Greetings, players! Librarian Husky here. Patch 9.8 introduces numerous updates, including a revamped map rotation, significant changes to agents, and a brand new Team Deathmatch map. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the changes and their potential impact on the game. Let’s dive right in!

Map Rotation and Changes

One of the most exciting updates in Patch 9.8 is the overhaul of the map rotation. Players will notice the return of some beloved maps, which are expected to bring fresh dynamics to gameplay. Alongside the reintroduced maps, a couple of long-time favorites will be leaving the rotation, forcing players to adapt their strategies. These changes will undoubtedly have a significant impact on how the competitive meta evolves moving forward.

Return of Split and Pearl

Split and Pearl are making their return to the ranked rotation. Both maps have been reintroduced in their current states, and their reappearance is expected to influence the meta in significant ways. Given that new agents have been added since these maps were removed, it will be interesting to see how strategies evolve on these familiar battlegrounds.

New Agents on Split and Pearl

Agents like Vice, Clove, and ISO have not had much time to shine on these maps, and reworked agents such as Neon and Deadlock may bring fresh dynamics to the gameplay. The return of Split and Pearl could give these agents an opportunity to showcase their unique abilities within a new context.

Departure of Icebox and Lotus

While Split and Pearl are back, Icebox and Lotus have been removed from the ranked map pool. These maps were beloved by many players, and their departure will undoubtedly affect team strategies. Players will need to adjust their playstyles and adapt to the new map selection.

Sunset Map Overhaul

In addition to the map rotation, Sunset has undergone significant changes aimed at improving the balance and overall experience of the map. These updates focus on key areas that were previously prone to exploitation, ensuring a more fair and dynamic gameplay environment. With new cover points and adjustments to key locations, players will need to rethink their strategies and approach to this map.

Changes to B Main Box

The B Main box, a key cover spot for attackers, has been removed and replaced with two smaller boxes. This adjustment is intended to prevent players from exploiting the area to safely plant the spike and spam from Main while hidden behind smoke.

Impact on Post-Plant Strategies

The changes to B Main are designed to encourage attackers to stay on-site after planting, rather than relying on cover from a distance. This mirrors similar strategies seen on other maps, such as Icebox, where players used to plant and retreat to safe positions, making retakes more difficult for defenders.

New Cover Options on B Site

Additional cover has been added to B site, providing more hiding spots for both attackers and defenders. This change is expected to make site retakes more dynamic, offering both sides more opportunities to engage effectively.

Mid Box and Spawn Adjustments

A new box has been added in mid to give defenders more cover when pushing. This change is similar to the fridge on Ascent, offering defenders better protection when moving out in mid. Additionally, changes to B spawn now make it harder for defenders to retake from the spawn area, increasing the importance of controlling the site itself.

Agent Updates: Gekko Nerfs

Patch 9.8 brings significant nerfs to Gekko, addressing issues related to his utility and overall gameplay balance. These changes are intended to reduce the overwhelming impact of Gekko’s abilities, particularly his ability to recycle utilities too quickly. With adjustments to the timing and effectiveness of his tools, players will now need to be more strategic in their use of Gekko’s kit to avoid being easily countered.

Utility Recycling Changes

Gekko’s ability to recycle his utility has been heavily adjusted. The time required to pick up his globules has increased from 1 second to 1.5 seconds. This change aims to slow down his ability to refresh his abilities continuously, which had previously frustrated many players.

Reduction in Globule Duration

The duration of Gekko’s globules has been reduced from 20 to 15 seconds, forcing players to make quicker decisions on whether to retrieve them. This adjustment adds more pressure and decision-making to Gekko’s playstyle, requiring players to weigh the risks of collecting utility mid-fight.

Dizzy’s Active Time Reduced

Riot has reduced the active time of Dizzy, one of Gekko’s most powerful abilities, from 1.5 seconds to 1 second. Previously, Dizzy’s extended air time gave players too much control over engagements. Now, players must act more quickly when using Dizzy to avoid wasting its potential.

