Valorant Episode 3: features a new battle pass, a new agent and several tweaks to the competitive ranking system.
New agent: KAY/O
One of the most hyped-up elements of Episode 3 was the anticipated release of the new agent. Kay/o is now a playable character for all to enjoy or suffer from—take your pick. The new agent is classified as an “Initiator” and is packed with exciting abilities, flash included, to shake things up.
Valorant gives back
In the weeks leading up to Episode 3’s launch, Valorant asked its community to vote for the skins they loved to see the most. Said skins have been included in the opening premium skin bundle available in Valorant’s in-game store.
The Give-Back Bundle includes the Valorant Go! Vo. 1 Spectre, the Reaver Sheriff and Vandal, and the Ion Operator skins. The bundle also includes a “Give-Back” gun buddy, spray and player card. The whole bundle goes for 6,380 Valorant points.
The Give-Back Bundle is only available between June 22 and July 8. Half of the proceeds from the gun skins and all of the proceeds from the accessories will be given to the Riot Games Social Impact Fund.
Year 1 and Episode 3 Act 1 battle passes
Per the announcement, the Year One battle pass comes with “seven levels of exclusive YR1 items like the Episode 3 Player Card, a Gun Buddy, and more. Just play VALORANT, earn XP, and unlock.”
The Year One Battle-Pass comes to Valorant players in addition to Episode 3: Act 1’s official battle pass that’s purchasable for 1,000 Valorant points. The act’s own battle pass has unlockable skins from the K-Tac, Jigsaw and Monarch skin sets.
New account levelling system and improved competitive play
In addition to the new content available in episode 3, Riot has released a new account levelling system that seeks to recognize players loyal to the game outside the realm of competitive matches. An account’s player card will now be fitted with a numerical value based on how much you play Valorant regardless of game mode.
The newest update to Valorant’s competitive matchmaking system boasts an improvement to the accuracy of matchmaking. Skilled players now have the chance to be placed as high as Diamond 1 upon starting their journey on the ranked ladder.
Patch 3.0 also comes with significant changes to several agent abilities, their costs and the costs of almost every gun useable in the game.
