Valorant patch 1.06 is bringing a big nerf to shotguns

Valorant’s development team has unveiled comprehensive patch notes for update 1.06, with primary emphasis on addressing shotgun performance inconsistencies that have plagued competitive matches. The core issue centered around how these weapons maintained pinpoint accuracy during aerial maneuvers, creating unbalanced engagement scenarios that frustrated players across skill levels.

Game designers identified that shotguns were generating unpredictable outcomes, particularly when deployed during jumps or other mobility actions. This inconsistency stemmed from minimal accuracy degradation when firing while airborne, allowing players to land improbable one-hit kills from positions that should have disadvantaged them.

“Our objective is to reduce the frequency of these problematic interactions while preserving their viability in appropriate close-quarters situations,” explained communications specialist Jeff Landa in the official patch documentation. This balancing approach demonstrates Riot Games’ commitment to competitive integrity while maintaining weapon diversity.

The most substantial mechanical adjustment involves dramatically increasing shotgun spread penalties during aerial combat. The spread multiplier jumps from 0.5 to 1.25 when firing while airborne, fundamentally altering how players approach vertical engagements with these weapons.

This modification directly targets the effectiveness of jump-shot tactics with the Bucky, Judge, and Shorty. Previously, players could reliably secure elimination credits while leaping around corners or over obstacles, but now these maneuvers will produce significantly wider pellet dispersion patterns.

Strategic implications include forcing players to reconsider positioning and timing when employing shotguns. Ground-based engagements remain largely unaffected, preserving the weapons’ intended close-range dominance while curtailing their aerial effectiveness. Players must now commit to stable footing for optimal shotgun performance, adding another layer of tactical decision-making to engagements.

Common mistakes to avoid include attempting panic jumps when surprised by enemies or relying on aerial shotgun attacks as primary engagement strategies. Instead, focus on holding angles at close range or using shotguns as secondary weapons for specific defensive scenarios.

This update presents significant challenges for Jett and Raze enthusiasts who frequently integrate shotguns into their mobility-centric playstyles. These agents specifically leverage their movement abilities to create unconventional engagement opportunities that now face increased risk.

Jett’s traditional combination of Tailwind into Updraft allowed for rapid approaches followed by devastating shotgun discharges before opponents could react. Similarly, Raze utilized Blast Packs to instantly close distance gaps, enabling point-blank shotgun eliminations that often felt unavoidable for defenders.

Adaptation strategies for Jett mains include utilizing shotguns primarily for defensive holds rather than aggressive pushes, or pairing them with precision weapons for more balanced loadouts. For Raze players, consider using shotguns as follow-up tools after initial damage from explosives rather than primary engagement weapons.

Advanced optimization tips involve mastering the timing between ability usage and weapon readiness. For example, waiting a brief moment after landing from Updraft before firing to minimize spread, or using Blast Packs for repositioning rather than direct engagement initiation.

Valorant’s development team has indicated they will continue “exploring additional potential modifications” to shotgun balancing now that the development team has returned from their scheduled break period.

Comprehensive Patch 1.06 Changes

Tweaks to blinds, shotguns, and more. Here’s everything that’s coming to VALORANT in Patch 1.06.https://t.co/DAZpEwYo9A

— VALORANT (@PlayVALORANT) August 20, 2020

While the shotgun adjustments represent the most impactful modification in patch 1.06, several other significant enhancements accompany this update.

Another crucial improvement involves refined audio and visual indicators for blinding mechanics including Breach’s Flashpoint and Phoenix’s Curveball. According to Landa, the upgraded sensory cues should “more clearly signal when players need to avert their gaze” and provide better feedback about when safety to look returns. Developers implemented comparable adjustments to Raze’s capabilities in the previous patch cycle.

Quality of life enhancements address several persistent technical issues. The development team resolved problems where players’ HUD elements would intermittently vanish during matches. They also corrected progression tracking for new participants who surrendered unrated matches but still received credit toward competitive unlocking requirements.

Additionally, programmers fixed a glitch that sometimes prevented players from collecting earned rewards upon completing Agent Contracts or the Act Battlepass progression system. These fixes ensure smoother progression tracking and reward distribution, similar to how our Weapons Unlock guide helps players navigate progression systems efficiently.

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