VALORANT’s beta Imperium knife returns in upcoming bundle

Riot Games is preparing to launch a new in-game bundle designed to celebrate the earliest days of VALORANT. Aimed at the game’s original beta testers and long-time fans, the upcoming Beta Bundle features the return of the original Imperium melee weapon, along with several throwback cosmetics meant to capture the spirit of the game's beginnings.

A throwback five years in the making

When VALORANT’s closed beta kicked off on April 7, 2020, the game featured only a handful of available weapon skins. Among the first collections introduced was the Imperium bundle, which included a Classic and a melee. These skins were removed from players' inventories at launch, making them inaccessible for years and turning them into a piece of VALORANT history.

Three years later, Riot eventually revived the Imperium line in a full collection featuring updated designs for weapons like the Vandal, Operator, Judge, and Sheriff, but this latest bundle takes a different approach. It brings back the original beta-era melee knife, staying true to its initial look and feel. The return of this melee hasn’t been in high demand, but it’s a meaningful gesture for those who remember using it during the beta.

Tapping into Nostalgia

The knife comes with a sleek flipping inspect animation, similar to the popular Xenohunter knife, and includes three color variants: red, blue, and purple. Though it lacks the flashiness and intricate designs of recent melee skins, its simplicity offers a dose of authenticity and nostalgia.

The Beta Bundle also includes a reactive gun buddy that flashes red when securing a kill, an animated OG player card, and a spray that plays the old beta lobby music. It’s a curated collection that pays tribute to the game’s roots.

Even if the Imperium melee’s return wasn’t heavily requested, the bundle serves as a quiet but heartfelt nod to the earliest players who helped define VALORANT’s path. If you want more VALORANT news, keep it locked to THESPIKE.GG.