Riot Games has shared details about upcoming balance changes for the agent Neon in VALORANT, which will arrive with patch 12.09. The update is scheduled for release on May 12 or 13, depending on the region.
Patch 12.09 is aimed at making Neon’s gameplay more tactical, forcing players to make more deliberate decisions. After the update, jumping while using the High Gear ability will no longer provide additional momentum. The agent’s air speed during sprinting will now match normal knife movement speed.
Sprint energy will only reset after a kill when Neon’s ultimate ability is active. At the same time, the charge will still regenerate passively. Riot has also updated the visual effects of Neon’s slide to better display the direction and starting point of movement.
In addition to the Neon nerfs, patch 12.09 will introduce major shotgun balance changes. Shotguns will become less accurate while moving. The crouching accuracy bonus has now been standardized to 15% for all shotguns. This acts as a slight buff for the Bucky (previously 10%) but a nerf for the Judge and Shorty (previously 25%). Riot also reworked the damage profile of the Bucky shotgun.
We also remind you that Illumination and Universal Pictures have revealed the final trailer for “Minions & Monsters.”
