Riot Games has officially launched the latest update for VALORANT with Patch 13.02. Unlike the previous patch, which featured significant changes to agent balance, this update focuses on minor adjustments to Phoenix, an expansion of the Retakes mode, and various bug fixes aimed at improving gameplay quality.
Adjustments to Phoenix
While considered a minor patch, the changes introduced could still impact match dynamics, especially for players who favor Phoenix or regularly engage in the Retakes mode. A key highlight of Patch 13.02 is the modification of Phoenix's Ultimate ability, Run It Back.
In recent patches, Phoenix's popularity surged due to several buffs, making him a compelling choice with his aggressive entry capabilities. To address this, Riot has opted for subtle adjustments to balance the frequency of Phoenix's Ultimate usage compared to other agents during matches.
Ultimate Cost Increase
The adjustment involves a simple yet impactful increase in the Ultimate cost from 6 points to 7 points. In competitive play, this extra point will require Phoenix players to be more proactive in collecting Orbs or securing eliminations to consistently utilize their Ultimate.
Expansion of Retakes Mode
In addition to the agent changes, Riot has also broadened the map options available in the Retakes mode. Designed to simulate post-plant scenarios, this mode has become a favorite among players for practicing team coordination and decision-making under pressure.
With Patch 13.02, several new maps have been added to the Retakes rotation, significantly enhancing gameplay variety and keeping the experience fresh for players.
Bug Fixes and Gameplay Improvements
Like most minor patches, this update also addresses several pesky bugs that have disrupted gameplay. One notable fix involves the Omen character, where the placement indicator for Shrouded Step occasionally failed to appear when the teleport location was obstructed by objects.
Although this patch does not introduce major new features, these refinements are crucial for maintaining gameplay stability, especially as official VALORANT tournaments approach in the competitive 2026 season.
Source: https://www.esports.id/read/patch-valorant-1302-resmi-hadir-phoenix-kena-nerf-dan-mode-retakes-makin-seru-19137
