VALORANT Gets Major Updates: Replay System, Engine Upgrade, and Anti-Smurf Measures Coming Soon

Sagar Mankar
2 days ago
3 min read

VALORANT fans are in for an exciting second half of 2025. Riot Games has finally confirmed a Replay System, a long-requested feature, will debut with Patch 11.06 this September, and the game's long-awaited Unreal Engine 5 upgrade will roll out in Patch 11.02, scheduled for late July.

These changes were officially announced on May 30, 2025, via a comprehensive developer update from Riot Games. Here's a breakdown of all the key features and changes coming soon, including anti-smurfing measures, agent balancing, esports updates, and a brand-new competitive map.

VALORANT Replay System

The most anticipated feature will launch with Patch 11.06 in September. PC players will get access first, while console support will follow later in 2025. Initially, the replay system will focus on competitive matches, allowing players to review their recent games and analyze their performance.

According to Riot Games, other game modes will receive replay functionality in future updates. This addition addresses one of the community's most requested features since the game's launch in 2020.

Smurfing and Account Sharing Crackdown

Riot is introducing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to combat smurfing and account sharing — two ongoing pain points in VALORANT's competitive ecosystem. MFA will be required for accounts exhibiting suspicious activity and may eventually be expanded to all Competitive accounts.

Additionally, players will receive better visibility into their behavioral standing. The new system will show active warnings and potential future penalties, giving users clear information about their account status.

VALORANT Upgrades to Unreal Engine 5

After five years on Unreal Engine 4, VALORANT will upgrade to Unreal Engine 5 in Patch 11.02, arriving by the end of July 2025.

The upgrade promises improved frame rates and faster patch downloads for players. However, the initial update will require a substantially larger download size as the entire engine framework changes.

Riot has assured players that the core gameplay experience will remain unchanged. The game's visual style, mechanics, and strategic elements like lineup spots will stay consistent.

Players who log in during the transition period will receive a special gun buddy as a commemorative item.

New Competitive Map

VALORANT will introduce a brand-new map in Patch 11.00, launching directly into Competitive rotation. The developers describe it as:

"Layered and complex"
Focused heavily on plant sites
Designed to "shake up" typical execution strategies

To ease players into the new layout, Riot will implement a 50% reduced Ranked Rating (RR) loss on the map during its first patch, though RR gains will remain unchanged.

Game Balancing: Focus on Gunplay vs. Abilities

Riot reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a balance between gunplay and ability usage. The dev team is reviewing cases where ability combinations overpower traditional aim duels.

Changes will include:

Adjustments to overperforming or uncounterable abilities
Improved visual and audio feedback (e.g., Raze’s explosion visuals, Brimstone’s molly audio)
Refinement of minimap mechanics and clarity

Riot is also planning post-Championship meta tweaks, aiming to maintain VALORANT’s identity as a tactical shooter first, ability-based game second.

Big VALORANT Esports Overhaul in the Works

By 2027, Riot’s original team partnership contracts will expire, giving the publisher room to revamp the VCT (VALORANT Champions Tour) structure.

Key esports goals include:

Greater openness between Tier 1 and Tier 2 teams
Expansion of regional tournaments
A broader range of formats and locations
More community engagement and path-to-pro opportunities

Riot wants to blur the line between pro and grassroots competitions, ensuring wider global participation in future tournaments.

VALORANT Turns 5: Celebrations Incoming

To celebrate five years of VALORANT, Riot will launch:

A 5-Year Anniversary Event Pass
A new map
Special in-game items
Real-life celebrations via Riot Play Clubs across the UK, Ireland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway

Key VALORANT Update Dates to Remember

Feature	Patch	Estimated Release
Unreal Engine 5 Upgrade	11.02	Late July 2025
New Competitive Map	11.00	July 2025
Replay System (PC)	11.06	September 2025
MFA Anti-Smurfing Launch	N/A	Late 2025
Replay System (Console)	N/A	2025–2026