Valorant Patch 2.02: 5 Biggest Changes

Valorant Patch 2.02 goes live today and brings with it some significant updates. On top of standard bug fixes, the patch adjusts the accuracy of all rifles in the game and makes several changes to Competitive play. While no Agents received any standout buffs or nerfs in Patch 2.02, it could end up substantially affecting the game's online Leaderboards.

Valorant Patch 2.02: 5 Biggest Changes

Valorant Patch 2.02's predominant feature is the complete overhaul of the Competitive ranking system and online matchmaking. Another significant change is the decreased accuracy of all rifles when they are fired on the run. Here are the five biggest changes in Valorant Patch 2.02:

1. Rifle Running Accuracy

The most substantial change to gameplay in Patch 2.02 is the decreased accuracy of all rifles when they are fired while running. This change has been heavily requested since Valorant's initial release, as the ability to get rifle kills while running was considered overpowered and unrealistic. This change will make these kills rare from long distances but still possible up close. This update affects the Bulldog, Guardian, Phantom, and Vandal.

2. Rank Rating update

Patch 2.02 updates the Rank Rating system in Valorant's Competitive mode so that a player's rank will more accurately reflect their skill level. This allows players to reach their optimal rank in fewer matches than before. These changes make the Rank Rating system more indicative of a player's abilities and not how many hours they play Competitive mode.

3. Pop-Off Points

An addition made to Valorant's Rank Rating system in Patch 2.02 is that players who perform exceptionally well or "pop-off" in a match will earn bonus Rank Rating. This is not in relation to their teammates' or opponents' performances, but rather their own average performance. When a player performs in a match above their usual standard, they will be generously rewarded in Rank Rating.

4. 5-Stack Buffer

A significant change to Valorant's Competitive matchmaking in Patch 2.02 is the new player cap at Diamond 3. When players reach Diamond 3, a two-player cap is placed on lobbies during matchmaking. This is to prevent 5-stacking at Diamond 3 and prepare players for ranking up to Immortal. 5-stacking is a popular method for quickly ranking up in Valorant but this change makes ascending to Immortal a much more exclusive feat.

5. Rate Limiter to Weapons Store

A small addition in Valorant Patch 2.02 is the Rate Limiter to the in-game weapon store. This was added to prevent players from spamming purchases in rapid succession, which was known to cause performance issues during matches. The feature is less noticeable in the majority of game modes but is strictly implemented in Deathmatch.