VALORANT Patch 5.01 brings some important changes to the game, particularly for Phoenix and smurf detection.
Phoenix has been in need of buffs for a while now to make him more competitive compared to other duelists and initiators. KAY/O and Yoru also received minor adjustments.
Here are the key updates in VALORANT Patch 5.01:
Agent Updates
Phoenix
Curveball (Q)
- Increased flash duration from 1.1 seconds to 1.5 seconds.
- Decreased flash windup time from 0.7 seconds to 0.5 seconds.
Blaze (C)
- Phoenix now equips his weapon earlier if he stops bending his wall.
Run it Back (X)
- Phoenix now spawns at the marker with the same amount of shields he had when the ability was cast.
Yoru
Dimensional Drift (X)
- Increased ultimate duration from 10 seconds to 12 seconds.
- Reduced unequip time from 1.2 seconds to 0.8 seconds.
KAY/O
FRAG/ment (C)
- Reduced zone diameter from 10 meters to eight meters.
- Damage now applies without needing line of sight.
NULL/cmd (X)
- Only allies will hear the full channel audio of reviving KAY/O, while enemies will only hear a short audio cue when the revive has started.
Gameplay Updates
New Smurf Detection Functionality (North America)
- This addition to the smurf detection systems ensures that new players are matched with others of the appropriate skill level much faster than before.
- The feature is being tested in North America first before a global rollout.
- Testing begins the week of July 11, 2022.
Improved Collision Behavior
- Walking next to or behind another player will now have smoother collision behavior, reducing jitteriness when moving close to allies.
Twin Hunters in Spike Rush
- Twin Hunters will now damage destructible walls in Spike Rush mode.
Bugs Fixed
Performance
- Fixed a scrolling issue in chat or friends list when the Raw Input Buffer setting was enabled.
Yoru
- Fixed a bug with Dimensional Drift where the invulnerability kicked in later than intended.
Sova
- Fixed an issue with Sova’s Shock Bolt not damaging enemy traps and other game objects.
Fade
- Fixed an issue where Fade’s Haunt would sometimes reveal enemies behind thin walls.
VALORANT Patch 5.01, Phoenix, Yoru, KAY/O, buffs, smurf detection, gameplay updates, bugs fixed.