TL;DR
- Yoru’s ultimate unequip time reduced from 1.2s to 0.8s with extended duration
- Kay/O’s FRAG/ment loses LOS requirement while zone range decreases
- Phoenix receives multiple buffs including flash duration and windup improvements
- All changes currently in PBE testing with global rollout expected soon
- These updates aim to increase duelist diversity in competitive play
Riot Games is actively testing substantial ability modifications for Kay/O, Phoenix, and Yoru within the Public Beta Environment. These experimental adjustments represent Riot’s ongoing commitment to agent balance refinement.
Valorant’s competitive landscape consistently demonstrates significant agent viability disparities. Phoenix and Yoru maintain historically low selection rates in ranked matches, while Kay/O appears only situationally in professional compositions. The constantly evolving meta creates challenges for agents lacking clearly defined strategic niches.
With the trio’s selection percentages reaching concerning lows, developers are implementing targeted PBE modifications. This comprehensive guide details all potential ability enhancements currently under evaluation.
Yoru’s Strategic Evolution: From Rework to Refinement
Riot has confirmed successful Yoru and Kay/O modifications in the PBE environment, with anticipated worldwide deployment following testing completion.
Yoru previously underwent a comprehensive ability overhaul designed to elevate his competitive standing. Despite initial promising performance metrics during the first week post-rework, his selection frequency experienced a sharp decline. Developers are now focusing on optimizing his Dimensional Drift ultimate to maximize deceptive potential.
Current PBE testing reveals significant Dimensional Drift enhancements. The unequip time following ultimate activation has been reduced from 1.2 seconds to 0.8 seconds. Additionally, Yoru can now maintain his spectral form for 12 seconds compared to the previous 10-second limitation.
Potential Yoru buffs being tested on PBE | #VALORANT
Dimensional Drift (ult):
– Time to unequip decreased from 1.2s > 0.8s
– Duration of his ult increased from 10s > 12s— Mike | Valorant Leaks & News (@ValorLeaks) June 24, 2022
Pro Tip: The reduced unequip time allows Yoru players to execute rapid weapon transitions after using Dimensional Drift for repositioning. This change significantly improves his post-ultimate survivability during aggressive plays.
While Valorant features numerous flashing agents, Kay/O’s design philosophy emphasized ability suppression rather than visual obstruction. His core identity revolves around neutralizing enemy utility and emphasizing gunplay fundamentals. Despite his extended presence in the agent roster, Kay/O struggles to secure consistent selection in fast-paced competitive environments. Riot is implementing these specific modifications to enhance his viability.
FRAG/ment
- Eliminated line-of-sight requirement for damage application
- Effective area radius reduced from 10 meters to 8 meters
NULL/cmd (Ultimate)
- Allied players exclusively receive complete audio cues during Kay/O’s revival sequence
- Opposing teams will detect abbreviated audio indicators
Common Mistake to Avoid: Many players underestimate the strategic value of Kay/O’s suppression knife. Proper placement can completely shutdown enemy executes on sites like Ascent or Haven.
Phoenix’s Redemption Arc: Addressing Core Viability Issues
Valorant’s diverse agent roster includes numerous specialists with clearly defined tactical roles. Players naturally gravitate toward aggressive duelists for efficient rank progression. Phoenix’s lack of specialized niche has positioned him among Valorant’s least selected characters.
Phoenix has been a prime candidate for ability enhancements for multiple seasons. Riot is finally evaluating substantial modifications in the PBE environment. Phoenix’s Curve Ball, Blaze, and Run It Back abilities are receiving targeted improvements to increase competitive value.
- Flash duration maximum extended from 1.1 seconds to 1.5 seconds
- Flash activation windup decreased from 0.7 seconds to 0.5 seconds
- Early Blaze wall deactivation accelerates weapon readiness
- Run It Back now restores original shield values upon respawn
Advanced Optimization: The reduced flash windup enables Phoenix to execute peek-flash plays more effectively against holding opponents. For comprehensive agent strategies, check our Class Guide to master duelist fundamentals.
The competitive effectiveness of these ability modifications remains uncertain pending extensive testing. However, the community maintains optimistic expectations regarding their impact. The duelist category has experienced general underperformance due to Yoru and Phoenix’s struggles. Players currently possess limited optimal selections, creating roster diversity concerns within Valorant’s expanding agent protocol.
These changes represent Riot’s ongoing effort to balance agent selection and create more diverse competitive compositions. The extended flash durations and reduced windup times should significantly improve aggressive play potential for these agents.
Strategic Insight: These buffs may finally enable Phoenix to compete with Jett and Raze for entry fragging roles. Understanding these meta shifts is crucial for competitive success – our Complete Guide provides deeper analysis of agent roles and counter-picks.
Action Checklist
- Test Yoru’s reduced ultimate unequip time in custom games to master post-DD engagements
- Practice Kay/O’s FRAG/ment placements without LOS restrictions
- Master Phoenix’s faster flash timing for aggressive peek plays
- Experiment with early Blaze wall cancellation for quicker weapon readiness
- Review weapon loadouts in our Weapons Unlock guide to optimize your agent combinations
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Secret Kay/O, Phoenix, and Yoru buffs are being tested in PBE Valorant's underperforming agents get major PBE buffs - discover how Yoru, Kay/O, and Phoenix changes will impact competitive play