New Patch 9.10 for VALORANT: Regen Shield, Agent Reworks, and Weapon Rebalancing

The latest major patch 9.10 for VALORANT introduces a new type of armor that will undoubtedly impact the current meta. Most pistols in the game have been rebalanced, and Riot Games has made significant buffs and nerfs to various agents. Below, we summarize all the key changes. At the time of writing, the patch is only available on the test server, but its official release is just around the corner.

New Armor Type in VALORANT: Regen Shield

Riot Games has unveiled a new update for VALORANT, featuring a new piece of equipment — the Regen Shield. This armor type was added to shake up the established meta, particularly at higher ranks and the pro scene, where the 400-credit armor was frequently chosen for better economic efficiency.

Key Features:

• Cost: 650 credits
• Damage Absorption: 25 units
• Durability: 50 units

The Regen Shield fully absorbs all incoming damage without reducing the player's health.

Restoration Mechanics:

A standout feature of the Regen Shield is its ability to restore durability. After taking damage, it regenerates its durability from a reserve after a brief delay.

Agent Changes in VALORANT: Balancing and New Opportunities

Riot has made several updates to agents, aiming to shift the dynamics of gameplay. The once-dominant Cypher is expected to decrease in priority, making way for Deadlock, Killjoy, and Sage to shine. Meanwhile, Vyse is unlikely to climb the Sentinel rankings due to the underwhelming practicality of her abilities, which may require further rework.

Cypher

Cypher's dominance due to his information-gathering tools and aggressive traps has been addressed with these adjustments:

• Trapwire: Detection now occurs with a 0.5-second delay.
• Updated Minimap Icon: Offers a more accurate depiction of Trapwire placement.
• Neural Theft: Ultimate cost increased from 6 to 7 points.

Sage

To boost Sage’s effectiveness in zone defense, the following changes were made:

• Healing Orb: Restores Sage’s health from 30 to 50 units. Healing duration is now consistent for Sage and allies at around 5 seconds.
• Slow Orb: Reduces opponent sprint speed by 50%.
• Resurrection: Cost reduced from 8 to 7 points.

Deadlock

Deadlock’s ultimate has become more predictable:

• Annihilation: Targets now always perish if not freed from the cocoon before the countdown ends.
• Improved visual indicators for "Annihilation" and "Barrier Mesh" states.

Omen

Adjustments have been made to eliminate defensive advantages:

• Dark Cover: Smoke can only land on surfaces accessible to players, excluding decorative elements.

Clove

Visual improvements have been introduced for clarity:

• Better differentiation between ally and enemy orbs.
• Reduced activation time for the ultimate "Not Dead Yet" from 12 to 10 seconds.

Phoenix

Phoenix has become more versatile and self-sufficient:

• Curveball: Now a special ability with one charge at the start of the round and an extra charge after two kills.
• Hot Hands: Moved to basic abilities (cost: 200 credits).
• Blaze: Now passes through walls, enhancing its tactical utility.

Jett

A bug allowing Jett to hover in mid-air when suppressed or detained has been fixed.

Weapon Changes in the VALORANT Update

Riot Games has made significant adjustments to weapon balance in the game. The Ghost received a minor nerf, while the Frenzy got a slight buff—though it’s uncertain how this will affect its usability in practice. The Phantom received notable improvements, and running-and-gunning mechanics were heavily tweaked, reducing the likelihood of random shots securing kills.

Adjustments to Accuracy While Moving

The tagging mechanic (movement slowdown upon being hit) occasionally made shooting while moving overly effective. To emphasize tactical positioning, the "movement inaccuracy" has been updated for most weapons:

Pistols

(except Sheriff and Frenzy):Inaccuracy while crouching and moving increased from 0.1 to 0.5.

Classic

• Alternate fire inaccuracy while running increased from 1.3 to 1.5.
• While walking, increased from 0.84 to 1.1.

Ghost

• Walking inaccuracy increased from 0.84 to 1.1.
• Running inaccuracy increased from 2 to 2.3.
• Magazine size reduced from 15 to 13 rounds.

Frenzy

• Magazine size increased from 13 to 15 rounds.
• Rifles and Machine Guns
• Movement inaccuracy while walking and running increased by 1 unit for all weapons.

Phantom

The Phantom’s damage stats were updated to address scenarios where headshots failed to kill enemies at certain distances.

• New Damage Values:0–20m: 39 damage.
• 20m+: 35 damage.

These updates make the Phantom more consistent and competitive with the Vandal. Now might be the perfect time to pick out the best Phantom skin in VALORANT. Check out our curated collection of top skins, choose your favorite, and keep an eye out for it in the store or during the Night Market.

Map Changes: Sunset in VALORANT

The Sunset map has received an update aimed at enhancing visual clarity and player comfort. Previously dimly lit areas are now brighter and easier to navigate.

Lighting Improvements

• Global lighting on the map has been completely reworked.
• Visibility has been improved in previously dark areas.

These changes enhance the map's overall feel, making gameplay more enjoyable. Players will notice higher graphical quality, which is expected to improve tactical gameplay in matches.

Updates to Smoke Screen Visual Effects

The latest update introduced significant changes to the visual aspects of smoke screens. These enhancements make it easier for players to identify when the smoke is about to dissipate.

New Visual Cues Inside Smoke

Players can now see visual signals at the center of smoke screens that indicate their imminent disappearance. These cues:

• Simplify tactical decisions by helping players plan their actions, knowing how much time remains before the smoke clears.
• Align with the visual indicators on the smoke’s outer edges, creating a more consistent and unified visual experience.
  

Agents with Updated Smoke Screens

The following agents have had their smoke screen visuals updated:

• Astra
• Brimstone
• Omen
• Clove

Additional Changes in the Patch

These are the most notable changes in the new VALORANT patch. Additionally, the developers have fixed numerous bugs and made changes to the combat report. Now, players won’t know how many enemies they stunned or flashed until the round ends. You can check out all the other changes on Riot Games official website and in the patch notes.

Riot Games has delivered a substantial patch that many players were eagerly anticipating. The introduction of a new type of armor and agent reworks will undoubtedly impact the game’s meta. Once the meta settles, we’ll create a tier list to help you improve your rank and win rate. In the meantime, you can check out the tier list from the previous patch —and rest assured, Phoenix is bound to climb up a tier this time around!