Comparison to Ultimate Orbs

For reference, it takes 2 seconds to pick up an ultimate orb, making Gekko’s utility retrieval faster than that of ult orbs, but slower than before. With the new patch, players will have to adapt to the shorter window to pick up abilities like Dizzy before they expire.

Wingman Buff and Ultimate Changes

Wingman has received a buff to its stun radius, making it a more effective tool for crowd control. In addition, the ultimate point cost for Gekko’s ability Thrash has been increased from 7 to 8. This change prevents Gekko from being able to use his ultimate as frequently in rounds, as he often accumulated ultimate points quickly through Spike plants and orb collections.

New Team Deathmatch Map: Glitch

Patch 9.8 also introduces Glitch, a brand new map for the Team Deathmatch (TDM) mode. This map features a dual-themed arena, offering a fresh and visually striking environment for fast-paced combat. Glitch is designed to enhance the chaotic and action-packed nature of TDM, with plenty of verticality and tight corridors for intense firefights. Its unique layout encourages both aggressive plays and tactical positioning, making it an exciting addition to the TDM map pool. Players can expect a different flow and pace compared to previous maps, offering new opportunities for strategies and fun in casual gameplay.

Overview of Glitch

Glitch is the fifth map in the TDM rotation and offers a unique dual-themed arena for players to explore. This map is designed specifically for 5v5 gameplay and provides a fresh experience for players who enjoy casual game modes.

Importance of Team Deathmatch Maps

Riot’s continued focus on developing new TDM maps shows their commitment to providing more casual and accessible gameplay options. While competitive modes can be intense, TDM offers a relaxed environment where players can enjoy quick, fun matches without the pressure of ranked play.

Yoru Buffs and Interactions

Yoru has received minor buffs in Patch 9.8, improving his interactions with various utility abilities. His clone can now be affected by utilities from agents like Vice’s flash, Dizzy, and Clove’s metal, adding more complexity to how Yoru can be used in different scenarios. Additionally, Neural Theft now targets Yoru’s clone, creating new opportunities for mind games and deception. These changes give Yoru players more creative ways to manipulate opponents and enhance the overall impact of his abilities during a match.

Utility Interaction with Yoru’s Clone

Yoru’s clone is now affected by utility from agents like Vice, Dizzy, and Clove. This small change adds more depth to Yoru’s gameplay, creating opportunities for interesting interactions during rounds. Additionally, Neural Theft now targets Yoru’s clone, providing a new layer of strategic use for his abilities.

Other Minor Updates

Patch 9.8 also includes several small but noteworthy changes that may affect gameplay across various maps. For example, Sky’s dog and Jett’s Tailwind now have the ability to break the window on Ascent, a subtle but impactful adjustment for strategic plays. These minor updates enhance interaction with the environment, adding new layers of depth for agents on certain maps. Additionally, these changes may influence the timing and flow of certain engagements, requiring players to adapt their usual tactics.

Ascent Window Interaction

Sky’s dog and Jett’s Tailwind can now break the window on Ascent, offering new ways to engage with the map’s features. Though a minor update, it can open up new possibilities for strategic plays on Ascent.

Sniper Reticle Adjustments

Sniper reticles for skins like the Araxis, Valiant Hero, Reaver Operator, and Gothic Marshall have been updated for better clarity and usability. These changes were made in response to player feedback and are expected to improve the experience for snipers.

Premiere Stage Update

The new Premiere stage has been introduced, although its impact on gameplay may take time to become fully clear. Players should explore this mode to understand its mechanics and how it fits into the overall game.

Conclusion

Patch 9.8 brings numerous updates to the game, from major map rotation changes and agent balancing to new casual content like the Glitch TDM map. The changes to Gekko, in particular, will require players to adjust their strategies, while the introduction of new cover and map adjustments should provide fresh challenges in competitive play. Stay sharp, adapt to the new meta, and explore all the new content this patch has to offer.

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