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VALORANT Patch 12.00 marks the start of Season 2026, delivering a wide-ranging update that touches competitive systems, agents, maps, modes, and player behavior. Highlights include the return of a fully reworked Breeze, the introduction of replays for Custom games, and the debut of the Bandit sidearm.
The patch also brings targeted balance updates to multiple agents, a new limited-time mode, adjustments to hidden MMR, and expanded player behavior enforcement. PC and console players alike receive interface improvements and bug fixes aimed at improving overall stability and clarity.
Patch Notes
General Updates
- Added Replays for Custom Swiftplay and Custom Standard matches
- Party leaders can enable recording via Custom lobby settings
Competitive Updates
- Updated hidden MMR calculations to improve match quality and consistency
- Introduced mandatory Riot Mobile MFA for EU accounts detected for sharing and all Ascendant and above players
- Applies only to Competitive queue
- Other modes remain unaffected
Agent Updates
Breach
- Flashpoint projectile speed increased from 2000 to 2400
- Fault Line width increased from 7.5 meters to 8 meters
Brimstone
- Improved tactical map readability for Sky Smoke and Orbital Strike
Harbor
- Storm Surge explosion no longer requires line of sight to nearsight and slow enemies
- Storm Surge windup reduced from 0.8 seconds to 0.6 seconds
- Storm Surge slow duration increased from 0.6 seconds to 2 seconds
- Reckoning slow duration increased from 0.6 seconds to 2 seconds
Sage
- Updated Healing Orb targeting to better align with agent models
- Healing can now apply even if mid or lower body sections are blocked by geometry
Tejo
- Special Delivery concuss duration reduced from 4 seconds to 2.5 seconds
- Added explosion damage to Special Delivery
- Maximum damage of 35 at center
- Minimum damage of 20
- Stealth Drone reveal changed from snapshot to full reveal
- Stealth Drone pulse radius reduced from 30 meters to 16 meters
Vyse
- Steel Garden radius increased from 26 meters to 28 meters
- Steel Garden width increased from 7.5 meters to 8 meters
Map Updates
Breeze Rework
- Fully reworked Breeze map to reduce angle complexity, tighten open spaces, and improve defender rotations
- Breeze RR losses reduced by 50 percent for the first two weeks of Competitive
- Breeze added to Competitive and Deathmatch queues
Haven
- Added breakable element at Mid Window to prevent early round wall penetration kills
- Fixed unintended wall penetration between A Tower and A Site
- Fixed unintended wall penetration between B Site and C Garage
Corrode
- Adjusted wall materials in key positions to reduce excessive wall penetration effectiveness
- Updated wall materials on A Site and B Site key surfaces
Bind
- Fixed unintended wall penetration between B Window and B Garden
Map Pool Updates
- Breeze added to Competitive and Deathmatch
- Sunset removed from Competitive and Deathmatch
Modes Updates
New Limited Time Mode
- Introduced All Random One Site
- Random agent assignment each round with no duplicates per team
- Single active bomb site per round with blocked unused areas
- Free loadouts with escalating weapon tiers
- Abilities fully charged and recharging throughout rounds
- Ultimate charge gained via orbs and kills
- Available on Abyss, Ascent, Breeze, Corrode, Pearl, Icebox, Sunset, and Split
- Removed Snowball Fight
Player Behavior Updates
- Added Behavior Standing indicator to the Social Panel
- Introduced the Riot Games Community Pact with annual recommitment
- Updated Report Player categories and descriptions
- Adjusted chat and inappropriate name penalty systems
- Enforced stricter and faster penalties for repeated or severe offenses
- Restricted Riot ID changes during active inappropriate name bans
Weapon Updates
- Added the Bandit sidearm
- Weapon class: Sidearm
- Cost: 600 credits
- Magazine size: 8
- Reserve ammo: 24
- Reload time: 1.5 seconds
- Equip time: 0.75 seconds
- Wall penetration: Medium
Bug Fixes
Agents
- Fixed observer cooldown bar visibility issues
- Fixed multiple throw animation issues across several agents
- Fixed Astra Nebula minimap icon issue
- Fixed Breach Rolling Thunder inconsistent launch height
- Fixed Clove overheal health display issue
- Fixed Cypher Trapwire audio duplication
- Fixed Deadlock Annihilation collision issues on Breeze
- Fixed Gekko Wingman chase behavior after teleports
- Fixed Sova dart VFX persistence issue
- Fixed Veto Chokehold jump throw inconsistency
- Fixed Yoru animation lock when using Dimensional Drift with ascenders
Competitive
- Fixed incorrect naming for V25A3 ranked gun buddies
PC Only Updates
Client Updates
- Refreshed Home Screen layout using top navigation
- Added Queue Select screen to Matchmade Lobby
- Updated Custom Lobby layout with left side mode and map selection
- Revamped Social Panel with friend request management
Performance Fixes
- Addressed issues where refresh rate could switch to 60Hz
- Fixed framerate drops occurring in second halves of matches
Premier Updates
- Stage V26A1 begins with matches starting January 14
- Invite Division teams outside top 16 demoted
- Demoted teams seeded into original promotion zones
- Team Owners can adjust zones before matches begin
Console Only Bug Fixes
- Fixed queue timer display after reconnecting
- Enabled queue cancelation after reconnecting
- Corrected queue select screen text
- Allowed queue start after party leader leaves or party disbands
VALORANT Patch 12.00 launches Season 2026 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S, introducing the reworked Breeze map, the Bandit sidearm, and multiple system updates.
Have you noticed these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments!
