VALORANT 11.00 Patch Notes: Act 4 Release Time, New Map Corrode, and Massive Duelist Changes

VALORANT Patch 11.00 marks a major shift in the game’s balance, returning focus to precise gunplay and reducing the dominance of ability-heavy gameplay. The new map Corrode enters the competitive pool, and major nerfs to Duelist Agents reshape the current meta. Here’s everything you need to know about the update and how it’s set to influence both ranked and professional play.

Though famed as an FPS, VALORANT has recently fallen into a grueling ability-heavy meta. Its next update will redirect the game back to its 'precise gunplay' roots with significant Duelist kit nerfs that widen counterplay opportunities. In addition, new map Corrode will push players out of hiding with limited cover and wide-open lanes. Let's explore everything about VALORANT Patch 11.00, including its key changes and how it will affect the meta.

How Will VALORANT Patch 11.00 Affect the Esports Meta?

Patch 11.00’s primary focus is on Duelist Agents, who often take the first contact in matches. Riot Games is pushing the game back toward its roots—gun skill over utility spam.

Key Changes:

• Waylay has been buffed after a weak launch.

• Reyna, Neon, and Phoenix have all received nerfs to make their flash/concussion abilities easier to counter.

• The new map Corrode encourages gunfights with long sightlines and reduced cover.

Biggest Winners and Losers

Winners:

• Waylay (Buffs to core abilities)

• Omen (VFX changes provide indirect buff)

• Killjoy (Lockdown improved)

Losers:

• Reyna (Weaker Leer)

• Neon (Slower Relay Bolt)

• Phoenix (Flash slower to activate)

Patch 11.00 and VALORANT Act 4 launch on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, with expected downtime starting around 9:00 AM ET.

Agent Balance Changes

Waylay – Buffed Across the Board

Waylay has struggled across all skill tiers, so Riot is improving all of her core tools:

Refract:

• Min duration: 0.5s → 0.35s

• Max duration: 3s → 2s

• Unequip time: 1.0s → 0.8s

• Reactivation delay: 0.1s → 0.05s

Lightspeed:

• Unequip delay: 0.8s → 0.6s

Saturate:

• Windup: 0.75s → 0.6s

• Size: 10m → 12m

Reyna – Flash Nerf

Leer:

• HP: 100 → 80

• Visual clarity improved for better shootability

Neon – Relay Bolt Nerf

Relay Bolt:

• Windup time: 0.8s → 1.0s

Phoenix – Curveball Nerf

Curveball:

• Windup time: 0.5s → 0.6s

Omen – VFX Improvements

Omen no longer reveals his smoke trail direction before activation, removing a major disadvantage that other Controllers didn't have.

Killjoy – Lockdown Buff

Lockdown Pulse Delay:

• 0.5s → 0.15s

• This makes her ultimate harder to escape and more effective.

New Map: Corrode

Corrode is a triple-lane map set in a ruined medieval town in the French countryside. It’s designed with minimal cover, long angles, and muted visuals for high visibility, encouraging gunplay over ability spam.

“We wanted to reduce the pressure of overwhelming Agent utility and bring back the feel of a classic tactical FPS.”
— Joey Simas, Lead Map Designer

Map Highlights:

• 3-lane structure

• 2 bomb sites

• Simple mid area for strong rotations

• Limited post-plant utility opportunities

• Desaturated visuals for better contrast

Corrode enters the Competitive map pool immediately, and players can enjoy a Corrode-only Swiftplay queue until June 30, 2025.

Patch 11.00 Competitive Changes

• Ranked reset is live for the new Act

• Max placement rank is now Ascendant 3

Updated Competitive Map Pool

Added:

• Corrode

• Bind

Removed:

• Pearl

• Split

Current Map Pool:

• Corrode

• Bind

• Ascent

• Fracture

• Haven

• Icebox

• Lotus

Other Patch 11.00 Changes

• Escalation mode temporarily disabled

• Premier Team info now visible in player profiles

• Players can now report inappropriate Premier team names

• Console clients gain access to an Esports Hub

Conclusion

VALORANT Patch 11.00 redefines core gameplay with a return to mechanical skill and a reduction in overpowered utility usage. Whether you're a pro or a casual player, adapting to Corrode’s open layout and the Duelist nerfs will be crucial to your success. With Waylay finally viable and Omen more competitive, the tactical shooter is evolving once again.