VALORANT Patch 13.05 keeps Riot’s tactical shooter steady across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S while a larger follow-up approaches. Champions Shanghai Pick’Ems, tougher action against unfair third-party tools, an Agent Gear preview, and targeted bug fixes make up this focused update.
Key Takeaways
- Champions Shanghai Pick’Ems return: Group Stage predictions open September 10, 2026, ahead of the September 24 kickoff.
- Fair-play enforcement expands: Detected use of stream-sniping and instalock tools can trigger temporary bans that escalate to permanent penalties for repeat use.
- Agent Gear changes are coming: Patch 13.06 will connect future unlock progress to playtime with the associated Agent while preserving previously earned gear.
- Bug fixes lead the patch: Riot addresses smoke and flash interactions, Agent-specific issues, performance drops, and PC Range practice options.
VALORANT Patch 13.05 Overview
Released on September 1, 2026, Patch 13.05 is deliberately smaller than the updates surrounding it. Riot describes it as a mostly bug-fix patch and points toward a more substantial Patch 13.06. If you missed the previous map-pool changes, read our VALORANT Patch 13.04 breakdown →.
The patch also adjusts every sound spray so its audio is heard only at close range. Riot says this nearby-only attenuation will become the standard for future audio sprays, reducing the chance that cosmetic sounds interfere with team communication.
Champions Shanghai Pick’Ems Return
Pick’Ems are returning for Champions Shanghai. Beginning September 10, players can make Group Stage predictions through the VALORANT client or the web. Correctly identifying advancing teams earns points, with bonus points available for predicting the exact finishing order.
Participation itself also grants rewards, so even casual esports viewers have a reason to submit a bracket. Picks must be locked before the Group Stage begins on September 24, making the opening two weeks the key preparation window.
Stream-Sniping and Instalock Tools Face Bans
Riot has begun rolling out penalties when its systems detect the use of stream-sniping or instalock tools. First offences can result in temporary game bans, while repeated use may escalate to a permanent ban.
The change targets third-party advantages that undermine competitive integrity before a match has properly developed. Players should avoid software that automatically locks an Agent, reveals information from a live broadcast, or otherwise interferes with normal matchmaking and selection.
Agent Gear Changes Arrive with Patch 13.06
Patch 13.05 also gives players advance warning about an Agent Gear overhaul scheduled for Patch 13.06 on September 22, 2026. Gear already earned will remain in each player’s collection, and Kingdom Credits will continue to unlock future items.
However, each piece of gear will become tied to how much the associated Agent is played. Anyone currently working toward rewards for an Agent they rarely select may want to finish that track before the new progression rules take effect.
Agent and Combat Bug Fixes
The general fixes concentrate on combat clarity and performance. Ultimate voice lines should no longer continue from an enemy perspective after the casting Agent dies, Combat Reports should stop showing “Enemies Blinded” for abilities that do not apply Blind, and dissipating smokes should no longer keep blocking flashes or other line-of-sight abilities.
- Chamber: Reduced the performance drop that could occur the first time Headhunter was equipped, aimed, or fired during a round.
- Cypher: Fixed an indefinitely persistent Trapwire debuff and Cyber Cage incorrectly blocking flashes, detection, and other line-of-sight effects.
- Deadlock and Fade: Removed unintended GravNet visuals and restored the missing Seize danger indicator in certain Lotus locations.
- KAY/O and Omen: Addressed NULL/cmd pulse-related frame drops and Dark Cover obscuring vision after the smoke disappeared.
- Sage: Restored missing Healing Orb tooltips when the ability is equipped.
- Waylay: Fixed Saturate failing through vision blockers, affecting intangible Agents, and Refract leaving snapshots of dynamic map objects behind.
PC Range Practice Gets Flexible Bot Counts
PC players can now choose whether one, five, or ten bots appear in the Range’s Practice Mode, with five becoming the new default. The option lives in the Range settings and should make it easier to switch between focused aim drills and busier target transitions.
Riot also fixed a PC issue that left the close button unresponsive after purchasing VALORANT Points.
Pro Tip
If you are collecting Agent Gear for a character outside your regular pool, prioritize that track before Patch 13.06 arrives on September 22. For aim training, start with one Range bot to isolate crosshair placement, move to five for controlled transfers, and use ten only after your accuracy remains consistent.
Where to Play
VALORANT is Free-to-Play: Get VALORANT on PC → | Get VALORANT on PlayStation 5 → | Get VALORANT on Xbox Series X|S →
See every individual change in Riot Games’ official VALORANT Patch 13.05 notes →.
