VALORANT Patch Notes 12.01: Enhanced Security Updates and Esports Hub Return

Riot Games has deployed patch 12.01, delivering focused updates centered on competitive integrity and esports engagement in the VALORANT patch notes. While this update may not introduce sweeping gameplay changes like its predecessor, it represents an important step in maintaining the health of ranked play through enhanced security measures.

Competitive Queue Security Upgrades

The headline feature of patch 12.01 addresses a persistent challenge in competitive gaming: account sharing and security. Starting with this update, European players in Ascendant rank and above will be required to enable Riot Mobile multi-factor authentication to access the Competitive queue. This requirement also extends to any accounts that Riot’s systems have detected engaging in account sharing practices.

This security measure is strategically implemented for EU players first, potentially serving as a testing ground before a wider rollout. The restriction applies exclusively to Competitive mode, meaning players can still enjoy other game modes without enabling MFA. However, for those serious about climbing the ranked ladder, setting up mobile authentication is now a necessary step.

Riot has provided comprehensive resources for players navigating this change. Detailed explanations about the reasoning behind this security enhancement are available through official channels, alongside step-by-step guides for configuring multi-factor authentication. The move reflects Riot’s ongoing commitment to preserving competitive integrity and ensuring that ranked achievements genuinely reflect individual player skill rather than shared account abuse.

VCT 2026 Esports Hub Launch

Esports enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as the Esports Hub makes its return for the 2026 VALORANT Champions Tour season. The feature arrives just in time for fans to follow the International League Kickoffs, providing a centralized location to track teams embarking on their Path to Champions journey. The Esports Hub serves as a comprehensive destination for competitive VALORANT followers, offering team information, match schedules, and tournament progression tracking. With VCT 2026 officially underway, this addition ensures fans stay connected to the professional scene without leaving the game client.

Community Engagement and Lore Expansion

Beyond technical updates, Riot continues fostering community connection through special events. The development team recently participated in a lore panel hosted in the VALORANT Lore Discord, where they discussed the “Why We Fight Back” music video and offered intriguing elaborations on character relationships, particularly the dynamic between Viper and Chamber. For lore enthusiasts, the full recording remains available in the community Discord server.

Bug Fixes: Agents

Patch 12.01 delivers extensive bug fixes across the agent roster:

General

• Fixed a bug where ability icons would not update if a player was debuffed repeatedly with the same type of debuff by the same agent.

Harbor

• Fixed a bug where Harbor’s Reckoning overworld range indicator was not lining up with the actual ability.
• Fixed a bug where Harbor’s Cove was missing an ability icon when viewing it on the placement minimap.

Fade

• Fixed a bug where Fade’s Prowler was missing a VFX asset when viewed in Left Handed Mode.

Gekko

• Fixed a rare bug where Gekko’s Dizzy would sometimes aim at detected players incorrectly (and miss).
• Fixed a bug where Gekko’s globules were sometimes visible on the enemy minimap even when out of sight.

Viper

• Fixed a bug where Viper’s Viper’s Pit was only showing inconsistent VFX when an observer was on freecam within it.

Chamber / Veto

• Fixed a bug where Chamber’s Rendezvous and Veto’s Crosscut indicators would overlap on agents and make them difficult to see.

Killjoy

• Fixed a bug where Killjoy’s neck and hair clip would shift inconsistently while moving with an Odin equipped.

Sage

• Fixed a bug where Sage’s Healing Orb targeting UI was still visible on allies who broke Sage’s line of sight.

Phoenix

• Fixed a bug where Phoenix would remain nearsighted from certain abilities after respawning from Run It Back.
• Fixed a bug where Phoenix’s Hot Hands VFX trail would sometimes emerge from an inaccurate location when thrown from B Window on Bind.

Yoru

• Fixed a rare bug where Yoru could use and instantly cancel Dimensional Drift by casting Gatecrash right as the buy phase barrier dropped.
• Fixed a bug where Yoru’s Fakeout clone could be pushed away by Veto’s Chokehold if Chokehold was on an elevated surface.

Bug Fixes: Modes

All Random One Site

• Fixed an issue where Agents with continuous Ultimates (e.g. Reyna) drop an Ultimate Orb on death.
• Fixed a text overrun that could occur in certain localizations on console within the Next Random Agent widget.
• Fixed a glass breaking audio event on Ascent when A site is out of bounds.
• Fixed an issue where Loadouts would occasionally reset to default selections.

Gameplay Systems

• Fixed an issue where bullet tracers sometimes wouldn’t appear after shooting through a wall.

PC-Only Bug Fixes in 12.01

Premier

• Fixed an issue where Premier team tags were sometimes not displayed in the custom game lobby and other social modals.
• Fixed an issue where long Premier team names and tags were sometimes overlapping.

VALORANT Patch Notes: Looking Ahead

Patch 12.01 may appear modest compared to the substantial overhaul delivered in patch 12.00, but its focus on security infrastructure and competitive integrity positions VALORANT for a healthy 2026 season. As multi-factor authentication becomes standard practice for high-level competitive play in Europe, the game’s ranked ecosystem should see reduced instances of account sharing and boosting.