
- Split
- Sunset
These changes should breathe new life into competitive matches, as Split and Pearl offer distinct playstyles that will shake things up.
VALORANT's Episode 9 Act III is packed with content that promises to boost both the competitive and casual aspects of the game. From new skins and maps to significant agent buffs and a competitive rank reset, there’s something for every player to look forward to.
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