With Act 3 coming to an end, we will get a new and exciting update. Here is everything coming to Valorant in Episode 4 Act 1.
In the last year, Valorant has exploded in popularity. All of this is due to the fact that Riot Games, the developers, are constantly releasing new and interesting elements. Also, because the Valorant Episode 3 will be ending in a few days, we had the opportunity to check out some of the new changes.
Once Valorant Episode 4 Act 1 begins, these updates and changes will be implemented. In fact, Episode 4 is set to premiere on January 12th, 2022. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at what’s coming up in Episode 4.
Valorant Episode 4 Act 1 Update
Agent Updates
Neon goes live!
Weapon Updates
Melee
The melee’s been too tricky to aim with, making it tough to rely on. So we’ve updated both left and right-click melee attacks for more reliable Agent-whacking action.
Right-click hitboxes are now 1.5x larger. Left-click hitboxes are now larger than a right click and have a slightly longer range too.
Targets closer to the centre of your knife attacks will get hit first, so you still have precision if you need it.
Bonus: Knifing walls now have instant feedback when slicing up walls (predicted on the client side)
Spectre
The Spectre’s versatility makes us happy, but it was over-performing in long-range engagements and was too powerful even within its intended close range and mobile scenarios. By making the accuracy error come in a bit earlier and switching yaws more often, we hope it will make it more difficult to get kills when spraying over a long-range. Likewise, the close-range sprays will require more control to be effective.
Firing error occurs at earlier bullet stages
For example, instead of errors occurring at bullets 4, 7, 10 (in terms of firing order), they will instead happen at bullets 3, 6, 8
Increased pitch and yaw (vertical and horizontal) recoil multipliers when running/jumping/on ascender from 1.25 >>> 1.5
Protected bullet count from yaw (horizontal) switching while spraying, decreased 8 >>> 5 bullets
Lowering time to switch yaw from .24 >>> .18 seconds
Ares
Alongside changes to the Spectre, we hope to improve the feel and power of the Ares and take it out of the shadow of other weapons in its price tier.
Removed spin up
Fire rate increased from 10 >>> 13
Guardian
The Guardian didn’t need the fire rate penalty compared to its fully-automatic counterparts, so we’re removing it. Adding another bullet before it starts to get unstable should make the weapon feel much more proficient at tapping shots, and improve its overall effectiveness in a fight.
Removed fire rate penalty on ADS
Added an extra bullet before it enters a recovery curve
Bulldog
We’re giving the Bulldog some love to help make it feel like a better buy in those situations when you might need a cheaper but versatile rifle option.
Hip fire rate increased 9.5 >>> 10
Recovery on burst fire improved from .4 >>> .35
Inaccuracy is accrued any time the weapon is re-fired before a complete duration of a weapon’s respective Gun Recovery Time. Lower recovery time should improve burst fire efficiency.
New Agent Neon
Map Updates
Bind
The double stack of cover at short A has been changed to remove a very powerful one-way smoke location that made the area a little too difficult for Attackers to approach. ○ Sentinels will still be able to clog the space, but the new layout should open a few options for attackers pushing in.
There’s also a small, new bench for a mix up when taking that first peek.
Breeze
Increased the width of the A Main choke and removed 50/50s
This should give defenders more options when playing around A Main. It also removes the 50/50 when both entering or exiting the cave, allowing you to be more methodical when pushing.
Added a stack of two crates in cave
This provides some cover for attackers pushing the cave while also giving defenders more options for contesting the space.
Adjusted cover on the back of A Site and extended the pool to the far wall
The cover changes should give defenders both a safe place to fall back to and more cover on retakes. Extending the pool should make playing in this space more comfortable.
Plant site extension is also to match the new shape of the pool.
Adjusted curved wall in mid
This change simplifies the space and removes the extra pocket.
Added cover to the pillar on B Site, blocked off the back site with a new wall and added a stack of crates to B Wall
The new cover on the pillar allows for new pre and post-plant opportunities.
The adjusted back site breaks the head peek to B Main while also giving players a new cover to work with. This new cover should be useful when falling back and retaking.
The new stack of crates limits some angles from B Main gives you new options when holding or retaking, and should break up some awkward fights that can occur on thin walls.
The door on A can no longer be reactivated until it is finished opening or closing
Chamber in Valorant
Competitive Updates
As the map and Agent pool has increased, it’s become increasingly difficult for new players to effectively learn and play VALORANT. However, we haven’t made any changes to when players can access our most competitive experience. We believe everyone should take time to learn the ins and outs of core gameplay, and have ample exposure to all the maps and Agents VALORANT will throw at you before competing in our ranked experience. To force this learning period, we’ve decided to add an Account Level requirement to play in Competitive.
Starting with Patch 4.0, accounts that have yet to play in Ranked are required to reach account level 20 level before they can enter the Competitive queue
For those that have not yet reached account level 20, but have already played in Competitive queue, you will still be able to play in ranked.
Bug Fixes
Game System
Fixed an issue where the Signature Kill Counter was not updating visually
Esports features
Coaches should no longer experience the issue where swapping targets with number keys + mouse clicks occasionally fails.
With the new agent Neon being released soon, we are extremely excited to see how the meta will shift. Her abilities are very similar to Jett, currently overpowered duelist in the game. This will indeed be an exciting time for Valorant in Episode 4 Act 1.