TL;DR
- Viper’s ultimate now uses crosshair positioning instead of character location for activation
- The stealth buff eliminates vulnerability during Viper’s Pit deployment in high-rank matches
- Patch 3.01 changes weren’t documented but significantly improve agent survivability
- Episode 3 Act 1 concludes August 24 with new map and agent expected next act
- Strategic positioning now allows safer ultimate deployment from cover angles
Viper’s tactical arsenal received an undocumented adjustment in the latest 3.01 update that fundamentally changes how players deploy her signature ability.
The toxic controller specialist has seen multiple improvements recently, elevating her to top-tier selection status across competitive matches. This additional modification to Viper’s Pit deployment mechanics provides substantial tactical benefits for ranked gameplay above Platinum tier.
Riot addressed Viper’s Ultimate deployment! Appreciate the fix!
SINCE IT WASN’T INCLUDED IN OFFICIAL PATCH DOCUMENTATION, this could be an unintended change but we’re optimistic it remains!
— G2 Lothar (@LotharHS)
July 9, 2021
Patch 3.01 Revolutionizes Viper Ultimate Mechanics
Viper can dominate extensive zones and complete objective sites on specific maps using her toxic cloud barrier. She possesses one of the most impactful ultimate abilities within the Valorant arsenal because it denies enemy vision and creates substantial time advantages. However, Viper’s signature move previously contained a subtle weakness that created significant disadvantages in elite competitive queues.
While Viper’s Pit remains exceptionally powerful, the deployment method previously endangered the agent during activation. Skilled opponents frequently exploited Viper’s vulnerability window against competent enemy teams. Previously, activating the X key command would emit toxins originating directly from Viper’s current position. This consistently exposed her positioning to adversaries, who could then efficiently spray through the gaseous barrier and eliminate the controller. The targeting reticle solely indicated the central placement of her toxic cloud, not the initiation point.
Content creator and streamer Lothar identified that Riot Games secretly enhanced Viper by adjusting her ultimate deployment. Following the 3.01 update, the agent can utilize her crosshair placement to designate the starting location of her toxic emission. This enables her to maintain safety while activating Viper’s Pit. The controller can now deploy gaseous cover from varied positions and control substantial territory without compromising her location.
This adjustment wasn’t technically a glitch since it reflected the standard operational behavior of Viper’s ultimate before the most recent update. Nevertheless, it created substantial tactical disadvantages as she’d frequently waste ultimate charges and health points by activating the ability and getting eliminated immediately. This subtle enhancement empowers dedicated Viper players to maximize effectiveness from her complete toxic equipment arsenal.
Valorant Episode 3 Act 1 Conclusion Timeline
Valorant’s third episode inaugural act commenced on June 22 and continues through August 24.
Episode 3 Act 1 introduced combat specialist Kay/O to the expanding Valorant character roster, though the community increasingly requests additional map variety. The upcoming act beginning August 24 will likely introduce fresh battlefield environments alongside a new operative, currently referenced as Sprinter in development teasers.
Action Checklist
- Practice crosshair placement for Viper’s Pit deployment from safe positions
- Experiment with off-angle ultimate placements to maximize area denial
- Master timing between toxin wall and ultimate combination plays
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Valorant patch 3.01 brings Viper buffs, fixes ultimate Viper's ultimate gets stealth buff in Patch 3.01 with crosshair targeting and strategic positioning advantages