VALORANT Patch 12.00: Breeze rework, new sidearm, and a chaotic new game mode

Riot Games has kicked off 2026 with a massive update. VALORANT Patch 12.00 introduces long-requested features, agent balance changes, and the return of Breeze after a full rework. With a brand-new sidearm hitting the store and an experimental limited-time game mode shaking things up, this patch is packed from top to bottom.

New Sidearm: Bandit

A new sidearm, the Bandit, arrives in Patch 12.00, and it slots right between the Ghost and Sheriff in the economy. This weapon provides a powerful one-tap potential (light armor only) while staying affordable, creating new decision space in light buy rounds. Counter-Strike players might see a glaring similarity between the Bandit and the beloved Five-SeveN pistol, but the addition is nonetheless a welcome one.

Bandit Stats:

• Price: 600 credits
• Magazine: 8 bullets (24 reserve)
• Wall Penetration: Medium
• Reload Time: 1.5s
• Equip Time: 0.75s

The Bandit is designed for players who value crisp aim and eco round versatility. It’s a compelling alternative for pistol round specialists who might prefer a bit more firepower than the Ghost, but don’t want to invest all their money on the Sheriff.

New Limited-Time Game Mode: “All Random, One Site”

A new game mode is here to give players a break from the usual ranked grind. All Random, One Site throws players into a fast-paced 5v5 experience where chaos reigns supreme.

Every round assigns a completely random Agent to each player (no duplicates) and restricts combat to a single bomb site that changes between rounds. There’s no economy, infinite ability charges, and recharging tools that encourage creative mid-round plays.

Highlights:

• Random Agent every round (all Agents unlocked).
• One active site per round, randomized.
• Full ability charges at round start, abilities recharge over time
• Ultimate Orbs appear around the map, granting 50% ultimate charge when collected.
  • Eliminating opponents grants 50% ultimate charge.
  • When a player is killed, they drop Ground Orbs containing their accumulated ultimate charge.
• Free loadouts that escalate as the match progresses.

The mode will be available on Abyss, Ascent, Breeze, Corrode, Pearl, Icebox, Sunset, and Split. As this new addition enters the rotation, Snowball Fight will step aside.

Breeze Returns with a New Look

Breeze makes its comeback, and it’s not the same tropical island fans remember. Riot describes this as the biggest Breeze rework yet, focused on reducing angle complexity, closing excessive open spaces, and speeding up defender rotations.

Players can expect significantly altered site layouts that will demand fresh strategies. To encourage everyone to relearn the map, Riot has temporarily reduced Competitive RR losses by 50% on Breeze for the first two weeks following the update.

Map Pool Update:

• Breeze is back in Competitive and Deathmatch queues.
• Sunset rotates out for now.

Click HERE to learn more about all the new changes made to Breeze.

More Map Changes

Both Haven and Corrode have received targeted updates to wall penetration mechanics, reducing the ability for players to secure kills or control space through walls with minimal risk.

Haven

• Mid Window: Added a breakable element to prevent early-round eliminations caused by wall penetration shots.

Corrode

Certain wall materials were overly powerful for holding space using wall penetration alone. Thus certain adjustments have been made to require greater risk and positioning commitment.

• A Site: Updated wall material on a key surface.

• B Site: Updated wall material on a key surface.

Competitive and System Updates

• Matchmaking receives a quiet but crucial upgrade with tweaks to the hidden MMR system, designed to deliver more consistent match quality.
• In Europe, multi-factor authentication (MFA) is now mandatory for all Competitive players ranked Ascendant and above, and also for accounts flagged for sharing.
• Riot also adds Replays for Custom, Swiftplay and Standard matches, finally enabling teams to review scrims and improve coordination. The party leader must turn this feature on in the custom lobby settings.

Agent Balance Updates

Several Agents get meaningful tweaks this patch:

• Breach: Flashpoint projectile speed up 20%, Fault Line width widened.
• Harbor: Storm Surge no longer needs line of sight, while slow durations increased.
• Sage: Healing Orb targeting improved for more accurate ally selection.
• Tejo: New damage added to Special Delivery, Drone adjustments for clarity.
• Vyse: Steel Garden’s radius and width slightly increased for stronger site control.
• Brimstone: Tactical map readability improved for Smokes and Ult.

Player Behavior & Community Updates

Riot introduces the Behavior Standing system. This adds a new indicator in the Social Panel showing your current penalty risk level. Players will also need to acknowledge the new Community Pact, reinforcing core values like fairness and respect annually.

Voice and text chat offenses will now trigger stiffer and faster penalties, while inappropriate Riot IDs tied to bans can’t be changed until suspension ends.

Client Revamps and Premier Details

PC players will notice a redesigned Home Screen, Lobby, and Social Panel, with clearer navigation and fresh visuals. Riot also improved the Queue Select interface and friend request management tools.

In competitive Premier mode, Stage V26A1 begins January 14. Teams that failed to finish top 16 in Invite Division have been demoted but can reselect zones before playing.

Bug Fixes and Miscellaneous Improvements

Patch 12.00 fixes a sweeping list of bugs across Agents, maps, and client systems, most notably addressing animation glitches, incorrect wall penetration zones on Haven and Bind, and visibility issues for Deadlock’s Barrier Mesh.

Console players also see smoother queue management and interface labeling fixes.

VALORANT Season 2026 Is Off to a Hot Start

Between the Breeze rework, Bandit’s debut, and the chaotic fun of All Random, One Site, VALORANT’s 2026 season is making a strong first impression. With these new changes, Riot Games seems intent on evolving both gameplay and community experience.

Click HERE to read the full Patch Notes. 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