VALORANT Snowball Fight Returns, Season Pass Teased

Riot Games has officially announced the long-awaited return of VALORANT Snowball Fight on December 11, the limited-time winter mode first introduced during VALORANT’s early holiday events. This year’s version arrives with the biggest upgrade the mode has seen yet, a Squad Boost, all existing maps adapted for the mode, and hints toward a festive Season Pass complete with holiday rewards.

The return of Snowball Fight marks the start of VALORANT’s annual winter celebration designed for fun first, aim second.

What Is VALORANT Snowball Fight? A Lighthearted Winter Break From Ranked

Snowball Fight is VALORANT’s casual, fast-paced team deathmatch-style mode where players ditch guns entirely in favor of snowball-launching weaponry. Instead of precision gunfights and tactical setups, players skate around the battlefield firing explosive or bouncing snowballs at one another. The rules are simple: first team to reach the kill target wins. The game mode should be returning on December 11 according to VALORANT’s tweet.

The mode is designed to be approachable, silly, and low-pressure, perfect for new players, parties, or anyone taking a holiday break from competitive queues. Power-ups and mayhem have always been part of Snowball Fight’s charm.

All Maps Are Included + Permanent Ice Skates

One of the biggest upgrades shown in the announcement is the inclusion of all maps, which adapted for Snowball Fight play. Instead of being restricted to one or two arenas, players will be able to enjoy the mode across a full slate of environments.

Snow is coming. December 11 pic.twitter.com/t6v0KZfFgz

— VALORANT (@VALORANT) December 10, 2025

One of the headline features this year is the introduction of permanent ice skates usable throughout the match. Fast engagements, high-momentum jump shots, and comedic whiffs are all part of the experience now.

Another detail highlighted in the announcement is the introduction of a Squad Boost, presumably granting bonus XP when queueing with friends. While Riot hasn’t disclosed the exact percentage or effect, early messaging seems to indicate that playing Snowball Fight with a full party will be more rewarding for progression grinders.

A Seasonal VALORANT Season Pass Tease: Free Rewards Likely Tied to XP

The video also prominently teased a Holiday Season Pass, showcasing new cosmetics and a Flex (a cosmetic emote-style item) without yet confirming whether it will be paid or free.

Historically, VALORANT’s event-based seasonal passes have been free and unlocked simply by earning XP, rewarding dedicated play rather than requiring purchases. You can start unlocking progress on the pass from 2 PM PST on December 11, similar to when the new game mode launches. The season pass duration ends on January 6 2026, after New Year’s, so save some time to grind for the pass between the festivities!

If this holiday pass follows the same pattern, players can expect:

• Player cards: The video showed off two new player cards, with the first featuring Phoenix and Astra at a concert, possibly his sister’s (Dance It All Away Card). The second had Chamber and Phoenix in the foreground, with Waylay and Jett far in the background (Prelude to Paris: V25.)

• Titles: Red Flag and Green Flag, as showcased in the pass.

• A limited-edition Flex (this was showcased in the video but it is unknown whether it is free or paid)

• Themed sprays, RP, or gun buddies: 20 free Radianite points have been confirmed on the pass. Sprays with Phoenix, Veto, and possibly Phoenix’s sister Mary singing were also showcased, and while the full pass is not out yet, it looks promising.

Riot’s choice to tease the pass without details suggests surprises are still coming, or that some rewards might be tied to Snowball Fight participation specifically. Snowball Fight’s return after several years of asking is shaping up to be the most expansive version of the mode yet. Riot is clearly leaning into player-friendly fun to close out the year.