Valorant’s latest update, Patch 11.00, launches on June 25th with significant changes aimed at shifting gameplay back toward gunfight skills rather than ability-heavy combat. The patch introduces a new map called Corrode and makes substantial adjustments to several agents, particularly Waylay.
New Map: Corrode Emphasizes Traditional Gunplay
Corrode, the 12th map to join Valorant, is set in a medieval French castle town transformed into a Radianite salt mining facility. The map features contrasting aesthetics of old-world architecture and industrial decay, with salt-crystallized landscapes.
Lead Map Designer Joey Simas explained the design philosophy: “With Corrode, we wanted to solidify everything we’ve learned so far while also taking on new challenges that our players are facing – like overwhelming Agent utility.”
The map has a three-lane structure with two spike sites, emphasizing layered defenses and strategic depth. Unlike previous maps, Corrode features limited cover and wide-open lanes, pushing players out of hiding and rewarding precise gunplay over ability spam.
To help players adapt to Corrode, Riot has implemented a unique incentive: for the first two weeks, players will experience a 50% reduced Ranked Rating loss on defeats on Corrode while still earning full RR for wins. Additionally, a dedicated “Corrode Only” Swiftplay queue will be available for 5 days.
Agent Updates: Waylay Gets Significant Buffs
Waylay receives the most substantial changes in this patch. According to Riot, “Waylay has shown a steep mastery curve since her release, where her win rate significantly improves the more games you play. That said, she is still slightly weak at all skill levels.” The buffs aim to sharpen her ability to take fights immediately after using her movement abilities.
Key improvements to Waylay include faster and smoother Refract teleport with reduced travel and unequip time, decreased unequip delay for Lightspeed dash, and increased radius and faster windup for her Saturate ability. These changes are designed to enhance her combat readiness and flow.
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Duelist Adjustments: More Counterplay Opportunities
Several popular Duelists received slight nerfs to create more counterplay opportunities. Reyna’s Leer health decreased from 100 to 80, with clearer visual and audio feedback when players shoot it. Neon’s Relay Bolt windup increased from 0.8 to 1.0 seconds, and Phoenix’s Curveball windup increased from 0.5 to 0.6 seconds.
Map Pool Changes
With Corrode’s arrival, the competitive map pool sees changes. Bind makes a return, joining Corrode in the active pool for Competitive and Deathmatch modes. Pearl and Split are rotating out of these queues.
Clarity and Consistency Updates
Several agents received clarity and consistency improvements to their abilities’ visual and audio cues. Notable changes include enhanced audio for Sova’s Recon Bolt and Owl Drone, improved visuals for Clove’s Pick-Me-Up speed boost, and Omen’s Dark Cover no longer playing audio for opponents within 12.5 meters.
Another significant change affects Killjoy’s Lockdown, with the detain pulse delay reduced from 0.5 seconds to 0.15 seconds, making it harder to escape the ultimate’s effect.
Competitive Updates
Players may experience less of a rank drop after mid-season placement resets. The maximum rank achievable after placements is now Ascendant 3, up from the previous Ascendant 1.
Act IV also brings the ranked gun buddy, based on the highest rank achieved throughout the first three acts of Season 2025.
The Valorant 11.00 patch represents Riot’s continued effort to evolve gameplay by balancing gunplay and ability usage. With Corrode’s focus on traditional FPS mechanics and the agent adjustments, players can expect a refreshed competitive experience when the update launches on June 25.