In VALORANT, changes to Neon and shotguns are being prepared, which are set to be released with update 12.09. The patch is expected on May 12 and will affect one of the most discussed playstyles - Neon’s fast entries with close-range weapons.
According to preliminary information, Riot Games will nerf Neon herself and her movement mechanics. After the release of patch 12.09, jumping while running will no longer give the agent additional speed in the air - now the jumping speed will be the same as moving with a knife. Additionally, run fuel will no longer regenerate from normal actions, and during the ultimate, energy will only replenish from kills. Riot will also improve the visual effects of the slide to make it easier for players to understand Neon’s movement direction during sharp entries.
Separately, Riot Games will nerf several shotguns at once. Bucky’s damage per pellet will be reduced from 20 to 17, and the minimum spread will increase from 2.6 to 3.0. Judge will also become less accurate: the minimum spread will increase from 2.25 to 2.5. The most significant changes will affect shooting on the move - for Bucky, Judge, and Shorty, the spread while walking will increase from 0.075 to 1.0, while running to 2.0, while crouch-walking from 0.05 to 0.5, and while jumping to 4.0. Moreover, Shorty’s fire rate will be reduced from 3.33 to 3.0. These adjustments are expected to significantly weaken aggressive play with shotguns on the move, especially in combination with mobile agents like Neon.
It is expected that after the update, Neon will retain her role as a mobile duelist, but her playstyle will become less stable and more punishable. Players will have to be more careful in choosing the moment to engage, and opponents will have more space to react. Patch 12.09 is expected to be released on May 12. Official details of the update from Riot Games will likely be published closer to the release of the patch notes.
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