VALORANT Patch 13.05 focuses on quality-of-life improvements, esports features, player behavior, and several Agent bug fixes ahead of the larger 13.06 update.
Riot Games has released VALORANT Patch 13.05, a relatively small update that focuses primarily on bug fixes, esports features, player behavior improvements, and quality-of-life changes.
The update brings back Pick’Ems for Champions Shanghai, adjusts the audio range of Sound Sprays, and introduces penalties for players using stream-sniping and instalock tools.
Riot has also warned players about an upcoming Agent Gear progression overhaul arriving with Patch 13.06 on September 22.
Champions Shanghai Pick’Ems Return
One of the biggest additions in Patch 13.05 is the return of Pick’Ems for VALORANT Champions Shanghai.
Starting September 10, players will be able to make their Champions Shanghai Group Stage predictions both in the VALORANT client and on the web.
Players can earn points by correctly predicting which teams will advance, with additional points available for correctly predicting their exact placements. Riot is also offering rewards simply for participating.
Predictions must be submitted before the Group Stage begins on September 24.
Agent Gear System Is Changing
Riot has also given players an early warning about changes coming to the Agent Gear progression system.
With Patch 13.06, scheduled to launch on September 22, Agent Gear progression will be redesigned so that each piece of gear is directly tied to how much players use the associated Agent.
Players will keep all Agent Gear they have already unlocked, while Kingdom Credits will remain the currency used to unlock future gear.
Riot is encouraging players who are currently working toward Agent Gear for Agents they do not regularly play to complete those unlocks before Patch 13.06 arrives.
Sound Sprays Receive Audio Changes
Patch 13.05 also changes how Sound Sprays work.
Based on player feedback, Riot has adjusted their sound attenuation so that players will only hear Sound Sprays when they are nearby. The goal is to reduce unnecessary audio clutter and make it easier for teammates to communicate during matches.
Riot says this proximity-based audio standard will also apply to future audio sprays.
Riot Targets Stream Sniping and Instalock Tools
Riot Games has started rolling out penalties for players detected using stream-sniping and instalock tools.
Players caught using these tools can receive temporary game bans, with repeated violations potentially escalating to permanent bans.
The move is intended to protect competitive integrity and reduce disruptive behavior, particularly in ranked matches.
VALORANT Patch 13.05 Agent Bug Fixes
The latest update also addresses a number of Agent-specific bugs.
General Agent fixes:
- Fixed an issue where an Agent’s Ultimate voiceover could continue from an enemy’s perspective after the caster was eliminated.
- Fixed an issue where the Combat Report incorrectly displayed “Enemies Blinded” for certain abilities that do not apply Blind.
- Fixed an issue where smokes could continue blocking flashes and other line-of-sight abilities while dissipating.
Chamber:
- Fixed performance drops that could occur the first time Chamber equipped, aimed, or fired Headhunter during a round.
Cypher:
- Fixed an issue where Trapwire’s debuff could persist indefinitely on a new target if the original target died immediately before the Trapwire triggered.
- Fixed Cyber Cage incorrectly blocking flashes, detection, and other line-of-sight abilities.
Deadlock:
- Fixed unintended visual effects appearing briefly when casting GravNet.
Fade:
- Fixed an issue where Seize’s danger indicator would not appear for enemies in certain locations on Lotus.
KAY/O:
- Fixed client-side frame-rate drops caused by each pulse of NULL/cmd.
Omen:
- Fixed an issue where Dark Cover could continue obscuring vision after the smoke had dissipated.
Sage:
- Fixed missing Healing Orb ability tooltips on the HUD when equipping the ability.
Waylay:
- Fixed an issue where vision-blocking abilities could prevent Saturate from applying Hinder to players within its area of effect.
- Fixed Refract leaving snapshots of dynamic map objects visible after the ability ended.
- Fixed Saturate applying Hinder to Agents while they were intangible.
PC-Only Updates
PC players also receive a couple of additional changes in Patch 13.05.
The Range Practice Mode now allows players to choose whether 10, 5, or 1 bot will spawn. The default has been changed to five bots, and players can adjust the setting through the Range options.
Riot has also fixed an issue where the close button would not function properly after purchasing VALORANT Points.
VALORANT Patch 13.05 Sets Up the Next Update
While Patch 13.05 does not introduce major Agent or gameplay changes, it lays the groundwork for several upcoming features and improvements.
The return of Champions Shanghai Pick’Ems gives fans another way to engage with the international tournament, while Riot’s new penalties target tools that can negatively affect competitive integrity.
Meanwhile, players who are working toward Agent Gear should take note of the September 22 deadline for the current progression system, as Patch 13.06 will introduce significant changes to how Agent Gear is unlocked.
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