Welcome, agents! Librarian Husky here, ready to guide you through the latest updates in Valorant Patch 9.10. This patch brings exciting changes to weapons, agents, and even introduces a new armor type that could shake up the meta. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a casual player, these updates will likely impact your strategies and gameplay style. Let’s dive into the details and see what’s new!

Phantom Buff Details

The Phantom has received a significant buff, with its one-shot range extended from 15 meters to 20 meters. Previously, the weapon dealt 140 damage past 15 meters, which was frustrating for many players. Now, the increased range makes the Phantom more effective in mid-range fights, boosting its overall utility and performance in the game.

Impact of the Phantom Buff

This buff makes the Phantom a more viable option compared to the Vandal, especially for players who prefer consistent fire and silenced shots. During testing, the extended range noticeably improved engagement outcomes in mid-range combat. With this change, the Phantom could dominate the meta in certain maps and scenarios.

Weapon Balancing Changes

The developers have increased running and walking inaccuracy for all weapons, reducing the effectiveness of moving and shooting. This adjustment encourages players to adopt more tactical and deliberate strategies during firefights. Additionally, specific changes to the Ghost and Frenzy alter the dynamics of pistol rounds.

Ghost and Frenzy Adjustments

The Ghost now holds 13 bullets per clip instead of 15, slightly reducing its power in pistol rounds. On the other hand, the Frenzy’s clip size has been increased from 13 to 15, encouraging its use. These changes aim to balance the performance of sidearms and diversify player choices during early rounds.

Movement Accuracy Nerfs

Running and walking accuracy have been significantly nerfed across the board. Moving while shooting now results in a more pronounced decrease in precision, affecting weapons like the Classic and rifles. This change pushes players to focus on proper positioning and strafing instead of relying on movement-based aggression.

New Armor Type: Regen Shield

The new Regen Shield introduces a fresh dynamic to Valorant’s armor system. Priced at 650 credits, it provides 25 initial shield points and a regeneration pool of 50. This means it can restore shield points up to 25 even after being fully depleted, making it a unique option in certain scenarios.

How the Regen Shield Works

Unlike other shields, the Regen Shield absorbs 100% of incoming damage until fully depleted, protecting health more effectively. This new mechanic could open up strategic choices, especially during eco rounds or prolonged engagements. However, its practicality remains to be tested in live games.

Potential Drawbacks of the Regen Shield

Despite its innovative design, the Regen Shield may struggle to find a place in the meta due to its cost and situational benefits. Players might favor traditional Light Shields for budget reasons or opt for weapons and utility over this new armor type. Its effectiveness against one-shot kills is also questionable.

Agent Changes

Several agents received updates to their abilities and costs, which are likely to impact team compositions and gameplay strategies. Key changes include buffs to Phoenix and Sage, a nerf to Cypher, and minor adjustments to other agents.

Phoenix’s Ability Overhaul

Phoenix’s flash is now his signature ability, granting him a free flash each round. His Molly has been moved to his Q slot and now costs 200 credits. Additionally, his wall can now be thrown through objects, enhancing its utility during site takes.

Improvements to Phoenix’s Wall

The ability to cast his wall through obstacles significantly boosts its effectiveness in coordinated plays. This change makes Phoenix a stronger pick for both solo and team-based strategies. Combined with his free flash, his kit is now more versatile than ever.

Sage’s Unexpected Buffs

Sage received substantial buffs, including an increased self-heal from 30 HP to 50 HP and a faster healing time of five seconds. Her resurrection ultimate now costs seven orbs instead of eight, making it more accessible during matches.

Enhancements to Sage’s Slow Orbs

Slow orbs now affect agent dashes and slides, including Jet’s dash and Neon’s slide. This change allows Sage to better control aggressive plays and site pushes. These buffs make Sage a more impactful choice for defensive plays.

Cypher’s Nerfs

Cypher’s traps now have a 0.5-second delay before activating the wall hack effect, giving opponents a brief window to destroy them. Additionally, his ultimate ability now requires seven orbs instead of six, slightly reducing its availability during matches.

Adjustments to Cypher’s Traps

The delay in trap activation increases counterplay opportunities for enemies, adding more skill and timing to using or countering Cypher. While this nerf makes sense for balancing, it may frustrate players who rely heavily on his utility for area control.

Other Agent Updates

The latest patch introduces several minor but impactful updates to various agents, aimed at fine-tuning gameplay balance. These changes target specific abilities and interactions to ensure fairness and consistency across matches. From adjustments to utility mechanics to tweaks in ability timings, these updates reflect the developers’ commitment to creating a more competitive and enjoyable environment. While not as dramatic as the major buffs or nerfs, these modifications could still influence how players approach certain agents in different scenarios.

Omen’s One-Way Smoke Nerf

Omen’s smokes can no longer be used to create one-way vision on walls. This change aligns Omen with other controllers and reduces the frustration of playing against one-way smokes in specific locations. It promotes fairer gameplay while preserving Omen’s utility.

Clove’s Ultimate Timer Change

Clove’s ultimate timer for securing kills after self-rezzing has been reduced from 12 seconds to 10. This reverses an unintentional buff from a previous patch, bringing her abilities back in line with their intended design.

Deadlock’s Barrier and Cocoon Improvements

Deadlock’s barrier mesh and cocoon mechanics have been updated to display health more clearly. Additionally, enemies caught in her cocoon will always die when the timer expires, regardless of their position, enhancing clarity and reliability.

Jet’s Passive Suppression Update

Jet’s passive ability is now suppressed when hit by K.O.’s knife. This minor adjustment brings her in line with other agents affected by suppression mechanics, ensuring consistency in interactions.

These changes in Patch 9.10 significantly alter the game’s landscape, requiring players to adapt their strategies and explore new options for success.

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