TL;DR
- Riot is replacing flawed Deathmatch with team-based HURM mode featuring 5v5 combat and ability usage
- New mode enables comprehensive practice including weapon aim, ability lineups, and team coordination
- Current DM’s competitive structure undermines practice value by encouraging camping and rushing
- HURM introduces 100-kill team objective with full agent abilities for realistic combat scenarios
- Strategic practice approach required to maximize improvement in new team-focused environment

Riot Games has officially confirmed a revolutionary Team Deathmatch mode that will transform how Valorant players practice and improve their skills. This announcement comes after extensive community feedback highlighted significant shortcomings in the current Deathmatch system.
Serious competitive players have long expressed frustration with Valorant’s existing Deathmatch limitations. Common complaints include problematic spawn mechanics, kill-focused competitive pressure, and limited practice utility. Riot’s development team, led by Anna Donlon and Andy Ho, has responded by expanding the practice ecosystem with multiple new modes.
Currently, Valorant offers only three primary practice options: the shooting range, custom matches, or the flawed Deathmatch mode. Each presents distinct limitations for players seeking to refine specific skills. The upcoming Team Deathmatch promises to create a more structured environment for comprehensive skill development.
How HURM Team Deathmatch Actually Works
In their development update video, Riot executives revealed multiple new gameplay modes currently in production. Alongside the Swift Play option, they specifically highlighted an innovative Team Deathmatch experience scheduled for upcoming patches.
“We anticipate seeing players soon exploring new agents, maps, competitive formats, and especially the experimental modes Andy discussed, including Swiftplay and my personal favorite: our reimagined Team Deathmatch concept,” Donlon explained during the presentation.
Episode 6 is only the start. Premier, new modes, and more—here’s a message from the devs of just some of what’s in store for VALORANT in 2023. pic.twitter.com/6xi1eOcglP
— VALORANT (@VALORANT) January 24, 2023
While official details remain limited, Valorant community investigators have uncovered substantial information. According to ValorLeaks, the new Team Deathmatch carries the codename HURM and functions as an intense 5v5 elimination contest where teams compete to reach 100 total kills first.
This revolutionary approach fundamentally differs from existing Deathmatch by incorporating full agent ability usage. Players can practice tactical tools like Sova’s recon darts, Phoenix’s firewalls, Raze’s explosives, and Killjoy’s Nanoswarms against live opponents. This creates unprecedented opportunities for mastering damage-dealing utility and practicing precise ability lineups in combat situations.
The mode structures two five-player squads in continuous combat. Victory goes to whichever team achieves the 100-kill threshold first, creating straightforward but intensely competitive matches. Spawn mechanics remain unspecified but may mirror current Deathmatch systems. Time constraints are similarly undefined, though comprehensive details will emerge with official release announcements.
Analyzing Current Deathmatch Problems and Solutions

The fundamental purpose of any deathmatch mode centers on weapon proficiency development across different firearms. However, Valorant’s current DM implementation introduces competitive elements that undermine this core objective. Matches run for nine minutes maximum but conclude immediately if any player reaches 40 eliminations.
This victory condition creates perverse incentives that contradict effective practice methodology. Players frequently resort to tactical camping, aggressive rushing strategies, and win-focused behavior rather than skill improvement. This structural flaw transforms what should be pure training into pseudo-competitive matches.
Advanced players recognize several critical flaws in the current system: spawn locations often place players in immediate danger, the kill-based victory system prioritizes winning over learning, and the solitary nature limits team-based skill development. These issues collectively reduce the mode’s effectiveness as a practice tool.
Strategic improvements for the current mode include focusing on specific weapon mastery rather than kill counts, practicing movement and positioning, and utilizing the environment for tactical advantage without resorting to counterproductive camping strategies.
Maximizing Your Practice Sessions
To extract maximum value from both current and upcoming Deathmatch modes, implement structured practice routines. Begin each session with specific goals: master a new weapon’s spray pattern, perfect ability combinations, or improve movement techniques. Avoid the common mistake of focusing solely on elimination counts, which often develops bad habits.
Weapon mastery requires systematic approach: practice burst firing at medium range, master spray control for close encounters, and develop flick shot accuracy for unexpected engagements. Track your progress with different firearms to identify weaknesses systematically.
Ability integration practice represents the most significant advantage of the new HURM mode. Use team battles to test recon dart placements, grenade trajectories, and tactical utility in realistic combat scenarios. This practical application far surpasses Range practice against stationary targets.
Team coordination development becomes crucial in the 5v5 environment. Practice communication protocols, coordinate ability combinations with teammates, and develop situational awareness for team-based tactics.
Common mistakes to avoid include over-committing to unfavorable engagements, neglecting map control, and failing to adapt strategies based on opponent behavior. Advanced players should focus on decision-making speed and adapting to dynamic combat situations.
For comprehensive gameplay improvement, consider exploring our Class Guide to understand how different roles function in team environments.
Action Checklist
- Set specific skill goals before each session (weapon control, movement, ability usage)
- Practice 3-4 different weapons per session to maintain versatility
- Test ability lineups and combinations in combat scenarios
- Focus on positioning and movement rather than elimination counts
- Analyze engagement outcomes to identify improvement areas
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