VALORANT Patch 11.00: Waylay buffs, Corrode launch and competitive changes

VALORANT’s Patch 11.00 is here, and it’s bringing one of the biggest midseason updates in recent memory. From agent balance tweaks and gameplay clarity improvements to a brand-new map, Corrode, there’s a little something for everyone - whether you’re grinding ranked, learning new agents, or jumping into console for the first time.

Let’s break down everything coming in this update across platforms, competitive play, and new content.

Agent Updates

Waylay Gets a Major Boost

The newly introduced duelist Waylay has had a rocky start, with a steep learning curve and limited impact at all skill tiers. Patch 11.00 looks to remedy that by improving the speed, fluidity, and effectiveness of her core abilities:

• Refract, her primary repositioning tool, now activates quicker and more smoothly, reducing both minimum time (0.5s >>> 0.35s) and maximum time (3s >>> 2s) in Refract mode.
• Lightspeed’s unequip delay is shortened (0.8s >>> 0.6s), allowing her to fight faster after zipping across the map.
• Saturate, her zone control ability, gets a significant buff: larger size (12m total) and faster detonation time (0.75s >>> 0.6s), making it far more impactful.

These changes aim to let Waylay better contest fights and execute her playstyle with less friction.

Reyna, Phoenix, and Neon Adjusted for Clarity and Counterplay

• Reyna’s Leer is now less tanky (HP reduced from 100 to 80), and visual/audio feedback has been added to make it clearer when you're damaging the orb.
• Phoenix’s Curveball and Neon’s Relay Bolt have slightly longer windup times (0.5s >>> 0.6s and 0.8s >>> 1.0s respectively), increasing counterplay opportunities for opponents. These changes slow down their instant advantage slightly without nerfing their overall power.

Visual and Audio Clarity

Several agents received targeted updates to improve clarity, aiming to make ability states, animations, and sound cues easier to read.

• Breach’s Aftershock VFX now resolve faster and block less screen space.
• Sova’s Recon Bolt and Owl Drone now have clearer and more directional audio, helping players understand what they’re hearing even in chaotic fights.
• Clove’s Pick-Me-Up shows a visible indicator for the speed boost state.
• Killjoy’s Lockdown now has a quicker detain pulse (0.15s, down from 0.5s), with updated visuals.
• Cypher’s Spycam darts have clearer directional visuals.
• Omen’s Dark Cover no longer emits audio that reveals his position to enemies.
• Brimstone’s Sky Smoke now plays cast audio for nearby allies, improving communication.

Together, these tweaks enhance situational awareness and should reduce confusion in the middle of engagements.

Corrode Launches

Patch 11.00 introduces Corrode, the newest addition to the VALORANT map pool. This unique battlefield takes players through a radianite-ravaged fortress with layered medieval architecture repurposed with industrial tech.

Make sure to read our full guide on the new VALORANT map Corrode.

• Map Structure: Classic 5v5 with three lanes and two spike sites.
• Modes Available: Competitive, Deathmatch, Premier, Swiftplay, Spike Rush, and Escalation.
• Launch Support: A dedicated Corrode-only Swiftplay queue will run for 5 days, giving everyone time to learn the map.

In terms of the active map pool:

• Bind and Corrode are in.
• Pearl and Split are out for both Competitive and Deathmatch.

Additionally, for the first two weeks, RR losses on Corrode are reduced by 50%, encouraging players to queue up and learn without fear of tanking their rank.

Competitive Mode Updates

With Act IV of Episode 2025 now live, several competitive updates are being implemented:

• Rank Reset Tuning: Placement drops after the midseason reset have been softened. You’re less likely to be significantly demoted after placements.
• Placement Cap Increased: The max you can now place is Ascendant 3, up from Ascendant 1.
• Ranked Gun Buddy: Earned based on the highest rank achieved across the first three acts of 2025.

Combined with Corrode’s launch in ranked on day one and the reduced RR loss, this is one of the most competitive-friendly patches yet.

Premier Stage V25A4

VALORANT’s Premier system continues to evolve with new features in Stage V25A4:

• Team Identity Boost:

  • Team names now show on your hover card, leaderboard, and even in-game elements like the killfeed.
  • Plating and Team Tags will be displayed across the client, boosting team pride.

• New Progression Rewards:

  • Play two Weekly matches or one Playoff match to earn basic Plating.
  • Qualify and win Playoffs to unlock Champion’s Aura, a visual effect that persists throughout the next act.

• Awards Tab: Now live, view all available rewards and track your team’s journey.

Console Gains Esports Hub Access

Console players rejoice! The Esports Hub is officially live on console, giving players a detailed look into the 2025 VCT circuit:

• Overview page detailing the current phase of the VCT journey
• Stage 2 International League brackets and schedules (starting July 12)
• Team and player profiles to get familiar with top-tier pros

With VALORANT slowly expanding its console footprint, this is a major step toward parity with PC players.

Gameplay & UI Tweaks

VALORANT continues its push for clarity and feedback-based improvements with two general changes:

• Suppression Debuff Visuals: Easier to spot when enemies are suppressed.
• Spike Pickup Animations: New UI/UX makes it more obvious who’s picked up the spike, a much-requested QoL update.

Bug Fixes

Patch 11.00 brings a slew of bug fixes across the board:

General Fixes:

• Fixed lingering vulnerable/fragile visual effects.
• Fixed deployables keeping teleporters open on Bind.

Agent-Specific Fixes:

• KAY/O: Suppression visuals now always appear on affected opponents.
• Raze: Paint Shells VFX no longer persist across rounds.
• Omen: Fixed inconsistency when spamming Shadowstep while casting smokes.
• Breach: Fault Line debuff now properly applies on uneven terrain.
• Astra: Astral World visual bugs fixed after disconnections.
• Skye/Cypher: Fixed tooltip spacing issues.

With these fixes, several gameplay and immersion bugs that have lingered over past patches are now finally resolved.

Behavioral Updates

A new reporting feature is now live for Premier team names:

• You can report inappropriate team names directly from standings, match history, or the end-of-game screen.
• Offensive names may result in forced renaming or Premier restrictions if repeated.

It’s a small step, but one that helps keep the game environment professional and welcoming.

Patch 11.00 sets the tone for VALORANT’s future, focusing on clarity, competitive balance, and fresh content. With agent reworks, smoother gameplay, and the debut of Corrode, it’s the perfect time to dive in and sharpen your skills.

For all things VCT-related, make sure to stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG as we continue to update you with the freshest game and esports news.

Featured Image Source: Riot Games