Patch 9.09 arrives as VALORANT’s first update since Episode Nine, Act Three launched on October 23. Although this patch is lighter on new features, it targets crucial bug fixes for agents, maps, and UI elements on both PC and console platforms.
With major updates anticipated at the end of the year, including the Arcane 2.0 bundle, Patch 9.09 serves as a much-needed tune-up for smooth gameplay. Here’s everything we know so far about the latest VALORANT patch.
Key Updates in VALORANT Patch 9.09
While Patch 9.09 may seem minor, its bug fixes and small updates offer quality-of-life improvements for both PC and console users. Let’s break down each of these changes.
Premier and Console UI Updates
- Premier Hub Division Dropdown: A small UI change now allows the division dropdown in the Premier Hub’s Standings tab to display the “Invite” division. This lets players view top teams’ progress in real time, making it easier to track team standings toward Challenger status.
- Console Radio Button Update: On consoles, the radio buttons in VALORANT have been updated to look distinct from checkboxes, ensuring clarity for users.
Agent-Specific Bug Fixes
Several agents received bug fixes in this patch, which could subtly influence gameplay and strategies. Here are some highlights:
- Yoru: Fixed an animation glitch where Yoru would hold the Nocturnum scythe incorrectly after using Dimensional Drift.
- Gekko: Thrash now performs smaller jumps more fluidly, making it easier to navigate tight spaces.
- Deadlock: Annihilation will no longer cause players to get stuck at ledge tops, potentially changing lineup strategies.
- Fade: The Prowler’s tracking ability has improved, as it now continues following a target during its Bite unless the target teleports out of sight.
- Astra: Astra now hears an alert sound when observed by Cypher’s Spycam.
- Killjoy: Killjoy’s Turret will correctly show the deactivation range on the minimap after switching between abilities or weapons.
- KAY/O and Yoru: KAY/O under NULL/cmd can no longer be picked up by Yoru during Dimensional Drift.
Map Fixes
- Abyss: The breakable doors in mid could previously be destroyed from certain angles, a feature some players thought was intentional. This has now been identified and fixed as a bug.
General PC and Console Bug Fixes
- PC-Exclusive Fixes:
- Fixed a bug allowing early entry into Agent Select by leaving a party at the “Match Found” prompt.
- Removed an exploit that enabled stretched FOV when using a 4:3 resolution in windowed mode.
- Competitor Crest title will now display on the Premier career page after earning it.
- Console-Only Fixes:
- Fixed issues that prevented players with long block lists from joining voice chat.
- Fixed a bug that allowed sending friend requests to blocked players.
- Fixed friend request issues in the console-friends tab.
Conclusion
VALORANT Patch 9.09 may be a lighter update, but its bug fixes and UI adjustments set the stage for a more polished game experience. As we look forward to the bigger updates planned for the year-end, Patch 9.09 offers a clean-up of minor issues to enhance gameplay on both PC and console.
Make sure to check in on November 5 to enjoy the improvements and stay tuned for more information on upcoming features like the Arcane 2.0 bundle.
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