Valorant Patch 12.08: New Skirmish Ascension Mode and Act 3 Updates

Valorant has officially launched its Version 12.08 update, initiating the exciting journey into Act 3. This latest patch introduces several significant enhancements and features, so let’s delve into the key updates.

In recent months, Riot Games has been consistently rolling out substantial updates for Valorant, transforming the gameplay experience. Major changes have included a revamp of the agent roster, the introduction of new characters, and the addition of a new weapon, contributing to a fresh gameplay landscape.

As summer approaches and the game celebrates its sixth anniversary, players can anticipate even more captivating developments on the horizon. For now, however, the focus is on the innovations brought by Act 3 and the 12.08 update.

Launching a new act in Valorant is always a noteworthy event, and Act 3 is no exception. Its arrival is marked by the introduction of Skirmish: Ascension, a new mode packed with exciting gameplay features. Here’s what players can expect in this update.

Introducing Skirmish: Ascension

Skirmish: Ascension makes its debut with the 12.09 update, representing the next chapter in the Skirmish series. This mode features a specially curated agent pool alongside 1v1 and 2v2 matchmaking options.

Additionally, players can now engage in a competitive ladder called FTW. This allows solo competitors to showcase their skills or team up with a partner for ranked matches.

The primary objective is simple: be the first team to win ten rounds utilizing the designated guns and abilities provided in the match.

Valorant characters battling in Skirmish: Ascension — Riot Games

Experience the thrill of Skirmish: Ascension in both 1v1 and 2v2 formats.

What’s New: Act 3 Battlepass and Kuronami 2.0 Bundle

In addition to the new Skirmish mode, players can purchase the Kuronami 2.0 bundle for 9, 500 VP. This exciting bundle includes skins for various weapons, including the Melee Kunai/Katana, Phantom, Operator, Ghost, and Guardian.

The Act 3 Battlepass has also been unveiled, offering players the chance to earn unique items such as the Keys to Elysium Vandal, Insidious Phantom, and Boss Bear Spray, among many others.

Below are the comprehensive patch notes for the Valorant 12.08 update.

Valorant 12.08 Patch Notes Overview

AVAILABLE ON ALL PLATFORMS

Map Updates

Map Pool alteration
ASCENT enters the Competitive and Deathmatch queues.
BIND is removed from the Competitive and Deathmatch queues.

Mode Updates

Introducing a New Limited-Time Mode
Debuting Skirmish: Ascension, a competitive and ranked experience for Skirmish.

This new mode is designed to emphasize skill and quick-paced competition, keeping gunplay at the forefront while incorporating selected abilities for strategic depth. Players can choose from a limited roster of agents, each equipped with a single ability, and compete in structured weapon rounds in 1v1 or 2v2 formats. Compete on the FTW ranked ladder to earn accolades and establish your superiority. This mode is available throughout Act 3.

Mode Specifics

Agents & Abilities

Select from 14 agents, each limited to one ability.

Jett (Tailwind)
Waylay (Refract)
Chamber (Rendezvous)
Cypher (Cyber Cage)
Omen (Shrouded Step)
Phoenix (Curve Ball)
Yoru (Clone)
Iso (Contingency)
Sage (Barrier Orb)
Raze (Blast Pack)
High (Arc Rose)
KAY/O (Flash/Drive)
Breach (Flashpoint)
Veto (Crosscut)

Staged Weapons

The economy system is eliminated; weapon tiers escalate as the match progresses.
Rounds 1-4: Pistols (Bandit, Sheriff)
Rounds 5-8: Low-tier rifles (Guardian, Bulldog)
Rounds 9+: Vandal and Phantom

Matchmaking Queues

Separate matchmaking for 1v1 and 2v2 scenarios.

Round Structure

First team to win 10 rounds is declared the winner.

FTW Ranked Ladder

Competitive leaderboard categorized by server, region, and platform.
Distinct leaderboards for 1v1 and 2v2, tracked separately.

Rank Tiers

Iron: 700
Bronze: 1100
Silver: 1500
Gold: 1800
Platinum: 2100
Diamond: 2400
Ascendant: 2700
Immortal: MAX
Radiant: Top 100

Player Rewards

Combat Ready player card for completing 3 matches in Skirmish: Ascension.
Trade Me player card for completing 15 matches in Skirmish: Ascension.
Titles awarded based on the highest rank achieved on either ladder:

Skirmish Competitor: Gold to Platinum
Skirmish Expert: Diamond to Immortal
Skirmish Legend: Radiant

Conclusion for Limited-Time Modes

The Knockout mode will be retired. Thank you for your participation!

Bug Fixes

Agent-Specific Fixes

Previously Reported Fixes from Patch 12.07:
Updated a bug affecting Miks’ Bassquake and its minimap display.
Resolved an issue with Veto’s Chokehold detecting enemies incorrectly behind rotating doors on Lotus.
Fixed a visual problem with KAY/O’s ability effects.
Corrected the audio issues with Neon’s High Gear slide.

EXCLUSIVE TO PC

Premier Updates

Welcome to Stage V26A3! Matches are set to begin on May 6.

Contender and Invite Division schedule changes:

Only 6 weeks of matches for this stage, occurring each Saturday from May 9 to June 13.
Playoffs will now extend over multiple days, beginning on June 20.
Teams progressing from the initial playoff round will reconvene on June 21 for their subsequent matchup.

Be sure to verify match timing in the client based on your region!

Identified Bug Fixes

General Fixes

Corrected an issue with audio sliders in settings.
Resolved a problem where exiting the client was ineffective while a replay was paused.

EXCLUSIVE TO CONSOLE

Known Issues

Modes

For Skirmish 2v2: Ascension and Skirmish 1v1: Ascension, the timer freezes at 00:50 seconds during overtime.
In the aforementioned modes, agent abilities do not appear in the Combat Report in the following round after having impacted opponents.

Source & Images