Valorant: Patch 13.02 Nerfs Phoenix and Introduces New Retake Maps

Following the major 13.01 update, Valorant Patch 13.02 is intentionally smaller – yet it brings some noticeable changes for ranked players, especially concerning the ever-popular agent Phoenix and the Retake mode.

Key Changes at a Glance

• Phoenix's Ultimate "Run It Back" now costs one more orb (7 instead of 6 points to unlock it) – the ability remains strong, but won't be available quite as quickly
• Split, Corrode, and Lotus are newly added to the Retake mode's map pool
• The Limited-Time Mode "AROS: Replication," originally announced for this patch, has been postponed and will not be released for now

Why the Retake Expansion is More Than Just a Sidenote

For the community, the Retake expansion is particularly relevant: The mode serves many as quick aim and situation training between ranked rounds, and with Split, Corrode, and Lotus, the map pool expands to a level that, for the first time, covers a majority of the currently active competitive maps. Previously, if you wanted to specifically practice post-plant situations on these three maps, you could only do so in a real match – now you can practice them in isolation within Retake, without having to wait for a full match.

The Phoenix nerf, in turn, aligns with Riot Games' tendency to keep Ultimates with particularly high forgiveness in check: "Run It Back" allows fallen duelists to be revived practically without risk, which can be extremely strong in the wrong hands. While one more orb in cost doesn't change the basic mechanic, it ensures that the ability is used slightly less often on average and gives opponents more chances to equalize the advantage before the next Ultimate. The postponement of "AROS: Replication" will likely disappoint those who had been looking forward to the Limited-Time Mode for a while – no new date has been announced yet, so for now, patience is the only option.

Source: PlayValorant.com (official Patch Notes)

Do you specifically train for Ranked in Retake, or would you have preferred AROS: Replication right away? Sound off in the comments!