In 2023, VALORANT underwent significant changes, introducing new content and shaking up the meta. Episode Six, Act One kicked off the year with the addition of Lotus, VALORANT’s ninth map, and the return of Split, setting the stage for a year of transformation.
New maps like Lotus and Sunset brought fresh strategic challenges, while three new agents joined the roster: Gekko, Deadlock, and Iso. However, Deadlock’s release was met with criticism for her perceived weak kit, sparking discussions within the community about agent balance.
The introduction of the Team Deathmatch mode in Episode Seven, Act One offered players a thrilling alternative to traditional Deathmatch, blending abilities with fast-paced gunplay. Additionally, Premier, VALORANT’s tournament mode, transitioned from open beta to an official launch, marking a significant step in Riot’s “path to pro” initiative.
Episodes Six and Seven saw the return of Split, Bind, and Breeze to the competitive pool after undergoing substantial renovations. However, Patch 7.04 caused uproar among Jett mains with significant nerfs to her kit, along with updates to several other agents, leading to a shift in the meta.
Cypher mains rejoiced with buffs to his Trapwires in Patch 7.09, making him a formidable force on the battlefield. Meanwhile, Phantom and Vandal’s ammo reserves were reduced in a meta-defining patch aimed at countering the spam meta and addressing issues like run-and-gun gameplay.
