VALORANT Skip Patch 11.01 As Riot Focus On Unreal Engine 5 Big Update
Patch 11.01 is skipped as Riot Games shifts all focus to Patch 11.02, introducing Unreal Engine 5 to VALORANT with enhanced visuals, faster load times, and a smaller game size.
image via Riot Games
Riot Games has now officially confirmed that they are skipping Patch 11.01 entirely, with the team now focused solely on supporting a substantial upgrade that was related to the Unreal Engine 5 (UE5), which will be launching with Patch 11.02 very soon. This announcement represents a completely different direction for the tactical shooter game. Riot is taking the opportunity to implement next-gen visuals while improving its performance and addressing long-desired updates for the fifth anniversary of the game.
Unreal Engine 5 Coming With VALORANT Patch 11.02
First revealed at Unreal Fest in Seattle back in 2024, the UE5 update is now confirmed for 29 July 2025. The patch 11.02 is set to change lots of things inside VALORANT, everything from graphics to gameplay experience and the newer technical system.
Explaining the patch skip, Riot’s Global Community Manager, Kenny ‘Karnifexlol’ Cameron, said:
“Yes, today is when we’d normally put out a new patch. But in order to prepare for the upcoming UE5 upgrade, we’re skipping Patch 11.01 and making any changes scheduled for this patch with 11.02, coming July 29th.”
So, all contents, balances, and bug fixes that were supposed to be in Patch 11.01 will now arrive directly with 11.02.
What UE5 Upgrade Will Bring
This move to Unreal Engine 5 may cause excitement but also mixed feelings. With the shift, Riot is aiming to provide:
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Better visuals and light effects
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Faster loading times
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Steadier performance in low-end computers
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Smaller total install size
Even if the UE5 build needs around 30GB of empty space for installing, Riot is saying that once installed, the final size will be lesser than the current game version.
However, players are already starting to worry. Many who tried UE5 in other games have concerns, especially about bugs, performance drop, or problems during ranked matches or tournaments.
Timing Worries Esports Community
The timing is making trouble, too. Patch 11.02 with UE5 is coming out just one day after VCT Game Changers NA Stage 2 begins on July 28 (until September 10). Also, events like VALORANT Challengers 2025 Japan Season Finals will happen during this time, which makes some pros and coaches worried. They fear the new engine might affect fair play or stability during matches.
Till now, Riot hasn’t made any clear announcements on what backup plans are in place if something goes wrong.
Entering VALORANT’s Next Phase
Riot has big plans for the game’s future. UE5 is not just a technical move; it's meant to support deeper features too. One of the most awaited is a proper replay system, which players have asked for for a long time. It will help both viewers and pro players study matches in detail.
Whether the engine shift proves to be a seamless upgrade or a rocky transition, one thing is clear: Patch 11.02 is one of the most important updates in VALORANT history.
Written By -Kazi Mohasin Zaman
