Valorant Season 2025 Act 3 Patch Notes - What's Changing?
.Throughout the years, we have seen the game’s growing dependence on utility along the meta shifts. Yet, one thing has been used consistently throughout - lineups.
Valorant went from a tactical shooter to an ultimate minefield. Throughout the years, we have seen the game’s growing dependence on utility along the meta shifts. Yet, one thing has been used consistently throughout - lineups. Of course, Utilmate on its own is not bad… until you're met with 27 agents and end up dying 15 different ways due to the constant utility dump.
Lucky for us, Riot has been aware of this issue, with Leo Faria (Head of Valorant Esports) and Bill Pan (Head of Product Strategy for Valorant Esports) promising us that they would look into the excessive ultimate: the issue is, are these changes enough? What bugs were fixed and will gifting finally be available in Valorant? Let’s get into it.
Key Changes in Patch 10.08
— VALORANT (@VALORANT) April 29, 2025
Agent Updates
Brimstone:
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His Incendiary molotov audio has been updated — it will now be easier to hear even when placed underneath smokes.
Astra:
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Nova Pulse stun duration was nerfed slightly, from 4s to 3.5s.
Yoru:
- Dimensional Drift duration was reduced from 12s to 10s.
- Point cost has now increased from 7 orbs to 8.
General Updates
- Gifting is now available!
You can send select Featured Store bundles and items directly to friends.
- Ranked Gun Buddy Reminder
This is the last Act to grind for your ranked buddy before distribution in Patch 11.00 at the start of Act IV.
Client Updates
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In celebration of Valorant’s fifth anniversary, Riot is bringing back some Episode 1 music in patches 10.08 and 10.09!
(Menus, character select, Victory/Defeat screens will hit you right in the nostalgia.)
Although all these updates and changes sound like a step in the positive direction, let’s explore it more
Why The Agent Changes Are Important
The most important change is the Yoru dimensional drift. The changes are small, yet his ult has a very high impact, especially in pro play. Want to do combos? Use Yoru ult and boom live sova dart. Don't want to waste util clearing corners? Use Yoru ult. Want to get in and get out? Boom Yoru Ult. His ult is very versatile to use and although the changes are small, it’s a step in the right direction.
How Does This Compare to Patch 10.07?
Patch 10.07 was mainly a filler update: it had small agent tweaks and mostly behind-the-scenes improvements to client stability. In comparison, 10.08 feels way more player-oriented. Like, Riot is trying to bring what the community has in mind, most of it: the replay system is still a silent subject. Overall, gameplay experience and community engagement (gifting, music throwbacks, ranked rewards) will be uplifted through this patch
The focus here is clearly on:
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Slightly nerfing frustrating util without completely discarding or reworking the kits.
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Boosting player connection to the game with nostalgic content.
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Gifting
Overall, while these aren’t sweeping changes to the util-heavy meta yet, it’s a signal that Riot is listening. Let’s just hope they keep the momentum going when Act IV hits.
Written By: Sarah Dar (Writing Intern, India Today Gaming)
