The first patch of 2025 marks a pivotal shift for VALORANT’s future. Riot Games is shaking things up by retiring the Episode format that’s been a cornerstone of the game since its launch in 2020.
But we’re also getting a fresh agent, map pool updates, and some much-needed explosion mechanics fixes.
Goodbye Episodes, Hello Season 2025
In the most significant structural change since its launch, VALORANT is moving away from its Episode system to introduce a year-long Season format.
The new Season 2025 will be divided into six Acts, creating a more cohesive competitive calendar that aligns with the game’s growing esports scene.
This shift isn’t just cosmetic – it comes with two rank resets planned for the year. The first hits as Season 2025 kicks off, with another reset scheduled for mid-season.
For players who’ve been around since beta, this marks a notable departure from the predictable Episode rank resets we’ve seen every six months.
Tejo Makes an Explosive Entrance
The roster expands with Tejo, bringing guided ballistics and what might be the most stylish eyewear in the VALORANT universe.
His arrival coincides with a comprehensive update on explosion-based abilities, which affect veterans Raze, Sova, and Gekko.
The update specifically targets those frustrating moments when Raze’s Showstopper deals no damage despite a direct hit – a longstanding community pain point!
Map Pool and Quality of Life Updates
Veterans will be pleased to see both Fracture and Lotus returning to competitive play.
The map pool adjustment arrives alongside the introduction of Automatic Remake Voting, streamlining one of the game’s more tedious processes.
For esports fans, the Esports Hub makes its comeback just in time for the new VCT season. Paired with the FLEX cosmetic collection’s debut, VALORANT’s first patch of 2025 sets an ambitious tone for the year ahead.
