VALORANT Patch Notes 10.01: Rank Shields and Bug Fixes Bring New Changes to Competitive Mode

VALORANT’s first patch of 2025 introduces a highly requested feature and addresses several bugs to enhance the player experience. With the addition of Rank Shields in Competitive Mode, players now have a bit more leeway in their climb to higher ranks. Alongside that, various fixes, particularly for the new agent Tejo, are aimed at improving the game's balance and gameplay.

New Rank Shield System 

Patch 10.01 brings a fresh twist to the Competitive Mode with the introduction of Rank Shields. Players in Tier 1 (e.g., Silver 1, Gold 1, Platinum 1) now receive two Rank Shields when they drop to 0 RR. This feature provides players with three chances to secure a win before being demoted to the next lower rank. Losing a game at 0 RR will consume one shield, and after losing two games, the second shield is used up, leading to a demotion after a third loss. However, Rank Shields are not available in higher tiers of a rank and only get replenished when you move into Tier 1 via promotion or demotion. This change aims to give players a cushion during their initial climb while maintaining the competitive edge of the game.

Tejo and Map Fixes 

Tejo is the newest agent, and there are several fixes in this patch that improve his abilities. First, his Armageddon blast zone and Guided Salvo projectile have been fixed, ensuring that the game will run more smoothly. In addition, players should expect improvements with how his Stealth Drone interacts with Nearsight and Sage's abilities. The map Bind also gets a fix for invisible collisions that previously blocked agent utility inside teleporter rooms, ensuring better flow for players.

Bug Fixes for PC and Console Players

For PC users, the Premier mode sees fixes for UI inconsistencies, such as font size issues and missing mode tooltips in match history. Console players also benefit from fixes to the Competitive Systems, particularly resolving queue timer display errors.

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With Rank Shields and many fixes for bugs in place, the Patch 10.01 for VALORANT is solid to start with 2025 in competitive fairness and further improvements in the gameplay. Ranks can now be ground through while being a bit more protected but also with much more refined action in Tejo and other game fixes.