Key Points:
- Patch 8.08 introduces significant nerfs to VALORANT agent Viper, angering players.
- Changes include reduced Snake Bite charges, shorter smoke duration, and increased fuel cost.
- Players accuse Riot of unfairly targeting Viper and catering to the esports scene.
- Concerns arise over Viper’s pick rate and viability in ranked play post-nerf.
Riot Games’ latest update for VALORANT, Patch 8.08, has sparked outrage among the game’s community due to the significant nerfs applied to the agent Viper, with players accusing the developer of unfairly targeting one of the shooter’s strongest characters.
Valorant Patch 8.08 Viper Nerfs Draw Ire
According to the patch notes, Viper has received several notable nerfs in Patch 8.08. “As stated by Riot, her Snake Bite ability now has only one charge instead of two, her Poison Cloud can no longer be picked up outside the Buy Phase, and her smoke duration has been reduced from 15 to 12 seconds.”
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Community Backlash
As Per DotEsports, Players wasted no time expressing their frustration over the changes, lamenting Viper’s supposed “death” in the meta and accusing Riot of unnecessary and unfair nerfs. “One player on X highlighted the severity of the Snake Bite nerf, writing, ‘Only 1 molly now is a crazy nerf, especially on top of all the other nerfs here.'”
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Concerns Over Ranked Viability
While the full impact of the nerfs remains to be seen, many players predict a significant drop in Viper’s pick rate, especially in ranked play. Some even suggest she may become the least-played controller agent, surpassing Harbor and Astra.
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Accusations of Esports Favoritism
Players also criticized Riot for seemingly prioritizing the esports meta over ranked balance, accusing the developer of “killing” Viper to cater to the competitive scene. One player tweeted :
Well, it's a good time to quit the game
This isn't a balance, you literally killed a agent to make the competitive more watched
Don't changed the WORST map pool of Val history
Goodbye, Valorant— Víctor Guglielmoni (@_ouly_) April 30, 2024
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