VALORANT Patch 8.08 guts Viper and Cypher

XC Enriquez

XC Enriquez

Will you play them after this update?

VALORANT Patch 8.08 is going live with some major nerfs to both Viper and Cypher.

Viper is getting some changes to most of her kit that will force her to use her utility smarter. On the other hand, the Cypher nerfs will offer more counter-plays to his enemies.

VALORANT 8.08 Patch Notes

VALORANT Patch 8.08 summary (Image via Riot Games)
VALORANT Patch 8.08 summary (Image via Riot Games)

Cypher

Cypher's Trapwire and Spycam are being taken down a notch to provide a better window for counter-play. Riot believes that his stalling power in previous patches is overtuned.

C - Trapwire

  • Re-arm time increased 1 >>> 2s
  • Slow on Trapwire reduced 2 >>> 1.25s

E - Spycam

  • Enemies now hear looping audio when they are actively being watched by Cypher from within the Spycam (E).

Viper

Viper is getting even less uptime on her smokes. Furthermore, this nerf forces her to commit her utility.

E - Toxic Screen and Q - Poison Cloud

  • Max uptime on each individual smoke source reduced 15 >>> 13.5 >>> 12s
  • Minimum fuel needed to activate smoke increased 20% >>> 30%
  • Cooldown on re-activating smokes after putting them down reduced 8 >>> 5.5 >>> 5s

Q - Poison Cloud

  • Can now only be picked up during the Buy Phase

C - Snake Bite

  • Charges reduced 2 >>> 1
  • Price increased 200 >>> 300
  • Duration increased 5.5 >>> 6.5s

Bug fixes

  • Agent
    • Fixed issues related to inaccurate line-of-sight checks near certain abilities (e.g., Phoenix’s Blaze (C)). This could manifest in flashes not working appropriately when the detonation was on the other side of a wall that was in the process of raising or lowering.
      • This fix applies to Phoenix’s Blaze (C), Neon’s Fast Lane (C), Harbor’s High Tide (E), and Viper’s Toxic Screen (E) and Viper’s Pit (X).
    • Fixed an issue where AI-controlled abilities (e.g., Killjoy’s Turret (E)) could detect you through Harbor’s High Tide (E).
    • Fixed Clove’s icons being incorrect when Ruse (E) was equipped.
    • Fixed a bug where Cypher’s Trapwire (C) showed on the map even when disabled.
  • Maps
    • Fixed an exploit on Split that allowed Agents to stand on a sign on A Site.
  • Gameplay Systems
    • Fixed an issue where footsteps were not produced when in ADS and when running while slowed by Sage’s Slow Orb (Q) ability.

Check out the rest of the changes, such as updates to Premier, in the official VALORANT Patch 8.08 notes.