Valorant is gearing up for a series of updates that bring new features and balance changes to enhance the player experience. With end-of-year releases and early 2024 developments, Riot Games appears set to roll out features that could reshape the game. Typically, Riot scales back updates over the holiday period, but this year, they seem to be diving into several new additions and adjustments that players have anticipated for years.
Gifting System
The highly anticipated gifting system, initially hinted at in 2020, is finally making its way into Valorant. Although Riot hasn’t confirmed a release date, the system could launch as early as December. The new feature allows players to purchase and gift items directly from the shop to friends, making it possible to send skins and other in-game content in the spirit of the holiday season. However, players won’t be able to trade or transfer skins from their personal collections, which is likely a measure to prevent exploitation through “alt” accounts. The restriction allows players to gift only new shop purchases, and it likely includes checks to prevent account farming.
Patch Valorant Updates: Regen Shield and Agent Adjustments
The upcoming patch includes the introduction of the Regen Shield, a new option for players. Unlike standard shields, the Regen Shield provides 25 initial shield points with an additional 50 points that regenerate over time. This shield could lead to more dynamic gameplay, particularly in longer skirmishes. Riot’s inclusion of this third shield option highlights their intent to offer more varied strategies to players, appealing to both casual and competitive scenes.
Along with the Regen Shield, Riot has slated significant changes for several agents. Phoenix will receive updates alongside a confirmed Neon nerf. Currently, Neon’s mobility allows her to slide with 100% accuracy, an ability considered overpowered by many players. To maintain her signature mobility, Riot may either lower the accuracy of her slide or restrict the frequency of its use. This change will address her current imbalance, aiming for a more competitive agent experience. Additionally, Harbor and Deadlock are set for buffs to make them more viable. For Harbor, Riot could improve his Cove ability to better support solo and team play, while reducing the hindrance his smokes cause to teammates. Deadlock may receive similar quality-of-life adjustments to make her abilities more impactful in various game modes.
Future Updates: Unreal Engine 5 and Replay System
Looking ahead to 2025, Valorant is expected to implement a long-awaited replay system. Although no official release date has been provided, early beta previews suggest that Riot is actively developing this feature. The addition of Unreal Engine 5 is another major update expected by late 2025 or 2026. This transition to a new engine may allow Valorant to provide enhanced graphics and modular design improvements, enabling new gameplay features like custom game modes and player-controlled scenarios.
Riot assures players that this graphics overhaul will maintain the game’s performance on lower-end hardware, optimizing it for both high and low-end setups. This change could unlock further customization options, potentially including player-designed maps or PvE events that expand the storytelling potential of the game.
Arcane Bundle and Concept Art
Recently, concept art for the Arcane bundle surfaced, showing alternative designs for the Vandal weapon and other cosmetics. The current version in-game lacks some of the interactive elements seen in the concept art, sparking debate among fans. Some players feel that Riot’s choice to go with simpler designs may have missed an opportunity, though the final Arcane bundle still aligns well with the Valorant aesthetic and Riot’s vision for in-game cosmetics.
