Riot Games Faces Backlash from Valorant Players Over “Greedy” New Cosmetic Feature

Valorant has recently introduced a new cosmetic type, FLEX, which has sparked considerable backlash from the gaming community. Players are labeling it as “useless” and accusing the developers of creating a mere “money grab.”

This change comes with the launch of Patch 10.00, which also features the debut of the new agent Tejo and a variety of other enhancements. Among these updates, FLEX stands out as a notable yet controversial addition.

FLEX is being described not as a traditional gameplay feature but rather as a new style of cosmetic. Unlike the gameplay mechanics that allow players to switch roles, this cosmetic serves purely aesthetic purposes.

Understanding FLEX Cosmetics

FLEX items are designed as interactive objects that players can hold during gameplay. When equipped, they can be accessed via the Spray Wheel, allowing players to showcase their unique animations during matches. However, it’s important to note that these animations are only visible from the player’s perspective and do not enhance gameplay or speed, thus predominantly serving to adorn character appearances.

Introducing FLEX, a new Cosmetic Type | #VALORANT pic.twitter.com/5tSi8ovosj

— Mike | Valorant Leaks & News (@ValorLeaks) January 6, 2025

Community Reactions to FLEX Cosmetics

The response from Valorant players has been overwhelmingly negative since the introduction of FLEX. Many have drawn comparisons to Souvenirs from Overwatch, with some users expressing that while Overwatch’s items had a certain charm, the new VALORANT offerings feel uninspired and more like a cash grab.

Critics have questioned Riot Games’ intentions, alleging that these cosmetics could eventually lead to inflated bundle prices. One commenter voiced concern that we might soon see FLEX items bundled with skins, raising overall costs by a considerable margin.

Others speculated that the introduction of FLEX was part of a larger trend in gaming designed to assess player spending behaviors. Comments like, “Either they want to see how willing people are to buy these items, or their greed is becoming apparent,” highlight a growing sentiment of skepticism among the player base.

A frequent theme in social media discussions is the perceived lack of functionality for these cosmetics. One user humorously suggested the design rationale, saying, “What if we made cosmetics that have zero effect on the game and are essentially just useless fidget toys? Holy s***t, that’s genius.”

Another user added humorously, “Next patch the phone will play TikToks, thus completing the brain rot cycle.”

As of now, two FLEX cosmetics have been unveiled: a snowflake and a phone, the latter being available for free. The community’s overall sentiment indicates disappointment, underscoring the divide between player expectations and the new direction taken by Valorant’s cosmetic offerings.

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