VALORANT Patch 10.01: Everything you need to know

Riot Games has released Patch 10.01 for VALORANT, bringing a concise but impactful set of updates. While the update focuses primarily on enhancing the competitive experience, it also addresses a variety of bugs, particularly for the game’s newest agent, Tejo.

Competitive Updates: Introducing Rank Shields

One of the most significant changes in this patch is the introduction of Rank Shields to Competitive Mode. This system provides a buffer for players in Tier 1 of all ranks (except Radiant) to avoid immediate demotion after hitting 0 RR.

How Rank Shields Work

• Players are granted two Rank Shields when they enter Tier 1 (e.g., Silver 1, Gold 1, etc.).
• Losing a game at 0 RR consumes one shield.
• Losing three consecutive games at 0 RR results in a rank demotion (e.g., from Gold 1 to Silver 3).
• Shields do not apply to other tiers of a rank (e.g., Gold 2).
• Shields are replenished only when moving into Tier 1 via promotion or demotion. Winning at 0 RR does not replenish shields.

Players can view detailed information about Rank Shields in the Rank Details screen within the client.

Bug Fixes: Spotlight on Tejo

Patch 10.01 also focuses on resolving numerous issues surrounding Tejo, VALORANT's newest agent.

Fixed Tejo Bugs

• Armageddon Blast Zone: Fixed an issue where players re-entering the blast zone were not counted as Displaced in the Combat Report.
• Guided Salvo:
  • Projectiles no longer get stuck inside walls when blocked by Sage’s Barrier Orb.
  • Smoke trail visual effects (VFX) no longer clip through thin walls or structures.
  • Damage visuals now correctly reflect a spherical damage zone instead of a cylindrical one.
  • The ability no longer damages elevated players without showing a warning indicator.
• Stealth Drone:
  • Fixed a bug where Nearsighted drones could see enemy model outlines.
  • Drones are no longer slowed outside the area of Sage’s Slow Orb.
• Artillery Missile: Resolved functionality issues when cast outside the map boundary.

These updates should provide a more polished experience for Tejo mains and make his abilities feel reliable in high-stakes matches.

Map Fixes

• Bind: Fixed invisible collision that occasionally interfered with agent utility in one of the teleporter rooms.

PC-Only Bug Fixes

Premier

• Resolved inconsistent font sizes on certain pop-up screens (e.g., Change Zone, Delete Team).
• Fixed missing tooltips in Premier match history and lobby warnings.

Console-Only Bug Fixes

Competitive Systems

• Fixed an overlapping issue with the queue timer on the Leaderboard page.

Patch 10.01 ensures that VALORANT players have a smoother, fairer experience in Competitive Mode with the addition of Rank Shields. Meanwhile, numerous fixes for Tejo and other in-game systems highlight Riot Games’ commitment to addressing community feedback.

You can read the full patch notes HERE.

Jump into the update and see how these changes enhance your matches! Stay tuned to THESPIKE for more news and coverage on future VALORANT updates, and on the 2025 VALORANT Season.

Featured Image Source: Riot Games