Valorant 12.09 Patch Notes Detail Neon and Shotgun Changes
The latest Valorant update introduces nerfs to Neon agent abilities and shotgun accuracy. Developers adjusted High Gear movement bonuses and fuel regeneration while standardizing reduced accuracy across all shotguns during movement. The patch also includes bug fixes for several agents and tests of MMR system changes in select game modes.
ForbesThe Valorant 12.09 patch notes were released on May 12, 2026, bringing changes to agent abilities, weapons and matchmaking systems. Neon has received multiple adjustments aimed at reducing her mobility advantage in fights. High Gear, which powers most of her movement abilities, will no longer grant speed bonuses while jumping.
Aerial speed is now capped at melee speed, a change expected to make her movement more predictable for opponents. The update also modifies Neon's fuel regeneration. When her ultimate is active, fuel will now regenerate only on kills. Passive regeneration continues unchanged.
Developers noted that some of Neon's strength stems from broader pacing issues in the game that will require more time to address. Shotguns have been altered to shift them toward a more defensive role. Accuracy during running, walking, crouch-walking and jumping has been standardized across all shotgun models.
Overall accuracy has been reduced with increased bullet spread when moving. These shotgun changes follow frequent pairing of the weapons with Neon by players. The adjustments are intended to limit aggressive uses of shotguns in combination with high-mobility agents.
The patch includes bug fixes for multiple agents.
Specific details on the fixes are available in the official patch notes. Matchmaking rating adjustments are being tested outside of Competitive, Unrated and Swiftplay modes. The test changes could be implemented in those standard modes at a later date. The full list of numerical changes to shotgun accuracy is contained in the official patch notes.
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