Summary
- Requires multi-factor authentication for EU Ascendant+ players and accounts flagged for sharing to access competitive mode.
- Players can track International League Kickoffs and team journeys as Esports Hub returns for VCT 2026.
- Address issues with multiple agents including Harbor, Gekko, Yoru, and Phoenix alongside gameplay system improvements.
Riot Games rolled out the latest Patch 12.01 for VALORANT, adding competitive security measures to European players. Moreover, Esports Hub returns for the VCT 2026 to help players track every match and tournaments this year. See everything about VALORANT Patch 12.01 notes in this article.
EU Players Must Enable MFA for Competitive Play
The recent patch 12.01 notes for Valorant expanded the multi-factor authentication requirements to European servers. After it rolled out in October 2025 for other regions, EU Ascendant+ players must now enable MFA through Riot Mobile. Only then they can access the Competitive queue in VALORANT.
Moreover, the security measure also applies to any accounts detected for sharing or suspected of having multiple players using the same account. Also, those who have not set up MFA are locked out of Competitive play lists unless they complete the authentication process. Still, they can enjoy casual matches by accessing other game modes without MFA.
The authentication process simply requires either email verification or confirming your identity through Riot Mobile companion app. With this, it can ensure Riot’s commitment to maintain competitive integrity alongside reducing smurfs and booster impact.
VCT 2026 Esports Hub Makes Its Return
On the other hand, the competitive community have reason to celebrate with the return of Esports Hub for 2026 VCT season. This hub allows players to follow their favorite teams on the Path to Champions and track International League Kickoffs progress. The feature will also provide a way to stay connected with professional Valorant esports directly through the game client.
Major Agent Bug Fixes Across the Roster
Aside from these competitive changes, the patch will also deliver a set of bug fixes affecting several agents in the game. Riot fixed the issue with the Reckoning overworld range indicator of Harbor which does not align properly with the actual ability range. Also, they address the issue of the missing icon of his Cove ability on the placement minimap.
Meanwhile, Gekko players received fixes to Dizzy’s targeting accuracy that caused the ability to miss detected players. In addition, his globules will no longer appear on enemy minimas when they shouldn’t be visible. On the other hand, they addressed the bug on Phoenix where he remained nearsighted after respawning from Run It Back.
Another issue they resolved is on Phoenix’s Hot Hands VFX trail placement if thrown from B Window on Bind map. The recent patch also fixed the exploit on Yoru, allowing instant cancellation of Dimensional Drift and incorrect interaction of his Fakeout clone with Veto’s Chokehold ability.
Other agents will also receive bug fixes such as Fade, Chamber, Viper, Veto, Killjoy, and Sage. The issues range from missing visual effects to UI elements displaying incorrectly.
Gameplay Systems and Mode Improvements
Beside the agent-specific changes, there are multiple gameplay system issues applied as well. It includes the fix on the problem where bullet trackers sometimes wouldn’t appear after shooting through walls. Also, they addressed several issues in the All Random One Site mode such as the continuous ultimates.
For the Premier mode on PC, they fixed overlapping team names and tags in custom game lobbies and social modals. In addition, this patch addressed the general bug affecting ability icons which wouldn’t update when they’re repeatedly debuffed by the same agent.
Looking Ahead
The recent VALORANT Patch 12.01 notes improved the competitive ecosystem by bringing back the Esports Hub. Moreover, they increase safety features for the European Ascendant+ players with the application of MFA requirements. For now, enjoy the bug fixes while waiting for possible gameplay changes in the future updates.
Writer’s Recommendations
Hi there, it’s Stal! If you loved that article, make sure to check out these other articles I’ve written just for you. See you there!
