VALORANT Patch 9.02 will arrive soon, delivering essential refinements and bug fixes to enhance gameplay. While it won’t introduce any new game-changing content, this patch is crucial for optimizing the game ahead of the most important competition of the year.
VCT Champions 2024 kicks off in Seoul in a few days, showcasing 16 top teams battling for the championship. As the final patch before this global event, 9.02 aims to create a polished and competitive environment for players on PC and console.
Riot is enforcing stricter penalties for toxic behavior with VALORANT Patch 9.02 to foster a more positive community on its FPS. Additionally, the new patch will resolve various gameplay issues, including fixes for Premier, and bring a new map to the game’s console version, which launched less than a month ago.
All VALORANT Patch 9.02 changes coming to PC
Patch 9.02 adds an all-new training ground, combining the Basic Training tutorial and The Range, which should provide a dedicated space for VALORANT players to learn and improve their skills. Besides having to go through the tutorial, all new players will have an option to play a Bot Training Match.
Additionally, the in-game VALORANT Combat Report has undergone a visual overhaul, giving clearer and more informative feedback after matches. By default Combat Report will also be visible during the Buy Phase starting Patch 9.02.
Here are all the changes coming to VALORANT PC with Patch 9.02:
- New training ground combining Basic Training and The Range
- Improved Combat Report with visual overhaul and more information
- Premier mode updates: Best-of-three finals, map pick and ban, playoff qualification info
- Improved platform information for you and your friends
Premier mode has also received updates to enhance the competitive experience, as Riot looks to cement it as the most streamlined path to pro starting in 2025. Playoff have been adjusted, with best-of-three finals for Contender and Invite divisions; the map pick and ban system have also been refined to increase strategic depth. Playoff qualification rules have been added to the standings page to give you more info on how the Premiere mode works.
Lastly, the addition of platform information has improved social interactions, allowing players to easily see which platform their friends are playing on.
The Basic Training tutorial and The Range, previously exclusive to consoles, are now available. From now on, new players can benefit from structured learning, while experienced agents can refine their skills.
All VALORANT Patch 9.02 coming to console
Console players can look forward to the coldest map of them all: Icebox. This expansion of the map pool offers new strategic challenges and opportunities for console players to explore. Who knows, maybe they won’t disapprove of Icebox as much as PC players.
Here are all the highlights of Patch 9.02 for VALORANT console players:
- New map: Icebox
- Improved mini map with forced centered view
- Agent ability adjustments: toggleable abilities, Neon and Sova tweaks
- Enhanced social features: voice commands, audio notifications, party information
Besides adding a new map, Patch 9.02 on VALORANT Console will introduce an improved mini map with a forced “Keep Player Centered” setting. Agent abilities have also undergone adjustments to improve balance and player experience, including the introduction of toggleable abilities for certain agents as follows:
- Harbor: High Tide
- Phoenix: Fire Wall
- Skye: Guiding Light
Adjustments to Neon and Sova’s kits are also being introduced with Patch 9.02. The description of Neon’s High Gear in the ability info panel has been adjusted to accurately reflect how the ability functions when activated, while Sova’s Hunter’s Fury has been tweaked to provide players with more control. Now the charge duration has less drag, allowing for more precise aiming and timing when using his ultimate ability.
A few social features have also been expanded to improve communication and coordination among players. The in-match scoreboard now has voice control shortcuts, while audio notifications for friend requests and party invites keep players informed. Additionally, detailed party information is now available, enhancing the overall social experience.
VALORANT Patch 9.02 will be available starting this Wednesday, July 31. While this Patch focuses on bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements, the upcoming Patch 9.03 will likely introduce fresh content and features to keep you on your toes.
