Valorant Patch 9.6 is out today, and while there are no massive overhauls, there are a number of important quality of life improvements and bug fixes that players should be aware of. From adjustments to agents like Brimstone and Viper, to critical fixes around weapon skins and abilities, this patch addresses several issues that have been impacting gameplay. Here’s everything you need to know about Valorant Patch 9.6.
1. Bug Fixes for Vyse’s Shear and Yoru Interactions
One of the standout fixes in this patch is the resolution of bugs surrounding Vyse’s Shear. There have been numerous reports of bugs relating to how Yoru’s clones interact with Vyse’s Shear, but with Patch 9.6, these issues have been fully addressed. Now, Yoru’s clones will correctly activate walls when interacting with Shear. This fix restores the intended function of these abilities and makes gameplay smoother for players utilizing this combination.
2. Brimstone and Viper Ultimate Audio Adjustments
A subtle yet impactful update has been made to both Brimstone’s and Viper’s ultimates. Previously, when their ultimates were triggered, the windup audio cue would play directly above the player’s head, making it difficult to pinpoint the direction of the origin of the ultimate’s area of effect. With the latest patch, the audio cue will now be directional, providing players with a clearer sense of where the ultimate is coming from and allowing them to respond more effectively.
How This Change Improves Gameplay
This new directional audio cue allows players to identify which way they need to escape when either Brimstone’s Orbital Strike or Viper’s Pit is initiated. It adds a layer of strategy, making it easier for teams to avoid getting trapped in an ultimate zone.
3. Weapon Skin Name Visibility in HUD
Valorant fans who enjoy collecting and showing off weapon skins will be happy to know that the names of weapon skins will now appear on the side of the Heads-Up Display (HUD). This quality of life change improves how skins are displayed when swapping weapons mid-game, as opposed to the previous method where names only appeared when hovering over a weapon for pickup.
This might seem like a small tweak, but for players who enjoy switching between skins or showcasing their collections, it’s a handy addition that makes the gameplay experience more polished.
4. Animation Fix for Nocturnum Sight
An annoying visual bug related to the Nocturnum Sight has been fixed in this patch. Prior to Patch 9.6, the third-person animation of the Nocturnum Sight would extend above the agent’s model, leading to a visually unappealing experience for anyone spectating or watching a match. The bug has now been addressed, and the sight will correctly align with the agent’s model.
Interestingly, the dev team even referenced a popular community video about this bug in the official patch notes, showing their attentiveness to community feedback.
5. Window Interactions on Ascent: Ability Changes
Patch 9.6 also brings notable adjustments to the interactions between agent abilities and the window on the Ascent map. Previously, several abilities would break the window on impact. However, with this update, some abilities that could previously break the window will no longer do so. These include:
- Cypher’s Trap Wire
- Chamber’s Trademark
- KAY/O’s Lockdown
- Harbor’s High Tide
However, Phoenix’s Blaze and Neon’s Fast Lane can still break the window, but only if their initial cast center point would hit the window.
This change affects how players approach engagements in Ascent, specifically how they use their utility when attacking or defending around the window.
6. Singularity 2.0 Bundle Addition
While not yet released, the files for the Singularity 2.0 bundle have been added to the game with Patch 9.6. This highly anticipated skin bundle will officially hit the store on Friday, so keep an eye out for it if you’re looking to add some futuristic flare to your weapons.
The Singularity 2.0 bundle promises to build upon the sleek, dark aesthetic of the original Singularity bundle, and will likely be a fan-favorite once it becomes available.
FAQs About Valorant Patch 9.6
1. What is the most significant change in Valorant Patch 9.6?
The most significant changes include the directional audio adjustments for Brimstone’s and Viper’s ultimates, as well as the bug fixes surrounding Vyse’s Shear and Yoru’s clones.
2. How have the interactions with the window on Ascent changed?
Several abilities that used to break the window on Ascent, such as Cypher’s Trap Wire and Harbor’s High Tide, will no longer break the window unless their initial cast center point makes contact.
3. What does the Singularity 2.0 bundle include?
While the full details have yet to be released, the Singularity 2.0 bundle builds on the original Singularity bundle and will feature futuristic weapon skins. It will be available in the store starting on Friday.
4. Will the audio change for Brimstone and Viper ultimates affect gameplay?
Yes, the new directional audio cues will help players better understand where Brimstone’s Orbital Strike and Viper’s Pit are coming from, allowing them to react more effectively.
5. Can Phoenix’s Blaze and Neon’s Fast Lane still break the window on Ascent?
Yes, Phoenix’s Blaze and Neon’s Fast Lane can still break the window, but only if their initial cast center point would have hit it directly.
For the full breakdown of Patch 9.6 and additional bug fixes, you can check out the official patch notes. This patch may not be a game-changer in terms of balance, but it introduces several quality-of-life improvements and ensures that Valorant continues to offer a smooth and polished gameplay experience.
