VALORANT Patch 12.03 Adds Skirmish 2v2 Mode With Major Gameplay Updates

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Riot Games has rolled out VALORANT Patch 12.03, introducing one of the most unique limited-time modes in recent memory while also delivering key gameplay tweaks and system updates. The highlight of this patch is the new Skirmish 2v2 mode, a fast-paced experience focused entirely on gunplay with abilities disabled and full weapon access every round. This update aims to give players a pure mechanics-based environment that rewards aim and teamwork rather than utility usage.

Alongside the new mode, Patch 12.03 includes agent adjustments, competitive system changes, and additional quality-of-life updates tied to upcoming esports events. Riot is also continuing its push toward stronger account security and competitive integrity with wider multi-factor authentication requirements. Overall, this patch focuses on experimentation with new gameplay formats while keeping the core competitive ecosystem stable ahead of major tournaments.

VALORANT Patch Notes 12.03

AGENT UPDATES

• Added new voice lines for Viper, including conversation lines with Omen and Vyse
• Gekko
  • Since patch 11.08, we’ve heard the feedback that Gekko has felt substantially weaker in comparison to other Initiators with less of an opportunity to play around his Reclaim. These changes aim to unify the ruleset for how all of Gekko’s abilities work, give him more flexibility in reclaiming his Globules, and provide a slight power buff overall.
  • Globules
    • Reclaim timer increased 15s >> 20s
  • Mosh Pit
    • Is now reclaimable

GENERAL UPDATES

• Audio occlusion now responds to map doorways being opened, closed, or destroyed.
• When watching Replays, you now have a setting to skip spectating dead players.

COMPETITIVE UPDATES

• In APAC, accounts flagged for sharing and all Ascendant+ players must enable Riot Mobile multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access Competitive queue. Other modes remain unaffected.

ESPORTS FEATURES

• Masters Santiago Pick’Ems
  • Pick’Ems return in style for Masters Santiago! Starting February 19 (PT), you can make your picks for the Swiss Stage in-client and on the web.
  • For the Swiss Stage, you’ll be tasked with trying to predict who will advance from the 8-Team Swiss Groups. For extra bonus points, try to predict a team who will make it out flawlessly with a 2-0 record.
  • Earn an exclusive title just for playing, but win additional prizes depending on how you fare against other players.

• VCT Player Stats
  • Player stats are now available on the Esports Hub Teams page. Take a look and see how you compare.

MODES UPDATES

• NEW LIMITED TIME MODE
  • Skirmish: 2v2 — Skirmish comes to matchmaking as a 2v2 queue for a limited time. Compact maps, no abilities—gunplay only. Grab a partner and put your mechanics to the test.
    • Mode Details
      • 2v2 Matchmaking Queue
        • Solo queue or bring a partner
      • First to 10 rounds wins
    • Gameplay
      • Abilities disabled
      • Full weapon selection each round (no economy)
      • No agent select–hop in and go next fast
    • Available Maps
      • Skirmish A, Skirmish B, Skirmish C
      • Map randomly selected each match
• ALL RANDOM ONE SITE
  • Loadouts
    • We’ve taken a pass on Stages and Loadouts. All Random One Site is chaotic by design, but your loadout should still give you some agency. We’ve added weapons to a few stages and buffed some of the more niche options—hop in and see what’s new.

BUG FIXES

• Modes
  • All Random One Site
    • Fixed an issue where Vyse could continuously place infinite Razorvines during Buy phase.

KNOWN ISSUES

• Battlepass
  • Hitting ESC will cause the Battlepass elements to disappear/reappear instead of taking you back a page. This will be resolved in patch 12.04.
• Store
  • The background for the accessories store is currently missing. This will be resolved in patch 12.04.
  • The Reaver Bandit is showing up incorrectly as a limited edition item. This is not limited edition and will be resolved in patch 12.04.

PC ONLY

PROGRESSION UPDATES

• Refreshed Event Pass & Battlepass
  • Updated layout and button visuals. You can navigate through tiers using mouse or arrow keys.

With quick matches, faster queues, and a focus on raw gunplay, this patch gives players a new way to test their skills while keeping the core competitive ecosystem intact. For now, Skirmish 2v2 stands as one of the most experimental modes VALORANT has seen, and its reception could shape how Riot approaches future limited-time formats.

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