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All Agent buffs and nerfs in Valorant Episode 3

Riot Games has plenty of balance changes in store for all Agents once Episode 3, Act I rolls around.
All Agent buffs and nerfs in Valorant Episode 3

Valorant fans are eagerly anticipating the start of Episode 3, Reflection, as it won't only bring a new Agent named KAY/O, but a bunch of events that include the YR1 Event Pass, the Give Back bundle going live, and of course, a brand-new battle pass with plenty of rewards to chase.

On top of all things mentioned, Riot is preparing both an economy and ability overhaul, with Agents receiving buffs and nerfs to their kits all around.

And while we knew much of what was coming in Episode 3 through leaks, we now have official confirmation and all Agent changes listed below are confirmed to be happening at the outset of Episode 3.

Let's take a look at the list down below.

All Agent changes in Valorant Episode 3

valorant agent nerfs and buffs(Picture: Riot Games)

  • All Agents

    • Signature abilities now only provide a minimum of one charge per round instead of
      accumulating a charge every round.
      • For example, if you have a two charge signature ability and you end the round
        with one charge remaining, you will not gain an additional charge
    • Charges gained from cooldowns are now always temporary
    • Visibility returns faster during the fadeout period of all flashes

    Astra

    • Nova Pulse (Q)
      • Cooldown time increased 12 >>> 25
    • Gravity Well (C)
      • Cooldown time increased 12 >>> 25
    • Stars/Astral Form (X)
      • Stars are now inactive when placed during the buy phase
    • When the barriers drop, her Stars charge for 1.4 seconds before becoming active
      and usable.
      • On Attack, Astra can now see the Spike’s location in Astral form
        • This representation does not animate so it will not provide additional info on the
          status of the Spike.
    • Recall cooldown increased 8 >>> 15
    • Granted signature charges decreased 2 >>> 1
    • Star cost decreased 200 >>>150

    Breach

    • Flashpoint (Q)
      • Total charges reduced 3 >>> 2
      • Cost increased 200 >>> 250
      • Projectile speed decreased 2500 >>>2000
    • Fault Line (E)
      • Full charge time decreased 1.5 >>> 1 second
      • Width increased 600 >>> 750
      • Telegraph windup time decreased 1.3 >>> 1
      • Concussion duration increased 3 >>> 3.5
      • Unequip time after firing decreased 1 >>> .7
      • Cooldown time increased 35 >>>
    • After Shock (C)
      • Now explodes 3 times with each blast dealing 60 damage with no fall off, blasts are .6
        seconds apart
      • Explosion radius increased 260 >>> 300
      • Unuequip time after firing decreased 1.1 >>> .9 seconds
      • Cost increased 100 >>> 200
    • Rolling Thunder (X)
      • Width of all explosions increased to 2300, which was the previous width of the final
        explosion

    Brimstone

    • Incendiary (Q)
      • Cost increased 200 >>> 250

    Cypher

    • Neural Theft (X)
      • Ultimate points required decreased 7 >>> 6

    Jett

    • Updraft (Q)
      • Cost increased 100 >>> 150
    • Tailwind (E)
      • No longer breaks Cypher’s Trapwire
    • Cloudburst (C)
      • Cost increased 100 >>> 200
    • Bladestorm (X)
      • Ultimate points required increased 6 >>> 7

    Killjoy

    • Alarmbot (Q)
      • Cooldown after pickup increased 7 >>> 20
    • Turret (E)
      • Cooldown after pickup increased 10 >>> 20

    Omen

    • Paranoia (Q)
      • Cost decreased 400 >>> 300
    • Dark Cover (E)
      • Granted signature charges reduced 2 >>> 
      • Omen now must buy his second smoke for 100
      • Cooldown time increased 35 >>> 40
    • Shrouded Step (C)
      • Cost increased 100 >>> 150

    Phoenix

    • Curveball (Q)
      • Cost increased 200 >>> 250

    Raze

    • Model Update
      • Model has been updated with a polish pass
    • Boombot (C)
      • Cost increased 200 >>> 400
    • Showstopper (X)
      • Ultimate points required increased 7 >>> 8
    • Leer (C)
      • Cost increased 200 >>> 250

    Sage

    • Slow Orb (Q)
      • Cost increased 100 >>> 200
    • Barrier Orb (C)
      • Cost increased 300 >>> 400
    • Resurrection (X)
    • Ultimate points required increased 7 >>> 8

    Skye

    • Trailblazer (Q)
      • Vision radius increased 1750 >>> 2250
      • Max concussion duration increased 3 >>> 4
      • Cost increased 200 >>> 250
    • Guiding Light (E)
      • Charges reduced 3 >>> 2
      • Charges are now replenished on a 40-second cooldown
      • Skye no longer needs to re-equip to trigger her flash
      • Guiding Light’s projectile now goes around corners tighter when free flying and is more
        responsive to guiding
      • Audio attenuation when cast reduced 3250 >>> 1250
      • Cost of charges increased 100 >>> 250

    Sova

    • Shock Dart (Q)
      • Cost increased 100 >>> 150
    • Recon Bolt (E)
      • Cooldown time increased 35 >>> 40
    • Owl Drone (C)
      • Cost increased 300 >>> 400
    • Hunter’s Fury (X)
      • Ultimate points required increased 7 >>> 8

    Viper

    • Snakebite (C)
      • Duration reduced 8 >>> 6.5
      • Outer edges of Viper’s acid patch form faster to ensure it is lethal if an enemy sits in the
        entire duration
      • Cost increased 100 >>> 200

    Yoru

    • Blindside (Q)
      • Cost increased 200 >>> 250
    • Gatecrash (E)
      • Cooldown time increased 35 >>> 40

As you can see, there are many hard nerfs to most characters, and the meta has well and truly been shaken.

 

To check out the full patch notes, check out our Episode 3 explainer.