Valorant Patch 9.08: Map Overhauls, Gekko Nerfs, and New Team Deathmatch Map

Patch 9.8 for Valorant has arrived, bringing significant updates that are sure to impact the game’s meta. From map rotations and overhauls to important agent nerfs, this patch aims to refresh the gameplay experience. In this breakdown, we’ll cover all the essential changes, including map adjustments, Gekko nerfs, and the exciting addition of a new Team Deathmatch map.

Map Rotation Changes in Valorant Patch 9.08

One of the most significant updates in Patch 9.08 is the change in map rotation. Players who have grown tired of the current selection will be pleased to know that Split and Pearl are returning to ranked play. These fan-favorite maps are expected to introduce new dynamics, especially with the addition of recent agents like Iso, Vice, and Clove—all of whom have yet to showcase their abilities on these maps.

With the reintroduction of Split and Pearl, we also bid farewell to Icebox and Lotus, which are leaving the ranked map pool for now. While these maps are loved by many, this fresh rotation promises to keep gameplay exciting and strategic.

On top of this, the map Sunset is receiving a substantial overhaul. Riot Games has made changes to key areas of the map to improve balance and address issues that many players had voiced concerns about.

For example, the B Main box has been removed and replaced with two new boxes. This change aims to prevent attackers from exploiting cover in B Main while allowing them to plant the spike and spam from safety. By removing this exploit, Riot is encouraging a more active playstyle, requiring attackers to engage more on-site.

In addition, there’s now much more cover on-site, making it easier for attackers to hide in various locations during retakes. While these changes could lead to a more balanced experience, some players are concerned that there may now be too many hiding spots for attackers, which could make defending harder.

Gekko Nerfs: Balancing Utility and Gameplay

Another major aspect of Patch 9.08 involves significant nerfs to Gekko, one of the more powerful agents in recent updates. Gekko’s ability to recycle his utility with little punishment led to frustrating experiences for many players, as it felt like he was able to get unlimited value from his abilities. Riot has now made several changes to address these issues.

First, the time it takes Gekko to pick up his utility globules has been increased from 1 second to 1.5 seconds. This change strikes a middle ground, making it riskier to retrieve his abilities during gameplay.

Additionally, Gekko’s globules now only last 15 seconds, down from 20. This adjustment forces Gekko players to make quicker decisions about whether to pick up their abilities or leave them on the ground.

On top of these changes, Gekko’s Dizzy active time has been reduced from 1.5 seconds to 1 second. This reduces the time that Dizzy can target enemies, giving opponents less time to react. However, Riot has compensated by making Dizzy’s targeting more accurate and allowing it to block mini-map vision for affected targets.

Finally, Gekko’s ultimate points have been increased from 7 to 8, meaning it will take longer for him to access his powerful ultimate ability, Thrash. This change is intended to limit how often Gekko can use his ultimate, as he was previously able to activate it multiple times per half, sometimes even using it twice in a single round.

New Team Deathmatch Map: Glitch

Valorant players looking for a more casual experience will be excited about the new Team Deathmatch map introduced in Patch 9.08, titled Glitch. This new 5v5 map takes place in a “glitched-out Max Bot Arena,” referencing a cinematic from 2022 that showcased Killjoy and Raze using the robot for sparring.

The addition of Glitch marks the fifth Team Deathmatch map in Valorant, further expanding the game’s casual modes. This continued support for Team Deathmatch is a welcome change for players who want a less competitive way to enjoy the game. Riot’s dedication to enhancing non-competitive modes, like Team Deathmatch, is a positive sign for the game’s future, offering players more options to enjoy Valorant without the pressure of ranked play.

Glitch is now available in the Team Deathmatch queue, so if you’re interested in testing it out, hop into a game and explore this unique new map.

FAQs About Valorant Patch 9.08

What maps are returning in Valorant Patch 9.08?
Split and Pearl are returning to ranked play in Patch 9.8, replacing Icebox and Lotus in the rotation.

What changes were made to Sunset in Patch 9.08?
The B Main box was replaced with two new boxes, offering more cover. Additional cover was also added on the B site to encourage more on-site play from attackers.

What nerfs did Gekko receive in Patch 9.08?
Gekko’s globule pickup time has been increased from 1 to 1.5 seconds, globules now last 15 seconds, and Dizzy’s active time has been reduced to 1 second. Gekko’s ultimate points were also increased from 7 to 8.

What is the new Team Deathmatch map introduced in Patch 9.08?
The new Team Deathmatch map is called Glitch, a 5v5 arena located in a Max Bot training ground.

Additional Agent and Gameplay Updates

Aside from the Gekko nerfs and map changes, Patch 9.08 also brought smaller updates for other agents. Yoru received a slight buff, with his clone now affected by utility like Vice’s flash and Clove’s metal. This adjustment adds more variety to Yoru’s gameplay and could introduce new strategies for deception.

Minor changes, such as Sky’s dog and Jett’s Tailwind now being able to break windows on Ascent, as well as adjustments to sniper reticles for skins like Araxes, Reaver, and Valiant Hero, were also included.

Overall, Valorant Patch 9.08 introduces substantial changes that will undoubtedly impact both competitive and casual gameplay. Whether you’re excited about the return of Split and Pearl, the addition of the new Team Deathmatch map, or the balance tweaks to Gekko, this patch offers something for everyone.