Massive Phoenix Buffs in Valorant Patch 9.8

In the latest Valorant Patch 9.8, Riot Games is introducing some major updates to Phoenix, the fiery duelist who’s been struggling to find his place in the competitive scene. These Phoenix buffs are significant enough to change the way the agent plays, making him a stronger pick in both eco rounds and higher-level matches.

We’ll walk you through these exciting changes, including a new mechanic for Phoenix’s wall, a shift in his flash ability, and a brand-new armor system. Let’s dive into what’s making Phoenix a more viable agent in this patch.

Phoenix, once one of the most popular duelists in Valorant, has struggled in recent meta due to his limited utility and weaker teamplay potential compared to other agents like KO and Skye. However, with Patch 9.8, Riot is giving Phoenix a well-deserved upgrade that should help him stand out once again. Here’s everything you need to know about the Phoenix changes in the latest update.

Phoenix’s Wall Now Goes Through Terrain

One of the most exciting changes in Patch 9.8 is the new ability for Phoenix’s Blaze (Wall) to pass through walls and terrain. This change adds a new layer of versatility to Phoenix’s kit, allowing players to create more creative and effective plays. Whether you’re blocking off key sightlines or cutting off chokepoints, Phoenix’s wall will now become a more effective tool in controlling the battlefield.

Previously, Phoenix’s wall was limited in terms of where it could be placed, making it less useful in certain situations. Now, with the ability to pass through walls, Phoenix can deploy his wall from safer angles, helping his team take sites or defend against pushes with more flexibility.

Phoenix Flash Gets a Huge Upgrade

In this update, Phoenix’s Curveball (Flash) is moving from a purchased ability to his signature ability. This means Phoenix players will now have access to his flash every round for free, with the potential for more flashes after securing kills. This is a major change that could make Phoenix more competitive with agents like KO and Reyna, who already have strong utility in eco rounds.

This also means that on eco rounds, you’ll only need to purchase one flash instead of two, and you’ll automatically have access to at least one flash every round. This is especially useful in pistol rounds, where utility is limited and a well-timed flash can make all the difference in winning duels.

Additionally, getting two kills will recharge Phoenix’s flash, meaning you can potentially throw up to four flashes in a single round if you’re playing aggressively and landing kills. This change significantly increases Phoenix’s power, especially in lower economies where his utility becomes more cost-effective.

New Armor System: Phoenix’s Regenerating Shield

Another groundbreaking change is the introduction of a regenerating shield system. In the video showcasing the patch, Phoenix is shown regenerating armor after taking damage. This new regen shield mechanic seems to give Phoenix the ability to recover up to 25 armor points, which are drawn from a pool of 50. While this won’t exceed his total health cap of 150 (100 HP + 50 armor), it allows Phoenix to maintain a bit more survivability in longer rounds.

This new armor system adds another layer of strategy to Phoenix’s kit. While full details on how the regen shield works across all agents are still emerging, it’s clear that this system is a significant buff to Phoenix’s survivability. It’s possible that other agents, such as Sage, could receive similar abilities in future patches, but for now, this system seems tailored to Phoenix.

This regeneration mechanic makes Phoenix even harder to deal with in drawn-out engagements, and when combined with his healing from Hot Hands, he can effectively stay in the fight longer than most duelists.

FAQs About Phoenix Changes in Valorant Patch 9.8

What are the key Phoenix changes in Valorant Patch 9.8?
Phoenix’s Blaze (Wall) now passes through walls, his Curveball (Flash) is now his signature ability and recharges after kills, and a new regenerating shield mechanic has been added, allowing Phoenix to regain up to 25 armor from a pool of 50.

How does the new regen shield work for Phoenix?
Phoenix’s regen shield allows him to recover up to 25 armor points from a pool of 50, helping him stay alive longer during rounds. This shield will not exceed Phoenix’s total health cap of 150 HP.

Why is Phoenix’s flash being upgraded to a signature ability?
Making Phoenix’s flash a signature ability allows him to use it more frequently, improving his viability in eco and pistol rounds. Additionally, it recharges after getting two kills, giving Phoenix more opportunities to flash enemies and secure kills.

How These Changes Impact Phoenix’s Place in the Meta

These buffs are significant enough to reposition Phoenix as a viable duelist in both ranked play and pro-level competitions. Previously, Phoenix often struggled to compete with agents like Reyna, Jett, and KO, who offer stronger utility and damage output. Now, with access to more flashes and a regenerating shield, Phoenix players can be more aggressive while staying alive longer in fights.

The ability for his wall to pass through terrain opens up new strategic possibilities, especially on maps with narrow corridors or difficult choke points like Split and Bind. Meanwhile, the regenerating shield gives Phoenix a level of tankiness that’s previously been lacking in his kit.

Combined with his ultimate, Run It Back, these changes make Phoenix a far more formidable duelist, allowing him to challenge higher-tier agents in most situations.

These changes are some of the biggest to hit Phoenix in recent patches, and they mark a significant step toward revitalizing his place in the Valorant meta. If you’ve been sleeping on Phoenix, now’s the time to wake up and give him another shot in your ranked games.

For more insights on upcoming patches and strategies, visit Valorant Patch Updates to stay ahead of the game!