Phoenix and Yoru buffs headline VALORANT Patch 5.01
Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Yoru Wallpaper
Provided by Riot Games
Category:
VALORANT
News

Phoenix and Yoru buffs headline VALORANT Patch 5.01

The game's latest patch also adds a more robust smurf detection system
Image of Coby Zucker
Coby Zucker
|

Published: Jul 12, 2022 10:33 am

VALORANT Patch 5.01 brings much-needed buffs to Phoenix and Yoru, changes to KAY/O and a few tweaks to existing gameplay systems. After the flood of content that came in Patch 5.0 — including the new map Pearl and the new rank Ascendent — Patch 5.1 is more about balancing VALORANT gameplay and improving user experience.

Recommended Videos

Phoenix got the biggest brush-up with substantial buffs to his Curveball (Q) and minor buffs to his Blaze (C) and his ultimate. Yoru’s ultimate got a similar treatment, receiving a solid buff that may push the agent even close to competitive viability. Finally, KAY/O got a quality of life update that may be an overall minor buff.

Phoenix

Curveball (Q)

  • Flash Max duration increased 1.1 seconds to 1.5
  • Flash Windup decreased .7 seconds to .5

Blaze (C)

  • Phoenix will now equip his weapon earlier if he stops bending his wall

Run it Back (X)

  • Phoenix will now spawn at the marker with the amount of shields he had when the ability was cast

Yoru

Dimensional Drift (X)

  • Increased duration of ultimate 10 seconds to 12
  • Reduced unequip time 1.2 seconds to 0.8

KAY/O

FRAG/ment (C)

  • Zone diameter reduced 10 meters to 8
  • Damage now applies without needing line of sight

NULL/cmd (X)

  • Now, only allies will hear the full channel audio of reviving KAY/O, while downed
    • Enemies will only hear a short audio cue when the revive has started, matching a similar gameplay pattern to playing around ultimate orbs or tapping the bomb

Gameplay Systems

The big improvement to gameplay systems shipping with VALORANT Patch 5.1 is a new functionality added to smurf detection in North America. The aim is to ensure that new accounts are matched up with players of the same skill level as soon as possible. While the system is being tested in North America first, if everything is working according to plan it will go worldwide. Testing will begin some time this week, according to Riot.

On top of the smurf detection, Patch 5.01 adds improved collision behavior. That means walking next to or behind another player will should feel less jittery.

related content
Author
Image of Coby Zucker
Coby Zucker
Coby Zucker is Upcomer's resident CS:GO writer. He's also played League of Legends at the collegiate level and is a frequent visitor in TFT Challenger Elo. He's a firm believer that Toronto should be the next big esports hub city.