Controversial Smoke Changes Shake Up Valorant in Latest PBE Update

In a recent update to Valorant's Public Beta Environment (PBE 7.08), Riot Games introduced significant changes to the game's smoke mechanics. Unfortunately, these changes have left many players discontented. Specifically, Astra, Brimstone, and Omen's smoke abilities now emit both audio and visual cues 1.5 seconds before dissipating, aimed at providing clarity to the gameplay. However, the adjustment has raised several issues.

Astra's smokes have emerged as the focal point of the controversy. Firstly, the audio source seems to be positioned at the center of the smoke. As a result, the audio gets cut off even if the smoke remains visible through Astra's wall. Secondly, should the Astra wall fall before the smoke fully dissipates but after the animation begins, the audio cue for the remaining smoke dissipation doesn't play, even though there's no physical obstruction.

This problem arises when players place a smoke with its center extending beyond an active Astra wall but part of it on the player's side of the wall. This issue has led to the smoke audio cue resuming after it's supposed to dissipate, leading to confusion among players.

Players, on the whole, perceive these smoke changes as unwarranted and believe they were unnecessary additions to the game. There's a fair expectation that Riot Games will address these issues before implementing the changes from the beta into the live version of Valorant.

Other changes in Valorant 7.08 PBE

PREMIER UPDATES

• Premier Playoffs Tournament Queue Changes

• The Playoffs Tournament Queue is now only 15 minutes instead of 1 hour. If you don’t queue up and stay queued within the 15 minute window, your team will not be able to play in the Tournament.

• At the end of the waiting period, all teams that are still in the queue will be matched at one time into evenly distributed brackets seeded by Premier Score.

• This change ensures that having a better regular season record gives you a higher seeding in your tournament.

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STORE UPDATES

• Your Level Borders and Player Card collection UI is getting an upgrade! You’ll now be able to search, navigate, and equip your Level Borders and Player Cards using our grid UI.