Valorant Patch Notes 8.08 brings huge Viper, Cypher nerfs

As VALORANT Episode 8 Act 2 comes to a close, players should maximize their remaining time with the game. The latest 8.08 update introduces exciting changes to agents such as Cypher and Viper, along with several Premier updates and bug fixes. Let’s delve into the details of VALORANT Patch 8.08.

VALORANT Patch 8.08: Significant Nerfs for Cypher and Viper

Image Credits: Riot Games

Riot Games has updated Chamber’s voice lines and added new interaction lines with Reyna, Astra, and Omen in this patch.

Cypher Nerf

Since the previous 7.09 update, Cypher has gained a stronger position on the Sentinels roster. However, the developers noticed concerning play patterns around Cypher’s Spycam (E) that lacked counterplay for the enemy team.

To address this issue, Riot Games has made changes to Cypher’s Trapwire (C), giving enemies more time to react after it has been triggered while reducing the slow duration to provide more opportunities for evasion.

• Re-arm time increased from one to two seconds
• Slow on Trapwire reduced from two to 1.25 seconds

Additionally, an audio telegraph has been added to notify enemies that they are being watched by Cypher’s Spycams (E), offering a cue for those who are unaware of their surveillance.

Viper Nerf

Viper’s pick rate has risen significantly due to recent buffs, prompting Riot Games to address her weaknesses compared to other agents in this patch. Viper has undergone significant nerfs in an effort to maintain her unique identity as a Controller/Sentinel hybrid.

• Toxic Screen (E) and Poison Cloud (Q)
  • Max uptime on each smoke reduced to 12 seconds
  • Minimum fuel needed to activate smoke increased from 20 to 30 percent
  • Cooldown on re-activating smokes reduced to 5 seconds
• Poison Cloud (Q)
  • Can now only be picked up during the Buy Phase
• Snake Bite (C)
  • Charges reduced from two to one
  • Price increased from 200 to 300
  • Duration increased to 6.5 seconds

VALORANT Patch 8.08 Introduces Premier Updates

VALORANT Patch 8.08 marks the beginning of a new Premier stage and introduces promotion features.

• View promotion requirements for your division on the standings page.
• Meet these requirements to be placed at least one division higher in Stage E9A1.
• The Premier Score playoff qualification threshold is set at 600 for all divisions.