VALORANT is getting a new weapon: Here’s everything coming with Patch 12.00

Riot Games is expanding VALORANT’s arsenal with a brand-new weapon, and it’s arriving alongside one of the most content-packed updates of the season. Patch 12.00 doesn’t stop at introducing a new gun; it also brings a fresh game mode, major ranked matchmaking improvements, map pool changes, targeted map updates, and meaningful buffs to several agents. As VALORANT enters its 2026 season, this update signals a clear shift toward a more consistent, balanced, and content-rich competitive experience. Let’s take a closer look at everything that’s changing with VALORANT’s latest patch.

New weapon added: Bandit

Patch 12.00 introduces a brand-new weapon to VALORANT’s arsenal. Designed to fill a unique niche within the current meta, the new weapon offers an alternative playstyle through its distinct fire rate, ammo capacity, and damage profile. Riot aims for this weapon to sit comfortably between existing options, rewarding controlled engagements and smart positioning rather than raw spray potential.

Weapon Class	Sidearm
Prices	600 credits
Bullets	8
Ammo Reserve	24

New game mode

Patch 12.00 also introduces a new game mode, offering a faster and more accessible experience compared to standard playlists. With Patch 12.00, Custom Games now support match replays, allowing players to review rounds, analyze strategies, and create content more easily. This addition is especially valuable for teams, coaches, and creators who rely on post-match breakdowns.

Ranked changes: More consistent matchmaking with MMR

One of the most impactful updates in Patch 12.00 happens behind the scenes. Riot has improved hidden MMR calculations to create more consistent and fair matches.

With these changes:

• Players are matched closer to their true skill level
• Rank gaps within matches are reduced
• Overall ranked match quality becomes more stable

Visible ranks remain the same, but performance now plays a stronger role in matchmaking accuracy.

Map pool update

The competitive map pool has been refreshed for the new season.

• Breeze officially returns to the ranked rotation.

Its comeback reintroduces long-range duels and open sightlines, forcing teams to adapt their agent compositions and utility usage.

Map Changes

Patch 12.00 also includes targeted improvements to existing maps.

Haven

Adjustments were made to improve round flow and reduce repetitive engagements, creating more balanced scenarios for both attackers and defenders.

Corrode

Corrode received structural updates affecting sightlines, choke points, and rotations, aiming for clearer engagements and smoother transitions between sites.

Agent balance updates

Patch 12.00 delivers a noticeable shift in agent balance, with Riot Games focusing heavily on agents that struggled to create impact, especially in coordinated and high-level play. Several initiators and controllers received direct buffs aimed at improving reliability, area control, and team synergy.

Buffed Agents

Tejo

Tejo saw some of the most impactful changes in Patch 12.00, reinforcing his identity as a proactive initiator built around information control and coordinated disruption.

Special Delivery

• Stun duration reduced (4s → 2.5s) to improve responsiveness.
• Explosion damage added.
• Deals up to 35 damage at the center, with a minimum of 20 damage at the edges.

Stealth Drone

• Detection type changed from momentary reveal to full reveal, significantly increasing intel value.
• Wave detection range reduced (30m → 16m) to balance the stronger reveal effect.

Breach

Breach has received targeted buffs to address his underwhelming performance in higher-tier matches. Riot’s goal is to better reward precise timing and coordinated team play.

Flashpoint

• Fire rate increased by 20% (2000 → 2400)
• This change allows Breach to apply pressure faster and create more reliable entry windows during executes.

Fault Line

• Ability width increased (7.5m → 8m)
• The wider hitbox makes it harder for enemies to avoid the stun, increasing Breach’s consistency in clearing angles and disrupting defenses.

Harbor

After failing to meet expectations with earlier updates, Harbor has been reworked to better support aggressive playstyles and punish enemies caught in his utility.

Reckoning Wave (Storm Surge / Tidal-based ability)

• Explosion now applies vision reduction and slow effects even to enemies outside direct line of sight.
• Explosion duration reduced (0.8s → 0.6s)
• Slow duration significantly increased (0.6s → 2s)

Cove / Cascade Interaction

• Slow duration increased (0.6s → 2s)

Sage (Quality-of-Life Buff)

Sage received a targeting update focused on improving consistency rather than raw power.

Healing Orb

• Targeting logic has been updated.
• Sage can now more reliably heal teammates whose lower or middle body parts are obstructed by geometry.

This adjustment improves Sage’s effectiveness as a support agent in cluttered or tight environments without increasing her overall power level.

Vyse (Buffed)

Following recent adjustments that reduced her overall effectiveness, Vyse has received buffs aimed at restoring stability in her defensive role.

Steel Garden

• Ability range increased (26m → 28m)
• Ability width increased (7.5m → 8m)

With Patch 12.00, Riot Games is clearly prioritizing consistency, clarity, and coordinated play across agent kits. Rather than introducing sweeping nerfs, this update focuses on lifting underperforming agents and improving reliability in real match scenarios. As the meta adapts, Breach, Harbor, and Tejo are expected to see significantly higher pick rates, especially in competitive play.

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With a brand-new weapon headlining the update, alongside a new game mode, ranked matchmaking improvements, map pool changes, detailed map reworks, and meaningful agent buffs, VALORANT Patch 12.00 stands out as more than a routine balance pass. Riot Games is clearly focused on long-term consistency, competitive integrity, and player experience as the 2026 season begins. As players adapt to the new weapon, explore the refreshed maps, and test newly empowered agents, Patch 12.00 is poised to reshape the meta across all levels of play, making it one of the most important updates VALORANT has seen in recent seasons.

So what do you think: Which of the Patch 12.00 changes do you think will have the biggest impact on the meta?
Will the new weapon shake up loadout choices, or are the buffed agents like Tejo, Breach, and Harbor the real game-changers this season? Stay tuned to VGNW and follow us on X for the latest updates and competitive insights.